Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2002 Review

For a car-maker launching a new model in the luxury end of the market, the catch phrase of the moment is technology. Not in your face radical overhaul technology but bits and pieces to make the car smarter, safer and more comfortable. In the world of large luxury sedans, buyers tend to be a relatively conservative lot. Change the styling too dramatically and risk alienating buyers, alter the engine characteristics they have become familiar with and commentary turns to "It just doesn't feel like a Brand X", or stray from expected levels of luxury and comfort and you will be accused of doing things on the cheap.

But every model needs a regular update, and increasingly in the luxury market that means an abundant increase in techno bits and tricks to offer the wow factor.

Enter the Mercedes Benz E-class as a case in point.

From the outside you won't find a radical departure from the elegant and imposing silhouette of the model that first introduced the four-eyed front end in 1995. The engines are largely similar with some increase in capacity and power output, and the level of comfort and convenience features and their ease of use has risen slightly.

And so it is technology that is the driving message in the German maker's launch of its new mid-sized sedan, most of which is denoted with a "-tronic" or "-matic" suffix.

Mechanically, the big news is the adoption of Sensotronic brake control across the range - commonly known as brake by wire or electro-hydraulic braking - and availability of Airmatic adjustable air suspension.

The former, it is claimed, is more intelligent than traditional hydraulic brake systems as it is able to work in conjunction with the standard ESP electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and brake assist systems to provide more effective and safer braking in a variety of situations. The Airmatic suspension allows the driver to choose between sport and comfort modes and adjust the damper and spring rates accordingly.

Outside, a panoramic full length glass roof with integrated solar panels that run a cooling system to keep the car interior nicely chilled while parked fits the smart bill, while inside dynamic multi-contour seats with automatically adjustable support depending on the driving situation, a four zone Thermatronic climate control system, and a Command APS with integrated DVD, satnav, radio and phone control are among the techno delights.

As is typical of Mercedes, however, if you want the full techno treat, you are going to have to pay for it with many of the features offered as options, and not cheap ones either. Spec up a base $89,900 E240 Classic with just these few features and you wouldn't get any change out of an extra $25,000.

The good news for buyers is that despite DaimlerChrysler spending 2 billion euros on the development of the new car, prices have either risen marginally or fallen and most models do feature more standard equipment, making the new E-class better value than its predecessor.

The range in Australia consists of four models initially, with the top of the range E55 AMG due in November and an entry level supercharged four cylinder E200K arriving late next year.

At launch in September 2002, the four models start with the 2.6-litre petrol V6 E240 and 2.7-litre five cylinder common rail turbo diesel E270 CDI - priced from $91,900 - both in Classic trim. Power and torque outputs for the two are engines are 130kW/240Nm and 130kW/425Nm respectively.

Next up is the model most buyers will choose, the 165kW/315Nm 3.2-litre petrol V6 E320 in the mid range Elegance trim priced from $119,900 with the current range topper being the 225kW/460Nm 5.0-litre V8 E500 Elegance for which you will have to find at least $151,900. All models drive through a five-speed automatic tiptronic style transmission.

Despite its visual similarities to the previous model, most of the panels on the car are new, including the aluminium front wings, bonnet and bootlid, and although it is exactly the same length as its predecessor, the new E-class sits on a slightly longer wheelbase that helps increase rear legroom marginally and boot capacity by 20 litres. The front suspension does away with the former double wishbone arrangement in favour of a new four-link configuration, with the Airmatic system, standard on E500.

On the road, the new E-class feels very solid and refined, and in typical Mercedes style a little on the heavy side. All the engines are extremely quiet and refined but for our money, the pick is the diesel. Although from the outside, it emits an identifiable tick, from within the confines of the cabin it is as quiet and smooth as the petrol units.

The big benefit is the enormous mid-range torque, that shifts the E270's 2.2 tonnes with ease. The V8 appeals with a delightful burble under throttle and plenty of power, while the 3.2 V6 remains more than capable. It is only the 2.6 that feels a little under whelming and really did struggle a bit with the car's bulk on steep hills.

Ride and handling and generally biased towards the former, but the E-class is no slouch when pushed through testing terrain.

The air suspension fitted to the E500 as standard offers a very noticeable difference in driving characteristics, with the firmer sports setting delivering what it promises with competent handling under full power. The ride quality does suffer in the process with the suspension transmitting every road ripple, and the steering feels overly heavy and lacks feel. On the comfort setting there is far more compliance, but, with our test car fitted with the optional 18-inch AMG wheel and tyre package, the standard suspension fitted to the other models still offers greater ride comfort.

And comfort is generally what E-class buyers are likely to be looking for. Inside, the new car offers plenty in the form of features although the standard seats do feel a little firm. Accommodation for four adults is good and for the first time, there is a split fold rear seat available to increase loading capacity although it will cost you an extra $1390. There is a decent list of standard kit including climate control, part power seats, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, CD sound and eight airbags on the base car.

The new E-class is no doubt an improvement over its predecessor in the techno and driving stakes and remains a solid and predictable luxury purchase. The previous model has long been the best seller in its class globally and there is no reason why that should change for it is a car that delivers on the luxury, safety and driving expectations of potential buyers. It's almost a case of if it ain't broke...