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Program #2339
To most Americans, diesel is a dirty word, and they want no part of it. But in Europe where gas prices are high and diesel fuel is clean, most new cars and trucks are diesels. For 2005, Mercedes-Benz hopes to show Americans that modern diesels can work here, so they're importing the E320 CDI. It's as clean and sophisticated as a diesel can get. But is that enough to change our dirty little minds about diesels? Well, according to the folks at Mercedes-Benz, the 2005 E320 CDI, the first Mercedes diesel sedan sold here since 1999, will do just that. One of Germany's leading environmental organizations has already awarded the E320 CDI the title of most environmentally-friendly, luxury-class car. And that's no small accomplishment. To win over environmentally-minded Americans, Mercedes engineers have equipped the CDI with a new 3.2-liter dual-overhead-cam turbocharged inline-6 that uses the latest in pollution control technology. While most diesels use mechanical fuel injection, here Bosch Electronically controlled Common-rail Direct Injection, or CDI, provides far more precise fuel control. An exhaust gas recirculation system significantly lowers levels of nitrogen oxides, while an oxidation catalyst helps reduce unburned hydrocarbons we normally think of as diesel soot. Reducing these emissions allows the E320 CDI to meet current emission standards in 45 states, a number that Mercedes predicts will climb to 50 when low-sulfur diesel fuel becomes generally available in 2006.
The E320 CDI impressed us at the track as well, running from 0 to 60 in only 6.8-seconds. The quarter mile ran by in an equally impressive 15.1 seconds at 93 miles-per-hour. While a little hesitant just off idle, the diesel quickly comes up to speed, delivering its prodigious torque with a smoothness rivaling that of the most refined gasoline engines. Power drives the rear wheels through an equally refined 5-speed adaptive automatic transmission with Touch Shift manual mode. But the E-320 CDI story isn't only about the powertrain. The solid E-Class chassis rides on a sophisticated multi-link suspension with standard ESP stability control and traction control. Drivers noted the CDI's fine handling, although the tight, slightly sluggish power steering requires a firm hand when you push the speeds up. Balance is, however, superb, with little of the front end push displayed by many luxury sedans. And ESP is extremely effective at high speeds, yet almost invisible in operation. Stopping power is provided by an Electro-Hydraulic braking system, using anti-lock equipped 4-wheel discs with Brake Assist. They delivered stops from 60 in a fine average of 126 feet. While a soft pedal sends little feedback information to the driver, stops were always safe and secure. In real world driving, the E320 CDI impresses us with a smooth but solid ride that matches the drivetrain for refinement. It's as comfortable and almost as quiet as any gasoline-powered Mercedes, and as well equipped. The E320 CDI is typical E-Class inside, with elevated levels of standard features and a roomy, inviting cabin.
While those not familiar with rear-wheel drive cars will find the center tunnel annoying, the rear seat still offers plenty of room for tall folks, plus wide supportive seats. Trunk space measures a big 15.9 cubic-feet, proper luxury car size. As for pricing, the E320 CDI starts at $49,795. That's over $7,000 less than an E500. But, much more importantly, the CDI is only $1,000 more than the gas powered E320. That flies in the face of other car companies that claim they can't make diesels an affordable alternative. We think $1,000 is a small premium to pay for a big increase in environmentally-friendly mileage. In 1926 the Mercedes-Benz 260D was the first production diesel car. Today, upwards of 60% of all passenger vehicles sold in major European countries are diesels. Now, with the 2005 E320 CDI, Mercedes is prepared to pull out all the stops to change America's perception of diesel automobiles as dirty, poorly engineered oil burners. And the clean, sophisticated E320 CDI is just the car to do it, because if this car can't make you like diesels, no car can.
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All this and the E320 CDI still produces 201 horsepower and 369
pound-feet of torque, or more torque than a V-8 E500, and that torque is
available at only 1,800 rpm. And all that power is also economical. The
E320 CDI is EPA rated at 27 city/37 highway. We averaged 35
miles-per-gallon in mixed driving. Impressive mileage for a nearly 2-ton
luxury sedan.
The standard ten-way power-adjustable front seats are firm and
super-supportive. Multi-contour seats with air cushion adjustments,
automatically adjusting Drive Dynamic seats, and Active Ventilated seats
are all optional.
Eight airbags provide occupant protection including front and rear
side impact and front and rear side curtain with rollover sensors.
Gauges are large and exceptionally straightforward, and well
organized. Most dash controls are also intuitive with the operation of
the two-zone climate control now much easier than with the previous
generation E-Class. The Command system with GPS navigation is available
as an option.