2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class 3.5 SE Coupe 2D

Exterior, , Moved to a new platform in 2003, the E-Class sedan displays more flowing lines than its predecessor and sports a lower, more swept-back front end. Oval headlights are angled back more sharply, and a sculpted trunk edged aside the former squared-off profile. The front fenders, hood, trunk lid and bolted-on frame members are made of aluminum. An Airmatic air suspension is standard on the E500 and optional on the E320., , , Interior, , Front-seat occupants in the five-passenger interior face a V-shaped console. Standard and Sport models are available, and the Sport edition features black bird’s-eye maple trim rather than the brown walnut interior used on other models., , , Under the Hood, , The E320 gets a 221-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine, while the E500 packs a 5.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 302 hp and 339 pounds-feet of torque. The supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 in the E55 AMG sedan delivers 469 hp and 516 pounds-feet of torque. In the new E320 CDI sedan, a 3.2-liter diesel six-cylinder engine produces 201 hp and 369 pounds-feet of torque. The rear-drive E500 uses a new seven-speed-automatic transmission, but other models have a five-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available., , , Safety, , Sensotronic brake control, which is a brake-by-wire system, promises faster, more surefooted emergency responses. Antilock brakes and Mercedes-Benz’s Electronic Stability Program are standard. Adaptive front airbags deploy at a lower force in less severe collisions. Seat belt pretensioners and load limiters are installed., , , Driving Impressions, , Civility reigns behind the wheel of the latest midsize sedan from Mercedes-Benz. Everything about this car is smooth, fine, lush and luxurious., , In the 2003 redesign, the E-Class lost most of the heavy feel that was unpleasantly noticeable on previous models. The refined E500 version manages to deliver nearly rocketlike acceleration, whether it’s starting from a standstill, passing or merging. Trimmed in beautiful wood, the dashboard is a little too complicated for some tastes, and the tachometer should be a bit larger. But when you start picking out flaws on this level, it’s obvious that you’re facing an excellent automobile.