How can someone who's admittedly just an average guy deserve to drive one of the finest automobiles of the decade? The answer to that question is found in the vehicle, not the driver's background, occupation, or community standing. Driving the Mercedes E320 makes you a part of one of the elite and most prestigious vehicle communities in the world.
For one week, I drove this masterful automobile. Although it was diesel powered, it didn't have any of the previously encountered weaknesses of diesel-powered engines.
The temperature was below freezing on many days that week, yet the Mercedes never failed to start first time every time. The engine was so smooth that I never heard any engine rattle like other diesel engines. The Mercedes E320 got well over 13 km/L, allowing you to travel more than 1100 km on a single tank of fuel.
The interior smelled of leather, and was rich, comfortable, and embraced you with the smooth sounds from the Sirius Satellite Radio, the experience made you want to pinch yourself to make sure you were still among the living.
The Mercedes has a five-speed automatic transmission with shift touch that adds clarity to the light touch steering experience. A 208-hp. engine, with 3,800 rpm collaborated with 388 lb-ft. of torque power gave it a Brahma Bull accelerated jump, whether starting from a stop or needing extra power for passing cars or changing lanes. The only thing I felt was lacking about the vehicle was difficulty in finding the cup holder at night. Although the instrument panel was brightly illuminated and there was a soft light in the back, I could not see well enough to place my beverage in the holder because it was too dark. If a small light was placed in the center of the two cup holders, then the E320 Mercedes-Benz would be the perfect vehicle with its driving precision, comfort, and automotive grace.
This 5-passenger 3.0L 24-valve aluminum cylinder block, V6 sedan is not inexpensive, but you do get value for your money. The fully loaded E320 Mercedes-Benz sells for around $68,000 in the U.S.
To drive this Mercedes is to enjoy a ride known by few, but wished for by many. Why not take the 2007 Mercedes E320 for a spin?
Durhl Caussey is an award-winning syndicated columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Automobile Writers Association. Please address any questions to dcaussey@sbcglobal.net
Feeds