New Car Review of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz E Class Mid-Size Luxury Sedan and Wagon.

Description: Mid-Size Luxury Sedan and Wagon
Base MSRP Range: $47,450 - $77,650
Invoice Price Range: $44,129 - $72,215

A total of seven different models cluster behind the E Class banner of mid-size luxury sedans and wagons in the Mercedes line for 2004.

Included is optional new AWD equipment -- called 4Matic in Mercedes nomenclature with 40/60 percent front/rear torque split. The 4Matic system is offered on the two E Class wagons, E320 and E500. Also new to the E Class is a high-performance sports sedan dubbed E55 AMG. It totes a 5.5-liter V8 built by the Mercedes tuner AMG and fitted with a Lysholm supercharger and crossfire intercooler. Power for E55 AMG reaches to 469 hp with a five-speed automatic featuring manual TouchShift mode. E320 as a sedan with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction is the volume model, while the E500 RWD sedan is a performance model with keen handling traits. E320 takes its name from a 3.2-liter V6 engine that's good for 221 hp with the Mercedes five-speed automatic and TouchShift manual mode. E500 stocks a 5.0-liter V8 charged to 302 hp. It also brings the new seven-speed automatic transmission. Besides electronic braking, both sedans carry a four-link front suspension coupled to the Airmatic device with selectable levels of comfort and ride height.

A five-seat cabin draws on fine leathers and rich polished hardwoods, and high-tech Mercedes options appear like the Keyless Go entry system, Distronic adaptive cruise control, a twin-window Panorama Sunroof and energy-generating solar panels, plus bi-xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and a DVD-based navigation system.