hi-mpg.org Ratings for
2005-2006 Mercedes E320 CDI
| Price: | $50,000-58,000
(in 2005) |
| Style: | 6 |
| Performance: | 8 |
| Luxury: | 10 |
| Utility: | 8 |
| Fun: | 4 |
| Value: | 1 |
| Overall: |
6.17 |
| | Ratings scale: 1-10; 10 = best |
They were basically indestructable, akin to German tanks.
Diesel engines have long had the reputation for
lasting as much as 300,000 miles.
Mercedes have managed to put over half-a-million of
their diesel-powered automobiles in American garages
since its first one in 1936, and over half of those
are still in putzing along, emitting their characteristic
chug-a-chug-a-chug-a sounds and slightly sooty
exhaust fumes.
Ah, but diesel engines have come a long ways, even from
10 or 5 years ago. This is especially true with Mercedes' latest diesel.
With its CDI (Common Direct-Rail Technology), where diesel gas
is injected into the engine with metering precision,
the Mercedes E320 CDI glides
along smoothly, quietly, and smoke-free.
Yet, all of the traditional positive characteristics
of a diesel remain. Diesels typically achieve at least
25% better fuel economy than their gasoline-powered counterparts;
at 37 mpg on the highway, the
Mercedes E320 CDI is amazingly
frugal on your gas bill for such a powerful car.
Speaking of power, the hallmark of a diesel has always
been low-end torque--the useable "stuff" that allows
a car to smartly accelerate from a standstill or make
a resolute pass on the highway--over sheer horsepower,
and the 2005-2006 E320 CDI has gobs of it:
369 pounds-feet to be exact! And this motor's turbocharger
helps provide a respectable peak horsepower figure of 200 for
high-speed autobahn cruising.
Needless to say, cruising is done while being pampered
in state-of-the-art luxury as this, after all, is a
$50,000-58,000 Mercedes. The equipment list for such an "executive" car is
predictable: a navigational system, rich materials, in-car phone,
power everything. Indeed, this is by far the most luxurious
car on hi-mpg.org and we award it a luxury rating of
10 out of 10.
Aside from the high cost, there is one major caveat with
the Mercedes E320 CDI.
As of late 2004, the car cannot be sold in
California, New York, Massachusettes, Maine, or Vermont!
We find it ironic that such a fuel efficient vehicle cannot
be found in these traditionally progressive states which,
nevertheless, have banned the sales of brand new
diesel passenger cars. This, however, is expected to
change during the next couple of years when the U.S. phases
in cleaner-burning low-sulfur content diesel fuel of the
type already used in Europe. We can't wait.
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