 |
||
We have all seen the dealership, perched on the West side of I-35 just South of Shawnee Mission Parkway. The distinctive round showroom and expansive lot houses gorgeous luxury vehicles most of us can only dream about. As one of the premier luxury dealers in the Midwest, Aristocrat Motors is home to fantasy brands such as Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Porsche, Land Rover, Saab and Maybach. Sure, this is the destination for the super fast Porsche Carrera GT and the ultra luxury Maybach, both which live above the $300,000 stratosphere. Yet, what most people don't realize is that not all luxury vehicle brands are out of reach. For instance, one can experience a brand new Mercedes Benz C230 for around $26,000 or spend over $130,000 for the SL600 with its twin-turbo 12-cylinder powerplant. However most people enter the true luxury market with the "E-Class" Mercedes Benz. After drooling over the $320,000 Maybach on Aristocrat's showroom floor, I was fortunate to drive the 2004 Mercedes Benz E230 Sedan this week. Priced around the $50,000 range the E320 represents a logical destination for anyone searching for a true mid-size luxury car. The 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 is the latest rendition of the "E-Class" that debuted in 1986 as the 300E. Available as a sedan or wagon and in either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive 4Matic design, the E320 is sportier than earlier versions. Of course for an extra $30,000 the E55 AMG with its 349 horsepower V8 will rocket you from zero to sixty mph in under six seconds. But don't let the standard E320 six-cylinder design fool you. This 3.2 Liter V-6 cranks out 221 horsepower and produces an impressive 232 lb-ft of torque, which will still get you from a standing stop to 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds. Mere numbers don't explain the attraction of the 2004 Mercedes Benz E320. One purchases a Mercedes Benz for the tradition of quality, safety and luxury that can only be experienced by a Benz owner. As I listened for the familiar rock solid sound of the Mercedes Benz door shutting and crawled into the firm supportive seat, I felt transported into that experience of quality, safety and luxury. Easing southbound into I-35 traffic the E320 was reassuring in its uncompromising command of the road. Even in high blustery Kansas winds the E320 Sedan communicated a feeling of security and prestige that owners around the globe already know. The base E320 is well equipped with the expected luxury appointments that pamper occupants in an elegant environment of wood and leather. Intuitive easy to reach electric controls adjust almost everything about the heated leather seats right down to the headrest height for the ultimate fit. Mercedes Benz has historically been an innovator in advanced feature development. Many of the most exciting options are available on the "E-Class" such as Keyless Go, which allows you to unlock and start the vehicle without even removing a key from your pocket. From the exterior the view is just as satisfying. While sleeker and sportier than previous "E-Class" Sedans, classic beauty and the three-pointed star make it clear that you are in a Mercedes Benz. It is a statement that is timeless and universal in communicating that you care about quality, safety and luxury. The 2004 Mercedes Benz E320 Sedan is much more than the sum total of its features. The real value of this car is the knowledge that you possess what many consider the ultimate driving machine. With its timeless value and prestige, the E320 will always be safe bet for those who are looking at a true luxury sedan. Of course if you want to spend a little more, the S600 is awfully nice at more than twice the price. Whatever your budget, the staff at Aristocrat Motors will be very accommodating.
2004 Mercedes Benz E320 Sedan Base MSRP $48,170 Price as tested $51,160 3.2 Liter V-6 Engine
Providing Dealership:
Official Mercedes Benz USA Web Additional Web only Information and Resources For Additional Reviews: |
©2003 - Stan Risener