Awards Hat-Trick
Published: 25th July 2003
- E-Class tops Auto Express Executive and Executive Diesel categories
- S-Class gets fifth consecutive Luxury Car Honour
- Mercedes-Benz customers buy more new cars than ever before
Mercedes-Benz has won three Auto Express New Car Honours, completing a record first six months of registrations and industry accolades. This brings the total number of accolades awarded to the luxury marque so far this year to 16.
The E-Class Saloon received two Honours, topping the Executive Car range for the second year in succession, and in E 320 CDI guise, Executive Diesel Car categories. The S-Class won its fifth straight Luxury Car Honour.
Commenting on the E-Class's success, Auto Express noted: "It's a machine that in most respects represents the perfect motor car. But it's inside that the E-Class steamrollers the opposition into submission. The materials used are first class throughout, while the fit and finish around the easy to navigate centre console is simply superb."
The E 320 CDI came in for particular praise. Auto Express commented: "Having kick-started the whole [executive diesel] sector over a decade ago, few manufacturers are able to call on as much history as Mercedes-Benz. With the E 320 CDI, Mercedes has found the magic formula." The magazine summarised its commendation by calling the E-Class "a faultless package."
The S-Class Saloon was awarded its fifth consecutive New Car Honour, despite the emergence of three new major competitors over the past two years. Auto Express explained why the S-Class has been at the top for so long: "In recent years it has become the definitive luxury motor. The driving experience is still one of the best in the business. It rides beautifully well, floating over the most arduous of surfaces with ease, and dispatching mid-corner lumps and bumps with contempt.
"Thanks to the subtle revision package that updated the whole range last year, the current model is better than ever. With additions like the amazing twin turbo V12 S 600 L joining the ranks, the S-Class has never been in better shape."
