Mercedes-Benz E420 sedan stings with power, stylish panache
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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In fast lanes of freeways that lace through Germany any speed will do, which explains why automakers in that country construct cars capable of sustaining for hours on end a triple-digit reading on the speedometer.
Latest sedan to bear the tri-star mark of Mercedes-Benz -- preeminent symbol of German automotive expertise -- not only can propel its passengers to excessive speeds in stable manner but at the same time envelop them in an elegantly stylish package which stocks world-class safety gear and incredibly luxurious interior comforts.
Labeled E420, the new Mercedes spins out of the staple mid-size platform radically redesigned last year and for the first time applies awesome force of a new V8 engine which kicks up 275 horsepower but caps the lid so tightly on fuel economy figures that no federal gas-guzzler tax applies.
This one scores among the world's finest sedans.
It clearly sets a new standard for performance and luxury in the mid-size class of elite imports.
To fully appreciate its scope, though, you must look beyond the dramatic exterior styling and tune into the car's surprisingly athletic personality.
My time behind the wheel began more than a year ago in Germany at the Stuttgart headquarters of Mercedes-Benz, where a pre-production prototype captured the eye with slipstream smooth shape featuring a dazzling face dressed with bold oval twin headlamps.
A subsequent spin on fast-paced German autobahns revealed this car capable of breath-taking speed while still maintaining a notably quiet cocoon inside for riders.
Later, at a California autocross course constructed on flat expanses of asphalt at the Palm Springs airport, another E420 prototype showed its prowess in out-cornering, out-maneuvering and out-accelerating a showy set of intended rivals from Europe and Asia.
First chance to drive production versions occurred last spring in the Texas Hill Country when steering E420 around a wiggly loop stretched from San Antonio to Fredericksburg, Kerrville and Bandera. All road constrictions were handled with such sure-footed finesse that actions implied to driver a can-do attitude with any linear trick possible.
Then a recent week of using E420 for everyday chores wrapped this writer in so much spoilable comfort that a return to more ordinary models made life dull and difficult.
What a way to go.
The E420 with V8 engine aboard becomes a 1997 extension of concepts originating in 1996 with the introduction of 6-cylinder E320 and a diesel derivative, E300. In model nomenclature of Mercedes-Benz, the mid-size E-Class sedans have three digits attached to signify engine size as expressed in liters -- which indicates for E420 that its big V8 displaces 4.2 liters.
Parameters for E420's platform are greater than the predecessor version in terms of wheelbase and track, as well as overall length, width and height.
The physical expansion of platform and shell generates more space inside for riders -- particularly in the rear seat where legroom enlarges by 2.6 inches.
This is a far safer vehicle too, thanks to structural changes like longer crumple zones, reinforcements in the rigid safety cell surrounding the passenger compartment, expanded conical side rails and 1-piece side panels which increase crumple space to offset side impact, plus the addition of front seat side airbags mounted to each door as well as two standard frontal airbags.
Anti-lock brakes and a traction control device show up on the long list of standard E420 features.
European cars emphasize active safety features -- mechanical equipment which works quickly and precisely so an alert driver may take actions to possibly avoid an accident through skillful maneuvering of the vehicle.
Adding exacting hardware to E420 like rack and pinion steering and a front suspension arranged with double wishbone design make for lively movements when threading a course through highway curves and road hazards.
As for power, there's such potential underfoot that a pedal stomp can knock your socks off.
The surge feels so great because E420 runs from stoplight to 60 mph in less than seven seconds, which ranks as remarkably quick for the hefty package.
Mercedes developed a new twin-cam engine for E420. It features an aluminum alloy block, variable camshaft timing for higher output and lower emissions, plus a sophisticated computer-controlled Motronic engine management system with direct ignition and multiple spark firing.
Output reaches to 275 hp, with engine torque extending as high as 295 lbs/ft.
To this pounder Mercedes has mated a new world-class automatic transmission with five forward gears and electronic controls which can adapt shift patterns to an individual's driving style.
A transmission computer analyzes changes in vehicle speed and driver demand from throttle, then automatically adjusts shift sequences to match highway conditions -- like eliminating pesky back-forth gear changes when climbing a long grade or delaying upshift during downhill descent to allow engine braking in the manner an active driver would apply a manual transmission.
This unit also will vary the shift pattern depending on how aggressively a driver plumps that pedal -- dropping down a gear, for instance, following quick and sporty kick to the accelerator.
It also adds a gated shift level for a hands-on driver to run through gears manually and exert even more control.
Inside E420, firm but enormously comfortable leather-clad front bucket seats stand between a center console.
Driver's seat conforms to fit the body through various tailored movements, including an inflatable air chamber which adjusts the length of the seat cushion. A standard package of electronic controls can store seat adjustment preferences for up to three different drivers, as well as settings for headrest height and positions of steering wheel and twin side mirrors.
An automatic climate system, security with remote entry and high-performance sound system appear among standards.
Although E420's base price of $49,900 runs to an exotic league, it undercuts rivals while applying more features.
1997 MERCEDES-BENZ E420
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| 1997 MERCEDES BENZ E420 VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Model Options: |
Mid-size luxury sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
111.5 inches |
| Overall Length: |
189.4 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.2-liter V-8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/5 |
| Drive: |
Rear |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS/ASR |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side) |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 49,900 to $ 57,000 |
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