First (non driving) impressions
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First (non driving) impressions
I believe MB is finally starting to "get it". I had an opportunity to sit in a new E500 and turn it on. This car had the E2 package, heated seats and drive dynamic seating. The interior is vastly improved from the previous model especially in terms of quality and seating. Those adjustable side supports are an excellent option. The HK sound system is dynamite but has no equalizer capability. The MB site claims there's a sound softkey which allows you to adjust the abience and surround settings but I never noticed it on my quick perusal. Overall I felt this car had the luxury of an S series or 7 series in a mid size sedan. I couldn't drive this car because it had already been sold but I have to believe the rack and pinion steering and adjustable suspension will represent significant improvements. Rear leg room is adequate and about the same as the BMW 5 series. On first impression this car has greater appeal to me than a 540i. My feelings re exterior appearance I'll post separately.
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'97 C 280, '06 ML350
glad to see you liked it as well...
i enjoyed seeing and driving the car. this is definitely a step in the right direction for MB. i will agree with you that this sedan has S and 7 series qualities.
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2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Mercedes may be "starting to get it" by way of pricing you to death with all those damn options! Go to build a car at mbusa.com - I have never seen so many damn options. I added every available orderable option and the 2003 E320 can cost $70k MSRP and still only 221 HP!
I hate to see the options and costs when the new E55 comes.
The base price will be close to last years but the options will skyrocket the total price.
The BMW E39 5-Series interior size is rated as a Compact. That has always been strange that BMW would make a mid-size car (exterior) with a compact size interior. What were they thinking?
The outgoing W210 E-Class always had the option of Multicontour seats with side support.
I hate to see the options and costs when the new E55 comes.
The base price will be close to last years but the options will skyrocket the total price. The BMW E39 5-Series interior size is rated as a Compact. That has always been strange that BMW would make a mid-size car (exterior) with a compact size interior. What were they thinking?
The outgoing W210 E-Class always had the option of Multicontour seats with side support.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Washington D.C.
'97 C 280, '06 ML350
i just got off the phone with a reliable source...
and he has the e55 priced at around 80k! with the new technology, increased hp and with the nav, dynamic seats, 6 disc cd and a few others being standard. damn! 65k for a 500, 80k for e55. damn! he also said they are trying to limit production of the e55 as well.
Last edited by jamesp; Aug 27, 2002 at 02:05 PM.
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From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Originally posted by E55 KEV
the 2003 E320 can cost $70k MSRP and still only 221 HP!
the 2003 E320 can cost $70k MSRP and still only 221 HP!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,586
Likes: 213
From: Washington D.C.
2024 GLE63s / 2016 GLE63s (traded) / 2016 E63s / 2002 E55
Re: i just got off the phone with a reliable source...
Originally posted by jamesp
and he has the e55 priced at around 80k! with the new technology, increased hp and with the nav, dynamic seats, 6 disc cd and a few others being standard. damn! 65k for a 500, 80k for e55. damn! he also said they are trying to limit production of the e55 as well.
and he has the e55 priced at around 80k! with the new technology, increased hp and with the nav, dynamic seats, 6 disc cd and a few others being standard. damn! 65k for a 500, 80k for e55. damn! he also said they are trying to limit production of the e55 as well.
A fully optioned E500 will be $75k when the DVD nav comes.
