2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Buying Resources:
2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review:
At times, it may be difficult to distinguish between Mercedes
models. After all, each one of them can be counted on to work
day in and day out, and every single model has a high degree
of comfort, safety and style. And though they don’t all use
the same engine, speed is usually a given.
When you stop at the E-Class, you’ve reached one of the more
well-rounded Mercedes-Benz models in terms of refinement and
power. As the manufacturer puts it, the E-Class offers European
sophistication and performance, combining the best of sedan
luxury with the comfort of a wagon.
Mindful E-Class observers will certainly find something odd
with that last remark…yes, that’s right, the E-Class is now
offered as a wagon. But that’s just the beginning of the changes
for 2004. Also new is available all-wheel drive, a revolutionary
new transmission system and more options.
Under the Hood
That new transmission is an industry-first 7-speed automatic
system with improved acceleration and fuel efficiency, which
Mercedes also offers with a few other 2004 vehicles. With
the E-Class, the rear-wheel drive E500 is the lucky model
privy to the new transaxle. Others use a 5-speed automatic
setup. Both transmissions have a manual shift gate; the E55
adds manual-shift steering-wheel buttons.
E320 models feature a 3.2-liter V6 engine. It pumps out 221
horsepower at 5700 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm.
E500 models make quite a jump in strength. Their 5.0-liter
V8 engine delivers 302 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 339 lb-ft
of torque at 2700 rpm.
E55 models practically leap out of the building. Under their
hood is a 5.4-liter supercharged V8. Get this: it cranks out
an astounding 469 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 516 lb-ft of
torque at 2650 rpm.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Front and rear side airbags, head-protecting curtain side
airbags and Mercedes' TeleAid 24-hour assistance are standard.
So too are rain-sensing wipers with heated nozzles, air conditioning
with dual-zone automatic climate controls and much more.
For 2004, the optional bi-xenon headlamps are now steering-linked.
Also available are heated/ventilated front seats and Dynamic
Drive massaging front seats with bladders that inflate to
counter cornering forces.
Optional on sedans is a rear-obstacle warning system and
a twin-sunroof that features a solar-cell version running
an interior cooling fan.
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