THE MERCEDES-Benz
400E is the new flagship of
the mid-size 300 Class
sedans. There are now seven
different versions of the in-
termediate 300 Class cars,
ranging from the $58,000
300E 2.6 to the limited-
production $108,000 SOOE
super sedan.

The 400E may never have been
introduced if it hadn’t been for
increasing competition from V8-
powered luxury sedans like the In-
finiti Q45, Lexus LS400 and
Cadillac Seville. The six-cylinder
300E, while a competent mid-
sized luxury car, just doesn't quite
keep up with the V8 contenders.

The V8&-powered 400E, on the
other hand, qualifies as a luxury
performance sedan in almost every
respect. Its performance and lux-
ury features are equal to or better

ercedes Benz 400E

V8 power with luxury performance in automaker’s mid-size sedan

4&4 On the open road, the 400E feels
heavy, solid and stable.99

than those of its rivals, and it of-
fers the longstanding Mercedes-
Benz reputation for safety and
durability.

Price may be the 400E’s only
drawback. At $75,000, the 400E is
considerably more expensive than
other cars in this class.
Mercedes-Benz buyers, however,
are often willing to pay extra for
the perceived gains in quality,
safety and prestige.

The 400E borrows the 268-

ice us tested $74,750
Type five-passenger,

sedan
Layout longitudinal
rear-wheel drive
Engine 4.2-litre

front

2/DOHC, 32
valves, varied valve timing, LII elec-

v8,

horsepower 4.2-litre V8 engine
from the full-sized 400SE sedan.
The dual overhead cam 32-valve
4.2-litre V8 engine improves the
400E’s performance considerably,
even though the 400E is 165
kilograms heavier than the 300E.
The V8 engine is smooth and
vibration-free at idie, and offers a
noiseless, progressive surge of
power up to its 5,700 rpm redline.
Unlike most American and Japa-
nese cars, the 400E is not quick

off the mark, and the accelerator
pedal is not sensitive to sudden
kickdowns. -

Still, the 400E accelerates from
0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
That compares favorably with all
other cars in its class and is two
seconds better than the 3002's
time of 9.2 seconds. .

The four-speed automatic
transmission is smooth and im-
pressive, but somewhat reluctant
to change down to a lower gear
when abrupt passing manoeuvres
are required:

To handle the extra power of
the bigger and heavier: V8 engine,
Mercedes-Benz engineers beefed
up the 400E’s suspension, steering
and brakes. On the open road, the
400E feels heavy, solid and stable.
The ride is fluid and firm, and the
car tracks straight and true with
little need for steering adjust-
ments.

A fully independent suspension
system contributes to its compe-

tronic fuel injection

Horsepower 268 @ 5,700 rpm

Trunk space 414 litres/14.6 cu.ft.
Fuel economy City 14.9 L/100 kms,

four-door
. mpg
engine/

North Van

19 mpg; Hwy 10.1 L/100 kms, 28

Warranty Complete 4 yrs/80,000 kms
Inquise about
Mercedes-Benz,

the 400E at
1375 Marine Dr.,

Greg

TEST DRIVE

tent, predictabie handling which is
limited only by smalier-than-
average 195/65R 15-inch radial
tires. By the way, these tires are
mounted on handsome light alloy
wheels similar to those of the

See Interior page 48