But that's not to say it lacked many up-to-date features. OK, no MP3 player is available but most buyers in the E500's demographic would need their kids to figure out how to work it anyway. I was also a little disappointed to have to step on a mechanical pedal when engaging the parking brake and worse, pull a dash-mounted lever to disengage, when rivals from BMW and Jaguar, among others, use a much more sophisticated electronic parking brake switch. But the top-tier Harmon Kardon Logic 7 audio system (optional) incorporating a multi-disc CD changer made my favorite tunes sound sensational, an easy-to-use 4-zone automatic climate control interface kept all occupants comfortable, and ample steering wheel buttons made accessing everything easy.
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| The top-tier Harmon Kardon Logic 7 audio system incorporating a multi-disc CD changer made my favorite tunes sound sensational. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Other options include Distronic adaptive cruise control at $3,660, a tire pressure monitoring system at $930, a power trunk lid at $790, integrated roller blinds for the rear side windows at $470 and a $720 power rear sunscreen. That panoramic sunroof I mentioned earlier is only $1,850, a steal considering the priceless ambience it sheds on the entire interior, while the $1,810 Keyless Go, a touch-sensitive entry and engine start option will impress your colleagues at the club. M-B also offers a $1,120 solar panel and $1,600 worth of infrared reflecting multilayer glass all around with break in resistance.
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| The panoramic sunroof is only a $1,850 option, a steal considering the priceless ambience it sheds on the entire interior. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Those wanting yet more can add parking assist, heated and ventilated front seats, a split rear folding seatback, Nappa leather upgrade and much more, including a $2,500 Sport Package that adds a sculpted skirt kit, ivory-color gauge faces, birds-eye maple wood trim and chrome dashboard moldings, P245/45WR17 tires (replacing P245/45WR17 95H tires that come standard) and 17-inch 5-spoke alloy rims, dressing it up further inside and out. Such wild abandonment at the order desk equals a price that might have you questioning whether to opt up for an S Class, escalating the E500's point of entry from $81,500 to $109,020.
