Benz Faqs

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been considered the gold standard among midsize luxury sedans, striking a balance between style, ostentation and performance, but be aware that many Mercedes models, including the current generation E-Class extending back to 2003, are consistently rated as having “much worse than average” reliability by Consumer Reports, due in large part to faulty electrical systems and power equipment.

The E-Class has the most trim variations of any Mercedes, including both V6 and V8 equipped sedans and station wagons, and a fuel-efficient diesel-powered sedan. All of them have standard rear-wheel drive and can be outfitted with optional all-wheel drive.

Debuting in 1990 and continuing in its present form since the 2003 model year, the E-Class is Mercedes’ second best-selling vehicle in the U.S. after the compact C-Class and remains both elegant and eminently capable in all versions.

For 2006, the base-model E-Class sedans and wagons get a new engine and a corresponding name change. Now dubbed the E350 (formerly the E320), both versions come powered by a more-sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates a strong 268 horsepower. This represents a sizeable and welcome bump in power over the previous 3.2-liter version and its lackluster 221 hp.

A diesel-powered E320 CDI sedan was added last year with a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine that uses a specific technology (common-rail direct-injection) to maximize power and efficiency. While it generates only 201 horsepower, its 369 pounds-feet of torque offers strong low-end power you’ll feel immediately when you press the accelerator.

This is the fuel-economy leader in the line, garnering an impressive 27 miles per gallon in the city / 37 mpg on the highway highway, without the stink or smoke of older diesel cars. A V8 diesel model debuts in Europe for 2006 and may be sold in the U.S.

At the top of the line is the E55 AMG, which remains one of the fastest cars on the road with its 469-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine and modified five-speed automatic transmission. Now available in both sedan and wagon versions, it’s capable of 0 to 60 mph acceleration times of just more than four seconds.

At nearly $82,000, you pay dearly to be able to go that fast. The immense power and taut suspension do make for an intoxicating driving experience that rivals most sports cars. But most motorists will likely be content with the lesser powered E-Class cars.

Some noteworthy options include adaptive high-intensity headlamps that swivel to help illuminate the road around curves, heated and cooled front seats, laser-guided cruise control that automatically maintains a set distance between the vehicle ahead, and “Keyless Go,” which enables a driver to unlock and start the vehicle without actually having to use a key.

An Apple iPod interface will be added to the options list later in 2006, integrating the popular MP3 player with the car’s audio system so it can be operated via the car’s steering-wheel controls.