As expected the car's switchgear is extremely high-end, clicking, sliding and rotating with precision. My only complaint, with this particular issue at least, has to do with the placement of the left hand
 |
| The 302-hp, 24-valve, SOHC, 5.0-liter V8 gets the Mercedes sedan up to speed quickly. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
steering column stalks. I kept flicking on the cruise control instead of the turn signal (as did my wife Jennifer), probably something I'd get used to if I had more time with the car. Should I make you wait until the end of the article to hear my other complaint? I'm not feeling particularly generous this morning, so read on. Pulling out of Mercedes-Benz Canada's parking lot I had no trouble slipping into the fast-paced stream of flowing traffic. The 24-valve, SOHC, 5.0-liter V8, which incidentally ups output by 15 percent over the old E430, doesn't make a person wait long in order to exact all of its 302 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, bringing them on at 5,600 and 2,700 rpm respectively, the latter which extends maximum torque all the way up to 4,200 rpm. Part
 |
| A velvety smooth, yet decisively quick-shifting 5-speed adaptive automatic transmission delivers power efficiently. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
of the power delivery credit is due to a velvety smooth, yet decisively quick-shifting 5-speed adaptive automatic transmission with side-to-side actuated manual mode M-B calls Touch Shift. While I would have appreciated steering wheel buttons to compliment the shift lever, as I tend to use the manual mode more often when so equipped, Mercedes would be the only one in the category to offer them. Mercedes is, however, one of few manufacturers to feature both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive availability in the midsize luxury class. My test car came equipped with the latter, which was hardly needed during the completely dry week it was at my disposal. Just the same, it was there if I needed it which in itself was comforting.
