Driven: Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI Avantgarde (’03 W211)
Hello everyone!
In the next few lines, I’ll be describing my thoughts on a car that, on the first place, I should not like very much.
And why is that? Well, put simple, I do not like big, heavy cars. This E-Class is almost 5 metres long and more than 2 metres wide, so, for me, there is a lot to dislike. And, unlike most people, who think “big and heavy is safer”, I think the opposite way. Of course, if you have more metal in front of you, it’s harder for, say, a wall get to you. But the sensation of inertia that a big mass carries on while moving is something that makes me feel… uncomfortable.
But no, the reason which makes me like it it’s not the brand, MY brand, my beloved Mercedes-Benz star! It’s something beyond that.
Since the forties that Mercedes-Benz has a car on this segment, even if, back then, it was called 170V. Since then, the E-Class has always been the benchmark of the Executive cars, and, for many, the first Mercedes which come to mind when asked about a model of the three-pointed star brand. So, it is useless to say it’s a very special car, extremely developed in technical ways. Well, the first production units were not that well developed, as many electronic misfires caught surprised a lot of E-Class owners.
The unit I drove is a 2003 E 220 CDI, bought about one year after the launch. At that time, Mercedes-Benz already had solved most electronic “bugs”, and this car has been trouble-free during all its intensive life. Welcome back, Mercedes-Benz quality!
It’s a gorgeous car. It was back then, and I think it still is, despite having being too much exposed. It’s classic, sophisticated lines are a perfect symbiosis of timeless elegance with a dynamic touch. I even think the 2006 facelift is a bit worse; it has too many useless details, like it’s trying too hard. The original W211 Avantgarde does not need any of them.
Quality perception is extremely high: from the radiator grille to the interior air-vents, it seems everything was built to last forever. Yet, there are a couple of modest plastics, but, as they are sow few, and are strategically-located (so no one will touch them very often…), that’s not a problem. Built quality is as good, and so is the interior presentation. Everything is where you expect it to be, buttons offer a nice touch and there is plenty of standard equipment, but the options list is… well, it’s a Mercedes-Benz options list: as long as expensive. And I mean really expensive: once I went to the main Mercedes-Benz website and “built my own E-Class”. After adding EVERY single option, their amount was actually higher than the car’s basic price! And my “basic” car was the E 500… But then, I even ordered an heated (!!!) steering wheel and designo variable-color paint… It’s ridiculous. Truth be told, you only need a couple of options: the fantastic-looking Avantgarde equipment line, leather seats and metallic paint. In some versions, this equipment already comes as standard.
But how does it drive? My first (unfortunately bad) surprise came as I switched the ignition on. The cold engine immediately made itself very present on the inside, and not with a pleasant note. More like the familiar white-van cars… Things go better as it warms up, until it gets to be unnoticed. At motorway speeds it’s very quiet on the inside, extremely comfortable and highly refined, with no real perception of the speed you are travelling at. It’s also economical, managing to average under 7 l/100km (34 mpg) at around 120 km/h (75 mpg).
But the real amazing surprise comes when you take it to secondary roads. Despite being heavier and larger than the facelift W203 C-Class, and with slightly longer gear ratios, the engine always feels more responsive. It also feels much more interactive than the numb Elegance W203 I reviewed; it’s actually fun to drive! The driver always feels more connected, like he is part of the action, and with superbly controlled body movements, it’s a joy to corner with it. Even so, comfort is something always present, and, together with the already-mentioned quality perception, you always feel you’re in a very special, safe car. On a motorway journey, under extremely heavy rain, it always felt planted, like nothing could affect its integrity. Just brilliant.
So, it is very good on a twisty road and brilliant on the motorway, as well as at the urban jungle. It’s roomy, versatile, there are plenty of storage places and it’s economical. After driving the 2008 Audi A6, I still think the E-Class is the best executive car!
Verdict: the safest bet on the executive car world.
Vital data:
Engine and transmission:
2148 cc, inline-4 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder, turbo (Diesel)
150 hp/4200 rpm
340 Nm/2000 rpm
Red line: 4750 rpm
6-speed manual transmission
Dimensions and weights:
Empty weight: 1610 kg
Boot: 540 litres
Petrol tank: 65 litres
Official performance:
Top speed: 217 km/h (136 mph)
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 10,1 seconds
Fuel consumption (urban/extra-urban/average): 8,8/ 5,0/ 6,3 l/100km (27/ 47/ 37 mpg)
2000 rpm, 5th gear: 95 km/h (59 mph)
2000 rpm, 6th gear: 115 km/h (72 mph)
Price in 2003: around 60k €
Driven: 2003 – today
Main equipment: Avantgarde equipment line, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, metallic paint, alarm, dual front, side and window airbags.
Rate: 16 out of 20
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