The E-Class received its last complete overhaul in '96, but the company has updated it continually to keep it fresh and competitive in the marketplace. Model-year 2000 brought new exterior fascias and revised interior controls, plus M-B's TouchShift sequential automatic trans. The E430 relies on the same 4.3L/275-hp SOHC V-8 that powers the S430 full-size sedan and the ML430 sport/utility. Its base price of $53,200 includes a lot: 10-way power-memory seats, Tele Aid emergency communications system, and a Bose audio package, for example, though the last doesn't include even a CD changer. Our black- over-charcoal leather E430 had few options: a moonroof/rain-sensing wipers package ($1225) and the Sport Package (revised front/rear/side fascias, a bit less chrome exterior trim, handsome 17-in. AMG wheels, upgraded tires) at $4090. With delivery charge, the total came to $59,160.
BMW's 5 Series was an amazing advancement of the art of sport sedans when it came out in '97; the rest have been playing catch up, with varying degrees of success, ever since. It's required few changes over its life to remain a class leader, though it received a minor facelift this year. Highlights are those cool-looking parking light rings in the headlights, which complement a revised front fascia and grille. The taillights and side moldings are also freshened. The optional nav system gets a wider screen, and an in-dash CD player is now available.
The 540i's 4.4L/282-hp V-8 is one of our favorites, and it can be had with either a five-speed Steptronic automatic (as ours did) or a six-speed manual transmission. There's a lot of standard gear included in the $51,100 price, such as Xenon headlights, Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Brake Control (on top of ABS and traction control), and BMW's Head Protection System side-curtain airbags. Plus, $2800 gets you a Sport package that includes a performance-calibrated torque converter for the Steptronic trans, a numerically higher rearend ratio, 17-in. wheels and tires, sport seats with articulated thigh bolsters, stiffer springs/shocks/anti-roll bars, a multifunction M sport steering wheel, and black chrome exterior trim. Our tester also had the $600 cold-weather package, a rear sunshade at $575, fold-down rear seats with a ski bag at $475, an $1800 nav system, Premium sound for $1200, and a $645 destination charge. This car affords you the privilege of paying $1300 to the government in the form of a Gas-Guzzler Tax. All in, our almost-as-cool-as-an-M5 540i Sport set the high price limit for this roundup at $60,495.
At The Test Track
Other than a nav system here and a miscellaneous option there, these test cars were as well matched as any magazine ever gets: All V-8s with automatic trans, ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, 17-in. wheels/tires, each company's sport package and/or sport suspension offering, and a less than 10-percent variance in horsepower ratings. They turned in amazingly similar performances, though each had something to brag about.
Lexus' 300-horse GS handily won the acceleration game, with a 0-60-mph sprint just 1/100th away from six seconds flat-yup, that's 6.01 for a fully loaded five-passenger luxo sedan with an automatic trans. And it's sure quiet about it, too; the VVTi (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) equipped V-8 speaks in hushed, velvety tones, though it takes a careful launch to avoid some wheelspin upon takeoff. The fact that it gets to 60 at the very top of second gear helped it notch the quick number, and you'll love hitting your favorite off-ramp because of it.
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