|
Finding a fine balance
Redesigned Mercedes E500 takes you to the edge in style
By Stacey Morrison
Thursday, January 8, 2004
The balance between power and control is what every automaker strives to achieve. Tip the scales too much one way and you have a rip-snorting car (or truck these days!) that can easily get loose if not managed properly. Tip the scales too much in favour of the other and power is reined in too much, creating a mundane ride and detracting from the overall driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz has found perfect symmetry with its redesigned E-Class. It has robust power, along with a healthy dollop of control to keep things in check. And it's all wrapped in the automaker's traditional craftsmanship
The power in our handsome E500 tester comes from a deep breathing, 5.0-litre V8 engine pumping out 302 horses and a strapping 339 lb-ft of torque over a wide band. Nearly 85 per cent of peak thrust is on tap the moment you tip into the throttle for invigorating performance off the line. Mercedes cites a zero to 100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds. If you lust for more power, the step-up E55 AMG will get you from zero to 100 km/h in a blistering 4.7 seconds using a supercharged, 469 hp V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an industry-first 7-speed automatic transmission with TouchShift. This new transmission provides smoother, quicker shifts, which keeps power coming on strong at all times. Shifts are practically imperceptible and the system is so efficient that I left it in automatic mode most of the time, even though shifting yourself feels a little more sporty. If you want a more hands-on driving experience, the E500's manumatic mode is responsive and buttery smooth, with a gentle tug of the gear lever to the right or left all that's required to change gears. If you hold the shifter to the left, the transmission will automatically pre-select the best gear for optimum acceleration.
But with all this power on tap comes control. It's a fine balance, but Mercedes is renowned for its high-tech driving aids.
The E500's Electronic Stability Program monitors steering and braking actions while you're cornering. If it senses understeer or oversteer, the system will brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to keep the car in line.
The Airmatic Dual Control semi-active air suspension allows you to switch between 'comfort' and 'sport' suspension settings to manage the car's ride and handling. You can also raise or lower the ride height with the push of a button.
By far, the neatest feature is the Sensotronic brake control system. The industry's first electrohydraulic braking system, Sensotronic automatically determines the most effective brake pressure to apply at each corner. It thinks for you, anticipating your braking behaviour. Take your foot off the accelerator and the system sets the brake pads closer to the discs for quicker response. If you turn on the windshield wipers, Sensotronic periodically applies the brakes to keep them drier and ready for action. The result? Phenomenal control, especially in fast corners, and the ability to stop on the proverbial dime.
Add to these features Brake Assist, ABS, speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering, optional Distronic adaptive cruise control, Parktronic and swivelling headlights, plus available all-wheel drive, and you feel snug and secure behind the wheel.
If you do get into a precarious situation, there are standard front airbags, front and rear side airbags and head curtain protection.
Inside, the big news for music lovers is a standard CD player. Mercedes has been stingy in this respect in the past, making a CD player an optional feature even in some of its most expensive $150,000-plus vehicles. Audiophiles can enjoy their favourite tunes through a 10-speaker sound system with speed sensitive audio adjustment and steering wheel mounted controls. One quibble: We were unable to flip through the presets using the steering wheel controls, which will frustrate frequent channel flippers. If you want more boom with your zoom, an upgrade Harmon Kardon sound system delivers concert quality sound with gusto.
Our tester also featured an optional panoramic sunroof that stretches from the windshield to the rear window. With its awesome expanse open, you can enjoy open air driving, almost akin to a convertible. The roof liner covers the underside, however, and retracts with the glass, meaning you can't enjoy the sunroof while it's closed - a disappointment, especially during the winter months when any sunlight, no matter how limited, is appreciated.
With burl walnut wood trim, supple leather upholstery and elegant instrumentation, the interior is a peaceful retreat. Luxury items abound, like 4-zone climate control, an air filtration system and heated 10-way powered front seats. Optional equipment includes Mercedes' COMAND system, which includes navigation, electronic trunk closer, Drive-Dynamic front seats, which respond to cornering by inflating and deflating the side bolsters, heated steering wheel and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Funnily enough, however, split folding rear seats, a standard feature found on most economy cars, is a $915 option on the E500. If this feature comes standard in a $14,000 Toyota Echo, it stands to reason that you should get it in a $82,000 Mercedes. Thankfully the E500's trunk is a generous size and swallows 450 litres of cargo.
All in all, the E500 is a technological wonder, with power and performance at your fingertips and a host of checks to keep you in control, without detracting from the driving experience. It's a balancing act that Mercedes-Benz does well.
Immediate competition:
Audi A8,
BMW 5 Series,
Infiniti Q45,
Jaguar XJ,
Lexus LS 430
|
