Mercedes-Benz E-class W211 E 320 CDI (204 Hp) 5G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.3 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz E-class:

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive cars manufactured by German automaker Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. Produced since September 1953, the E-Class falls as a midrange in the Mercedes line-up, and has been marketed worldwide across five generations.
Before 1993, the E suffix in Mercedes-Benz model names referred to Einspritzmotor when in the early 1970s fuel injection began to proliferate beyond its upper-tier luxury and sporting models. By the launch of the facelifted W124 in 1993 fuel injection was ubiquitous in Mercedes engines, and the E was adopted as a prefix. The model line is referred to officially as the E-Class. All generations of the E-Class have offered either rear-wheel drive or Mercedes' 4Matic four-wheel drive system....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W211 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz E-class (W211). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1660 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.7 s). The top speed reaches 243 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2002
Adult Occupant 33 points
Stars 5
Expert Note:
The W211 E-class achieved an excellent 5-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating strong adult occupant protection for its time, reflecting Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety.

E 320 CDI (204 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Excellent blend of power and refinement, providing strong acceleration and smooth operation.

Fuel Economy

Very good fuel efficiency for its power, making it a highly economical choice for daily use and touring.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
  • • High-quality interior materials and build
  • • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines (especially diesels)
  • • Strong safety features and Euro NCAP rating
  • • Timeless and elegant design
  • • Advanced technology for its era (e.g., Airmatic suspension, COMAND)

Cons:

  • • Complex electronics can lead to costly repairs (e.g., SBC brakes, Airmatic)
  • • Rust issues, particularly on early models
  • • Some petrol engines (e.g., M272/M273) had known balance shaft issues
  • • Higher running costs compared to some rivals
  • • Older automatic transmissions (5G-TRONIC) can feel less refined than newer units

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W210: September, 1996 - July, 1999).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:E-class
Generation:W211
Modification (Engine):E 320 CDI (204 Hp) 5G-TRONIC
Start of production:September, 2002
End of production:April, 2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:204 Hp @ 4200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:63.3 Hp/l [23mm more]
Torque:500 Nm @ 1800-2600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:OM 648.961 More details about the engine OM 648.961
Engine displacement:3222
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:12.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:88 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88.3 mm mm
Compression ratio:18:1
Maximum engine speed:4600 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):9.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):5.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 3
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.7 sec
Maximum speed:243 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.1 kg/Hp, 122.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.3 kg/Nm, 301.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1660
Max. weight:2260
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:600
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:540 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1900 kg
Fuel tank capacity:80 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Ramp-over (brakeover) angle:12.5°
Length:4818 mm mm [23mm more]
Width:1822 mm mm [23mm more]
Height:1452 mm mm [15mm more]
Wheelbase:2854 mm mm [21mm more]
Width including mirrors:1990 mm
Front track:1559 mm
Rear (Back) track:1552 mm
Front overhang:831 mm
Rear overhang:1133 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):145 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.4 m [above average]
Approach angle:16.7°
Departure angle:17°
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs, 312x28 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 300x10 mm [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size225/55 R16; 245/45 R17
Wheel rims size7.5J x 16; 8J x 17
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz E-class, what would it be?