Jan AMG

While trying to find the perfect replacement for my 2000 E55 AMG, I test drove the E43.

My impressions:
- I love the exterior & interior
- The ergonomics is great
- Widescreens cockpit works wonderfully
- Rear seat knee and head room is smaller than W210
- Dynamic parameters are almost identical to the E55 .. real life dynamics, esp. 80-120 Km/h is the same for both cars = 3,1s
(http://www.zeperfs.com/duel237-6433.htm)
- Ride is quite harsh and there's a lot of road noise from optional 20" on Yokohamas Advan Sport V105 even in C mode
- 9G is fast but jerks at low speeds, esp.when coming to a stop (even in C mode), is it a trans adaptation glitch?
- it's fun to drive, almost as fun as the E55
- the exhaust noise in Sport+ is good too
- cruising is effortless, except for the 20" road noise and vibrations from road imperfections
- S mode is the best settings for dampers because C mode makes only the shocks travel longer but the car is still firm so it creates an unnatural feeling
- it's not a V8 :-( so it lacks something special
- fuel economy is about the same as the M113 W210 E55 on short runs
- no one really notices you on the road, it's just another new E / C / S Class
- not impressed enough to buy it new for €100,000+ EUR

BACnMercedes

EXACTLY!!!

Jan AMG

I will try the E400 and E63 sometimes soon..

I think the E400 Allterrain could be an interesting vehicle too..

c4004matic

In the US it uses Pirellis P0 and they are neither loud nor harsh. For 90K dollar the car is amazing!