Mercedes-Benz E500 2007 Review

Road Test

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long vied for supremacy in the luxury executive stakes, regularly swapping spots with fellow German BMW's 5 Series. Indeed, as each maker renewed its model line more often than not the new car became the benchmark of its class.

For Mercedes, this constant hovering near the top of its class has also made the car extremely successful. In terms of volume it is second only to the smaller C-Class.

Late last year, the large car of choice for Australia's wealthy came in for a mid-life upgrade after first being launched in 2002. But it was much more than a cosmetic makeover and lift in equipment levels, with substantial mechanical modifications including a revised front suspension and steering and, perhaps most importantly, a new 5.4-litre V8 engine.

Dropped under the bonnet of the E 500 that CarPoint/Carsales spent a week in, the new V8 ups the ante significantly over its predecessor's 5.0-litre unit with a whopping 60kW more power and 70Nm more torque.

With maximum outputs of 285kW and 530Nm, the new engine -- combined with the steering and suspension revisions -- has turned what was previously a relatively mild mannered but luxurious sedan into a sports machine that is only overshadowed in the range by the monster AMG E 63 version.

And priced at nearly $70,000 less than the AMG, it makes the E 500 a very enticing proposition.

From the outside the only clues to the potential was the optional sports pack that added larger 18-inch alloys shod with wide low-profile (245/40 front and 265/35 rear) rubber; a lower stance (by 15mm), and a slightly deeper front apron.

Slipping into the big bolstered sports driver's seat, there were more cosmetic indications but even when the key was turned and the engine fired up, there was little warning of the extremely grunty V8 that was under the bonnet.

That is until you drop the right foot! The acceleration off the line is simply sensational with the car eager and willing to continue to urgently power forwards as the revs rise right through to about 6000rpm.

The shifts from the seven-speed automatic are barely perceptible and as the speed rises there is a faint but pleasant sound of V8 thrum from the exhausts.

In addition to the prodigious urge, this is also an exceptionally refined and smooth engine requiring a very keen eye on the speedo to ensure you remain within the limits of legality.

Despite sitting on a fairly firm sports setting, the suspension remains nicely compliant and around town over harsher surfaces and tram tracks and the like, the ride quality is still very comfortable. This is helped by the big comfy and supportive leather-clad seats while the remarkably quiet ambience inside the cabin assists in the perceptions of refinement and good ride quality.

Head out of town and off the smooth freeway and the E500 becomes a car that you can punt along with a great deal of enthusiasm. As almost anything of it and it will respond with confidence and poise.

Pushing hard through corners, it sits supremely flat on the road and with the big and very low profile boots grip is assured keeping any ESP or traction control interventions to a minimum.

The steering is delightfully fluid with plenty of feel and just the right weight, while the balance of the chassis allows you get a good rhythm through a twisting road knowing that the car will simply maintain your desired line and push on through.

In addition to its newfound dynamic abilities, the E500 still remains a car that exudes luxury with its incredibly silent running around town ensuring a great degree of isolation from the outside world.

Inside, there is ample space up front and in the rear, with adults in the back benefiting from good head and legroom. Three across might be a bit of a squeeze but it is definitely possible on shorter trips while the boot is more than adequate for a set of suitcases.

If the E500 is any indication, it looks like the new E-Class range is again the benchmark product in the luxury segment -- on pretty much all fronts.

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