ra OS < ep Greg Wilson THE MID-SIZE Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans, the E320, E420, and E3090 Diesel, have been redesigned for 1996 and have created quite a stir in the luxu- ry car market — not vecause they’re bigger, safer, and more modern than the previous model (which had been around for 10 years), but hecause they are so dif- ferent from other Mercedes-Benz sedans. The styling of the new E- Class is unusually bold when compared with other Mercedes-Benz sedans. In addition, the new E-Class has sportier handling, improved steering and a smoother ride. ‘These changes were designed to make the E-Class appeal io younger customers —- that is, buyers in their 40s, rather than 50s and 60s. The E-Class is now a car for up-and-coming executives and professionals who want a Mercedes-Benz with a more © upbeat image, perhaps more like a BMW 5-series or a Jaguar XJ6. While the new styling is bold, it’s not unduly so. The large twin oval headlamps (which contain low beams and turn signals) and two smaller lamps (high beams) are the most distinctive fea- ture of the E-Class. Some - people like them (trendset- ters), and some people don’t (traditionalists). I like them, I think. . Compared to the previous E-Class, the new E-Class has a coupe-like silhouette, a wider stance, a longer whecl- base, and a more cab-forward design. The windshield has been moved forward and the hood now sweeps down towards 4 distinct chromed gritle separated from the famous three-pointed emblem, Handsomely execut- ed, in my opinion. My only criticism of the styling is the rather gencric- looking taifights and plain tail design which doesn't quite fit with the rest of the car. At the moment, the E- Class is available in one body style only: a four-door sedan. The previous E-Class was also available us a coupe, cabriolet, and station wagon. In terms of dimensions, the new sedan is 55 mm (2.2 inches) longer and 60 mm (2.4 inches) wider. Most of that extra length is in the wheelbase which contributes to a significant increase in interior room. Rear seat legroom has been increased by almost 70 mm (2.8 inch- es). The interior of the E320 is iuxurious but conservative. Features include standard leather upholstery, burl wal- mut trim, dual zone tempera- ture control, and an eight- speaker AM/FM cassette sound system. A rew 200 watt, eight-speaker Bose cas- sette sound system is stan- dard on the E420 and option- al on the E320 and E300 Diesel. You’d expect a CD changer to be standard on a Yes! A 4x4 convertible 1267/PA0. » Short 36 mos. SmartLease. 0.A.C. with your trade (or cash) of $2,000 down, taxes exira, wk 4X2 $11,612 THINK 4X4i AThe number one, very best passenger carrying tow vehicle around - and you “Abed can take a whole baseball team up the | \ ) mest treacherous mountain road ; oy — Almost anywhere! THINK EXTRA AXA lore features, _ Photo submitted THE 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-320 offers sporty, dis- tinctive styling, more interior room, improved steer- jing and handling, and a choice of six-cylinder gaso- line or diesel engines cr a gasoline V8. Test drive the new Mercedes at Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc., 1375 Marine Dr. North Vancouver (984-9351). $65,000 car. but it's optional. Optionat on the E320 is Acceleration Slip Control, a more advanced traction con- trol system that detects wheel slippage and counteracts it by braking one of the rear wheels and reducing engine power. In addition, the E420 offers Electronic Stability Program, a sophisticated vehicle control system that monitors vehicle yaw (the speed at which the car rotates around its vertical axis) as well as steering angle and fat- eral acceleration. Should the - E420 start to spin, the ESP system will usc the ABS and ASR systems to regain con- trol. This system really works. E320 models come with a 217 horsepower inline six- cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and vari- able intake-valve timing. The E300 Diesel offers a very advanced 134 horsepower six-cylinder diesel engine with dual cams and 24 valves. And the top-of-the-line E420 has a 275 horsepower 4,2-titre V8 engine with twin cams, 24 valves and variable valve timing. The six-cylinder engine in my E320 test car exhibited smooth, powerful accelera- tion accompanied by a muted sporty roar. This engine has “Jong legs” — lots of torque and lots of revs — but as in most German cars, accelera- tion off the line is gentle but not quick. In my opinion, the six-cylinder has plenty of power for this car — the V8 is a luxury. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the E320 and E300 Diesel while the E420 offers a five- speed automatic. My test car exhibited some tranny whine in first gear but changes were generaliy very smooth. Though the E320 offers improved handling, it still feels heavy, there’s sorne lean in the corners and more of a “floating” ride than you'll find in comparable BMWs. Mercedes-Benz held down the price of the new model. Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the E-Class ° sedans are as follows: E320 $64,750; E300 Diesel’ $58,500; F420 $73,300. 96 CHEVY BLAZE Last years Motor Trend VEAR TRUCK OF THE (our “feature 4x4” pictured below} SAVE :2,500 THD ROW on 9°in stock” 2 & 4 door vehicles. For great, great value and selection! more truck — but — less money than you think! 4X4! THINK (uid! WHO TO CALL: 985-2131 (147) SERVICE (MECHANICAL & t Auto Editor Andrew McCredie i ks CEA SIGINT rere & USED PARTS ODY PARTS