E320 Review in Road and Track
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E320 Review in Road and Track
A 6 cylinder review placed the E320 second in an impressive lineup.
Link: Road and Track
Some interesting comments:
My choice is the Mercedes-Benz E320. Its accommodations are best, especially for those of longer torsos or bigger-than-average-bear physiques. Its skinned-down COMAND ergonomics are more intuitive than most. Its power, though not best in class, is more than adequate. The Mercedes has only two shortcomings: Its price is near heftiest of our group. And there's the potential that, in time, I would take for granted such integrity and luxury. Yeah, some shortcoming. — Dennis Simanaitis, Engineering Editor
If my morning commute resembled a section of Laguna Seca Raceway, the Cadillac would be my choice for its grip, locked-down chassis feel and direct steering. But for everyday use, it's the Mercedes that pushes the right buttons…capable handling, superb seats, cool gauges and a torquey engine coupled to a quick-reacting 5-speed automatic all garner points, as does the elegant, toned body style that will look good for years. — Douglas Kott, Executive Editor
I think the Mercedes is the best car here, overall, while the Cadillac has the most kick and the Audi offers the most spirited-and versatile-fun for those of us who live in snowy or rainy climates. I'd take any of them in a minute. But the one that most warms my heart is the Jaguar S-Type, just because it does so many things well. For my tastes, it's a perfectly balanced blend of sport and comfort, and it has a shape that I would never tire of upon opening the garage door. Also, the ****pit, as someone said, is a nice place to be. — Peter Egan, Editor-at-Large
The Cadillac's the sportiest, by far, with quick steering, a firm ride and the added fun of XM satellite radio. Nevertheless, the Mercedes-Benz E320 is my best of the bunch, a bit roomier than the Caddy and a superb blend of everyday comfort and back-road bravado. While I'm happy Chrysler has returned to building big rear-drive sedans, the 300 isn't quite in the same league as its Mercedes cousin, though its price is certainly attractive. — Andrew Bornhop, Senior Editor
And about the Caddy CTS:
During our days of driving around the hills of California's central coast, it was the subjective favorite in handling, steering and driving excitement. And, lo and behold, when it was tested at the track it was the quickest in the quarter mile, 0-60-mph acceleration and (tying the E320) through the slalom. It finished a close second to the Mercedes on the skidpad. One of our test editors pronounced it, "The most athletic-feeling of the group, with firm springs, direct steering and a sticky tire at each corner of the body. It's what the BMW should feel like."
Enjoy the article.
Link: Road and Track
Some interesting comments:
My choice is the Mercedes-Benz E320. Its accommodations are best, especially for those of longer torsos or bigger-than-average-bear physiques. Its skinned-down COMAND ergonomics are more intuitive than most. Its power, though not best in class, is more than adequate. The Mercedes has only two shortcomings: Its price is near heftiest of our group. And there's the potential that, in time, I would take for granted such integrity and luxury. Yeah, some shortcoming. — Dennis Simanaitis, Engineering Editor
If my morning commute resembled a section of Laguna Seca Raceway, the Cadillac would be my choice for its grip, locked-down chassis feel and direct steering. But for everyday use, it's the Mercedes that pushes the right buttons…capable handling, superb seats, cool gauges and a torquey engine coupled to a quick-reacting 5-speed automatic all garner points, as does the elegant, toned body style that will look good for years. — Douglas Kott, Executive Editor
I think the Mercedes is the best car here, overall, while the Cadillac has the most kick and the Audi offers the most spirited-and versatile-fun for those of us who live in snowy or rainy climates. I'd take any of them in a minute. But the one that most warms my heart is the Jaguar S-Type, just because it does so many things well. For my tastes, it's a perfectly balanced blend of sport and comfort, and it has a shape that I would never tire of upon opening the garage door. Also, the ****pit, as someone said, is a nice place to be. — Peter Egan, Editor-at-Large
The Cadillac's the sportiest, by far, with quick steering, a firm ride and the added fun of XM satellite radio. Nevertheless, the Mercedes-Benz E320 is my best of the bunch, a bit roomier than the Caddy and a superb blend of everyday comfort and back-road bravado. While I'm happy Chrysler has returned to building big rear-drive sedans, the 300 isn't quite in the same league as its Mercedes cousin, though its price is certainly attractive. — Andrew Bornhop, Senior Editor
And about the Caddy CTS:
During our days of driving around the hills of California's central coast, it was the subjective favorite in handling, steering and driving excitement. And, lo and behold, when it was tested at the track it was the quickest in the quarter mile, 0-60-mph acceleration and (tying the E320) through the slalom. It finished a close second to the Mercedes on the skidpad. One of our test editors pronounced it, "The most athletic-feeling of the group, with firm springs, direct steering and a sticky tire at each corner of the body. It's what the BMW should feel like."
Enjoy the article.
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Griswold, CT
2006 R230
Sorry to go against the grain, but I think the CTS is an attractive design, especially in black. Not as attractive as the E-class styling, but overall I think it works pretty well. I admire GM for taking a chance with a radical new look. Maybe that company is finally making a turnaround-they certainly have the potential.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 758
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From: Warren, NJ
'05 E320 CDI;'04 S2k;'94 Supra TT;'10 QX56;'38 Buick;98 Port City Offset Late Model
On a race track (a BIG part of that test) the CTS is probably better. Stiffer springs, more powerful engine, sharper steering (never an MB strong point).
In the real world, the E320 has a better fit and finish, and refinement that the CTS is missing.
Oddly, I believe what BMW is really be hurt by is that loss in refinement (except in high HP sport versions).
That STS will be a rough competition. As are the new Lexus GS, existing Lexus, new Infiniti M45, new Acura RL, revised Jaguar S-Type (beat MB E320 CDI and BMW 530D in recent Autocar test), Jaguar XJ8, new Audi A6/S6/RS6, and of course the BMW 5-series.
And improved cars in the $30-40k range (Infiniti G35, Chrysler 300c, Cadillac STS, Acura TL, Lexus IS300/ES330, Lincoln Zephyr, VW Passat, improved MB C-class, new larger BMW 3-series all conspire to reduce residuals and resale values by offering better competition. How does that CTS compare to a used 2001 E320?
The E-class market is going to be rough. If there is a 2006 mid-life update, it will be interesting how far MB goes to counter the competition.
In the real world, the E320 has a better fit and finish, and refinement that the CTS is missing.
Oddly, I believe what BMW is really be hurt by is that loss in refinement (except in high HP sport versions).
That STS will be a rough competition. As are the new Lexus GS, existing Lexus, new Infiniti M45, new Acura RL, revised Jaguar S-Type (beat MB E320 CDI and BMW 530D in recent Autocar test), Jaguar XJ8, new Audi A6/S6/RS6, and of course the BMW 5-series.
And improved cars in the $30-40k range (Infiniti G35, Chrysler 300c, Cadillac STS, Acura TL, Lexus IS300/ES330, Lincoln Zephyr, VW Passat, improved MB C-class, new larger BMW 3-series all conspire to reduce residuals and resale values by offering better competition. How does that CTS compare to a used 2001 E320?
The E-class market is going to be rough. If there is a 2006 mid-life update, it will be interesting how far MB goes to counter the competition.
