When last we got behind the wheel of the Mercedes E420 (Cartalk, Nov. 12,1995), it was a pre-production model undergoing a shakeout for the April 1996introduction as a 1997.
The only shake was during testing. The production model is solid–andloaded with safety systems. There are dual front and side-impact air bags;four-wheel ABS; automatic slip reduction (ASR), which applies the brake to aslipping wheel and reduces engine power to maintain traction control; andelectronic stability program (ESP), which uses multiple sensors to constantlymonitor vehicle yaw (lateral movement) as well as steering angle and lateralacceleration to automatically employ ABS and ASR to bring a vehicle undercontrol if it starts to spin or drift over a slippery surface. All thosefeatures are designed to provide confidence regardless of driving conditions.
In addition to the safety systems, the ’97 E420 boasts a 4.2-liter,275-h.p., V-8 teamed with 5-speed automatic rated at 18 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g.highway. The 4.2 offers more than ample power.
A nice touch includes headlamps that automatically go on for 30 secondsafter you exit the car and close the door to help light your way into thehouse. Obviously, the lights are meant to keep strangers at a distance, too.
You’ll also appreciate an air-conditioner duct in the center consolestorage compartment to keep candy bars from melting or the pop can cool onyour trip, and a first-aid kit that slips out of the rear seat armrest.
Base price: $49,900. Add $1,090 for a power glass sunroof, $1,495 forintegrated mobile phone and CD changer and $595 for freight.
