Oh yes, before I sign off it's time for that complaint I previously alluded to. First of all, for a car to escape a week's scrutineering with only a few minor quibbles is an impressive feat all on its own. But this last item bothers me too much not to mention. For a car that starts at more than $80K and fully trimmed out gravitates to a class-topping $109K, the cost-cutting beancounters got
their way much more often than they should have. Plastics quality is far below standard in certain areas. But wait a minute? I just expended at least two paragraphs bantering on about the gloriously designed interior and high-quality switchgear. That's true, but Mercedes didn't go all the way with plastics quality when it comes to looking below the surface. Lift the storage bin under the center armrest, for instance, and cheap feeling, shiny looking plastic mars the car's high-quality façade, while bits and pieces that should be hidden from sight are exposed. The storage bin isn't the only offender in what would have otherwise been a near perfect execution of stylish and functional design. Some subsurface treatments are simply not good enough for this class of car, and just knowing it isn't up to class standard would bother me if I laid out the significant expense required to purchase one. Yet I know not all luxury car buyers share my obsessive compulsion over plastics quality. Those that don't care about such "minor" irritations will love the new E500. It's near perfect in most every other way, having pampered me royally one minute before thrilling all senses the next. In the end it's a superb car that just needs a little more money spent on a few extruded plastic details.
Specifications:
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| While the interior is gloriously designed with fantastic switch gear, if you poke around a bit deeper you come across cheap feeling plastic and exposed bits and pieces that should be hidden from sight. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP):$81,500 - $109,020
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, RWD (opt AWD)
- Opt Engine: 302-hp, 339 lb-ft, 5.0-L, 24-valve, SOHC V8
- Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight (min/max): 1,730 kg (3,815 lb)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 5.9 seconds
- Top Speed (electronically limited): 209 km/h (130 mph)
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy):11.4 / 7.3 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 60/120,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Audi A6, Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac Seville, Chrysler 300C, Infiniti M45, Lexus GS 430, Lincoln LS, Volkswagen Passat W8, Volvo S80
- Web Site: www.mercedes-benz.ca
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