04 Dec 06
The original E-Class from the 80s and into the 90s was nothing short of a legend. For build quality and reliability it was unmatched and even today buyers actively seek out the very best examples. The 1995 E-Class that followed it was underwhelming in so many respects. Firstly it looked as though it had melted. But more worryingly, Mercedes' commitment to quality was found wanting, and an embarrassing number of customers were subjected to the full breakdown experience - an experience that should have been warded off by the three-pointed star on their bonnet.
Mercedes had to do something. That something was this car, the 2002-2006 E-Class, which was a tad smaller than the previous generation in both width and length yet still had plenty of space inside. Mercedes inserted lots of reinforcements to up the strength and make sure that this was one the safest cars an executive could own. Smart use of aluminium panels, including the bonnet, boot lid and front wings, ensured the weight did not increase.
Mercedes also raised the gadget quotient, most notably with the optional Airmatic suspension, which made the E better to drive as you could program in sportiness or comfy softness. Plus there was Thermotronic air-con giving four individual climate zones and the Multicontour system to give you a massage. Utterly unnecessary but proof that Mercedes was taking its customers seriously again.
