Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
Published: 28th February 2005
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comfort and Refinement
According to Mercedes-Benz's literature in the new E-Class you are 'seated in the lap of luxury' and we couldn't agree more.
The new E-Class is shorter and narrower than its predecessor and features more standard equipment. Streamlining has not affected cabin space with excellent head room in both the front and rear. Leg room is excellent in the front but a little less generous in the rear. The E-Class has ample cabin space for 5 adults and certainly a family of 5. The doors are large and open to reveal wide access points which make it a very easy car to get in and out of for both front and rear seat occupants making the E-Class an excellent choice for people with mobility problems and chauffeurs / taxi drivers.
Our test car was equipped with an electrically adjustable seat, steering column and exterior mirrors with memory (£650 option). This system also moves the drivers seat away from the steering column when the key is removed making it easier to exit the vehicle. The passenger seat was also electrically adjustable with memory function (£370 option). The memory seats were superb and excellent for those who change drivers frequently.
Leather upholstery (£950 option) was also specified as were 3 stage heated front seats (£310 option). The seats were supportive and comfortable but not to the same degree as Volvo seats which in our opinion are class leading and the rear seats although supportive were a little on the hard side. Lumbar support is standard in the front seat backrests.
The leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel incorporates the stereo controls and also features the trip computer controls which enable you access information such as the exterior temperature, fuel consumption and Satellite Navigation information (where fitted).
Automatic dual climate control is standard on all E-Class models ensuring a comfortable interior temperature. A manual override is available and the ability to individually manage the left and right sides of the car for maximum comfort. Rear seat passengers benefit from adjustable ventilation fan controls.
The Avantgarde models level of refinement is high and includes front and rear electric windows, electric folding mirrors, illuminated driver & passenger mirrors, ambient interior lighting front & rear (dimmable), ASSYST PLUS service indicator, blue tinted glass, courtesy lights & reflector lights, outside temperature gauge and interior lighting in the rear with integral reading lights. The doors feature puddle lights and the exterior mirror housings incorporate subtle lighting putting an end to exiting a car straight into a puddle or missing a kerb.
On a practical level the E-Class Avantgarde incorporates door bins in all doors, front centre armrest with storage, two cupholders in the front, rear armrest with stowage compartment and cupholders, storage compartments below both front seats, front seat back map pockets and a large lit, lockable glovebox with two compartments.
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