Mercedes Benz E430

New for 2000: The E-Class keeps the same look in 2000 as it had in 1999, but adds a new safety feature. The Windowbag Side Protection Curtain protects both front and rear occupants in the event of a side impact. In addition, the high-performance E55 has been added to the model lineup.

History: When Mercedes-Benz completely redesigned the E-Class for 1996—a car that had become the best-selling imported luxury car in the U.S.—it not only changed the car, it also changed the image. Targeting a younger, more progressive audience, the new E-Class features a sleeker
and more distinctive appearance, clearly illustrated by its silhouette and four round headlights. Designed to be roomier and safer than its predecessor, the E-Class included the industry's first front-door-mounted side airbags. Last year, the E-Class introduced two new engines, optional all-wheel drive and the return of the E-Class wagon.

Trim Details: The 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in five trims: E300 Turbodiesel, E320, E320 4-Matic, E430, and the limited edition E55. Dual front and side airbags, an anti-lock brake system (ABS), the new Windowbag side-protection curtain, and traction control are standard safety
equipment. The E300 Turbodiesel has a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine that meets California emission standards. The E320 trims get a 221-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 (Mercedes-Benz' first V6), while the E430 sports a 4.3-liter V8 putting out 275 horsepower. The high-performance E55 gets a 5.5-liter V8 that produces an impressive 349 horsepower. Standard features include an anti-theft system, automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo cassette. The E320 adds leather trim, and the E320 4-Matic features full-time all-wheel drive with electronic traction control. In addition to the larger engine, the E430 features special 5-spoke alloy wheels, while the E55 adds ivory colored instruments, xenon high-intensity headlights, heated front seats, special AMG styling, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

WHAT'S NEW:

Mercedes' midsize sedans make news for '00 with standard side-impact head protection for front- and rear-seat passengers. The German automaker calls it the Windowbag system and it's designed to keep occupants' heads from striking the side windows or roof pillars, and to block entry from glass splinters and other objects. It works in conjunction with standard door-mounted side air bags to deploy a 6-foot-long, 14-inch-tall, 2-inch-thick inflatable curtain along the side
widows on either side of the passenger compartment. Windowbag is not available on E-Class wagons.(Volvo's new S80 features similar air-bag curtains.)

The E-Class lineup offers a 6-cylinder turbodiesel E300 sedan, a gasoline V-6 E320 sedan and 7-passenger wagon, and the V-8 E430 sedan. New for '00 is the limited-edition high-performance E55 with a 5.4-liter V-8 packing 349 horsepower. E320 sedans and wagons are available with "4Matic" all-wheel-drive, similar to the system in the M-Class sport-utility line. Mercedes' anti-skid Electronic Stability Program is standard on the E430 and E55, optional elsewhere. All
models come with Mercedes' "BabySmart" child-seat recognition system and "Brake Assist" feature. Standard part-leather upholstery replaces vinyl in the E320 wagon and E300. Other models come with full leather. No longer available is the optional Parktronic system that sounded an audible warning of objects in the path of a backing-up E-Class.

Pictures:

ROAD TEST:

Performance Mainline E-Class cars are more athletic than the typical 4-door luxury car, if not so nimble as a 5-Series BMW. Steering is firm and precise, body lean modest in hard cornering. The suspension, a model blend of ride comfort and control, is stable at high speeds and easily smothers most bumps. Quietness is another asset. 4Matic furnishes superb traction but adds about 200 pounds for a slight sacrifice in acceleration and fuel economy.

Acceleration is satisfying even in the Turbodiesel model, and fine performance in our test drives lends credence to Mercedes' 0-60-mph claims of 6.5 seconds 0-60 mph for the E320 and 7.8 for the E320 wagon (add about a half-second with AWD). The E430 is faster around
town and delivers excellent highway passing power, while the new E55 takes command of the road with stirring acceleration and handling that would do a 2-seat sports car proud.

Accommodations There's ample room for four adults in any E-Class, though the bulky transmission tunnel precludes real long-distance comfort for a rear center-seater. All models have good cargo capacity, flat load floors, and low liftovers. The wagon's third seat folds easily for cargo, but is sized more for kids than grownups. For the most part, gauges and controls are well laid out, though too many buttons are poorly marked and the console-mounted power window controls aren't to our liking. The Windowbag system houses in the ceiling above the side windows with no outward evidence of its presence. All models offer good visibility from a comfortable, easily tailored driver's post, plus craftsmanship that's solid on the road and nearly impeccable to the eye.

VALUE FOR THE MONEY:

Exceptional quality, high resale value, and impressive performance and safety features make E-Class models unqualified Best Buy luxury cars. The wagon and available AWD are added attractions for superior traction and/or increased cargo capacity in something other than a sport-utility vehicle. The E320s are the best values, with the E430 a stellar rival for the Lexus LS 400 and BMW 540i.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine:

ohc V-8
Size, liters/cu. in.:  4.3/260
Horsepower @ RPM: 275 @ 5750

Torque (lbs./ft.) @ RPM: 295 @ 3000

EPA city/highway mpg: 19/26
5-speed OD automatic

Consumer Guide™ Rating: Best Buy

Type: luxury car; rear- or all-wheel-drive; 4-door sedan

Base price range: $42,400-$69,100