For those bemused
by horsepower and torque it comes to this: torque is more important to American
driving, particularly at the place on the power curve where this diesel plays
hardball. Loads of low-end torque means that wonderful leap off the line at an
intersection and reassuring readiness for quick highway passes. More horsepower
will get you higher speeds on the Autobahn, but Americans cannot legally cruise
in the three-digit mph range. And FYI, the diesel takes 6.8 seconds to reach 60
mph; the V6 gas E-Class takes 7.1. As
much as techno hearts may flutter over the "common-rail direct injection"
(love saying that) of this diesel engine the proof of any vehicle is in how it
looks, performs and makes the driver feel. I
can safely report based on my recent experience of the car in the San Antonio
area that the new diesel can flutter hearts on those counts as well. Indeed, I
cannot conceive of anyone preferring the gasoline version to the diesel.
This
E-Class has the enduring presence we expect of Mercedes but it's a more Schwabian
who regularly vacations in Italy. Amidst the solidness and comfort there's a penchant
for pleasure, a lightness of spirit and out and out cavorting on roads that dart
and twist. It feels right fine; and it left this driver feeling sporty and smiling
quite a bit. As
for some negatives: the cabin, please note if it matters to you, allows the intrusion
of more road and tire noise than say a Lexus. I personally don't mind the sounds
of the driving environment, particularly when I'm having fun. My colleagues griped
a bit about the many layers of the COMAND system with its central screen for controlling
navigation information, heating and cooling, the in-car phone and the sound system.
However I prefer the sounds of driving (see above) to music or talking when I'm
busy at the wheel so you'll have to judge the COMAND system for yourself. Suffice
to say it is not as annoying as the BMW iDrive, which is praising with faint damns. 
At the San Antonio
press introduction of the E-Class CDI we were treated, if that's the word, to
an economy run from the lunch venue in the Hill Country back to our hotel on the
Riverwalk. Prizes were to be awarded. My driving partner and I decided we didn't
want to go through the ritual of those intent on saving fuel by the droplet, stuff
like turning off the A/C, putting more air in the tires, coasting down hills and
riding in the slipstream of 18-wheelers. Indeed, we did not want to alter our
habits in any way. Said I: "Let's just drive as we normally would with a
bias toward getting there quickly; you can buy fuel but you can't buy time." So
we weren't in the spirit of the competition, but we got back to the hotel first.
And no surprise, we ranked last in the contest. The winners posted an astonishing
47 miles to the gallon. But get this: we, the "losers," got 30 miles
to the gallon. Is that losing? This in a no-compromises roomy sedan at speed getting
an easy 30 mpg. Love that diesel.
Mercedes
plans to make only 3,000 of the CDIs available this year. It's
my belief that those will last as long as a snowball in July
so trot to your dealer instantly. But there is a rub. Even a
diesel engine this clean is not sold in California, New York,
Massachusetts, Maine or Vermont.
For
More Information Click: Mercedes
Benz E320
For the Mercedes-Benz 2005 Model Guide : Click
Here
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