Before Mercedes began creating its recent string of high-tech road rockets,its principal claim to fame was as a first-class luxury liner. That hasn't
changed in the modern era.
German cars, this make included, are sometimes criticized for a perception
of Spartanism, a chilly sort of luxury. It's true that Mercedes refrains
from overt ostentation. But it's hard to think of this car's quietly sophisticated
interior as cold.
Tasteful use of burl walnut wood trim and a matching color scheme make
the E420's interior easy on the eyes. Dual front airbags face front bucket
seats, and two more airbags reside in the front door trim panels to help
protect against side impacts. Leather seat covering is standard for the
E420 and E320, optional for the E300D.
A laundry list of standard equipment includes all of the usual comfort
and convenience suspects, including all the power-operated amenities. Chief
among them are some of our favorites, such as keyless remote entry, integrated
universal garage door opener, automatic dual-zone climate control with
a charcoal particulates filter (very nice for those of us with hay fever),
and an anti-theft system.
But then, this being Mercedes, we get a few decidedly non-standard standard