2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 Base

The Mercedes-Benz E500 sedan, new for 2003, was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produced 302 horsepower. It was linked to a five-speed automatic transmission equipped with the Touch Shift feature, which enabled the driver to upshift and downshift by nudging the shift lever left or right.

Design-wise, the E500 was distingished by angled headlights, an arched roof, gently flared wheel wells, and sleek body lines. Drivers were complimentary about the E500's styling, calling it a refined and elegant car that handled well in both city and highway driving conditions.

The E500 was equipped with the automaker's TeleAid emergency communication and assistance program, as well as the Electronic Stability Programming (ESP) anti-skid system.

Other standard features included leather seats with power adjustment in the front, a multi-zone automatic climate control system, dual front and side airbags, power windows, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, and an AM/FM audio system with a cassette player, although a CD player was available as an option.

Other options included Dynamic Drive seats that adjusted automatically to support the driver under heavy cornering, a twin sunroof with power sunshades, and a smart cruise control system that automatically adjusted the vehicle's speed to maintain a set distance from the car it followed.

Drivers noted that the interior was particularly comfortable, although some decried the lack of an optional navigation system. Some drivers thought the car was over-engineered, insulating the driver from the feel of the road, but generally reported that it was a reliable vehicle.