Drove the 320 last night and I don't want to give any bad impressions but it did not have the power that I am accustomed to with a V8. To me there is a very significant difference between the V6 and V8. Obviously power, but the feeling is different, it has different characteristics, feels more substantial to me all around.

The E500 was very nice. Seats (standard) were very comfortable with a wide range of adjustability. Steering wheel has a lot of travel on the telescoping adjustment which I like. Mirrors were a bit small, but they are very large on the ML so it may just be me. Its very hot here in Phoenix, 105 when I was driving so the climate ran at full tilt the whole time, I could have backed it off a bit but I was having a good time driving and forgot about it. The driving dynamic of the car is very close to that of the S-class just a smaller package, I am very impressed. The selective dampening? was very good. I could not tell a lot of difference from the normal to firm setting but the sport setting is very noticeable. For a big car it is, well I hate to use the word nimble but it is somewhat tossable, in any case very adept for a car of its size and weight. It feels very planted. Acceleration from a stop is really fun, the power is pretty linear but seems to kick up a notch in the upper RPM range, it really gets going and I was a bit surprised at just how hard it pulled. That is one of the big reasons I like the V8, they do not leave yoou wanting. Everything about the actual drive met or exceeded my expectation, I was comparing it to the S-class.

On the interior, again the seats were very comfortable. Another really good surprise is the audio system. It really makes the Bose system on my ML seem anemic. I hate fooling with aftermarket audio in my cars so I am very happy to report that this is by far the best system I have heard in a while. Much better than the Mark Levinson offered on the LS430. The radio is easily controlled on the steering wheel, big plus, very easy to flip through stations or tracks on a disc. I di not delve to deeply into the settings other than to adjust the bass and treble but again it is very good. Instrumentation is fine though I do not like written info in the center of the speedo, its distracting. I assume after a shortime it would be easily ignored. The bar guages are cool, would like to see them lit at night. Back seat is much better than the previous generation. I can sit upright in the center at 6'0" without hitting my head. Back seat HVAC controls are a bit limited but certainly functional. Aesthetically I actually like the standard wheels on the 500. The sport package wheels are not quite as impressive in person. Sorry to carry on. Taking my wife up sometime soon, she can make the final decision. Beautiful car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks for the review. Makes me glad i picked the E500. I assume you are referring to the HK upgraded sound system. Is that correct?

 

Amazing. I completely agree with 99ML430 on all points. I drove 4 cars yesterday in this order: '03 E320, '02 S430, '02 S500 and lastly, the '03 E500. The 320 was great, but not as much power and ride quality as I am now used to in my wife's '03 SL500. As the dealer initially indicated that there were no E500s to drive, I thought I might take advantage of some great lease deals being offered on the S Class and drove both the S430 and S500. They were really wonderful, but too big to be "nimble". Then, by chance, the dealer came through with a E500 to drive. It was incredible to drive. It has close to or maybe even equal to the ride quality and smooth power I experience in the SL500. It is "nimble". Every point 99ML430 made is right on. Make mine an E500!!!

 

Yes, sorry for not clariying that point.

 

In what respects is the HK better than the ML? Clarity, output, fidelity, or all?

 

Output is much higher, better fidelity, bass, and presence. I'm not sure if it has DSP but it sounds like it does. Really no comparison between the two, but my ML is going on 4 years and though I thought the bose was pretty good when it was new, I think the HK in the E is really good.

I actually replaced the whole system in my old 400E and it turned into a trainwreck. Now I am kind of relying on the manufacturer to come through for me and I think I would be more than pleased with the HK system.

 

Check out the mbusa.com site. It describes the HK upgrade in detail, ie 8 separate amplifiers...10" woofer...

The sound is the best I've heard, bar none - incl. ML!

 

i couldn't agree with you more!