2000Mercedes-BenzE55Mercedes-Benz E552000 Mercedes-Benz E55SedanSedanRWDGermanyThough it might not look different, the E55 receives the same substantial freshening for 2000 that other E-Class models get, which includes an entirely new front end and a revised interior. A Touch Shift automanual transmission and side airbags for all outboard seating positions are now standard. A multi-function steering wheel debuts, and TeleAid, a cellular emergency service, comes with the package for 2000. Thankfully, the confounding COMAND system is optional. Hard-charging drivers will be happy to learn that free maintenance is provided for the duration of the warranty period. Bottomless reserves of power, passive/aggressive personality, roomy and comfortable interior.High price, optional COMAND system, no manual transmission.Seventy grand will buy plenty of sedan these days. Buyers shopping in this stratosphere can select from prestigious and powerful models from Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. Some of these exclusively priced executive cars boast more luxury than performance, while others can coddle but are primarily focused on transporting people and their goods at warp speed. Examples of this latter breed include the upcoming BMW M5, the rapidly aging Jaguar XJR, and the subject of this tale, the AMG-massaged Mercedes-Benz E55. What makes the E55 special and worth a premium over the less expensive E430? How does 349 horsepower and 391 ft-lbs. of torque from a 5.5-liter V8 grab you? That's 74 more ponies and 96 more ft-lbs. of twist than the rightfully quick E430 spins out, and the result of all that thrust is incredibly rapid transit. From a standstill, 60 mph comes up in just 5.4 seconds, and the E55 keeps pulling strong well into triple-digit territory, topping out at an electronically limited 155 mph. But the E55 isn't just fast. It handles too. The double-wishbone front and five-link rear suspensions are beefed up with thicker solid stabilizer bars for a flatter cornering stance. Gigantic 18-inch ultra-performance tires are mounted to purposeful AMG Monoblock alloy wheels. Power rack-and-pinion steering is responsive, but no more so than the more pedestrian E430. Like other 2000 E-Class models, the E55 is equipped with standard ABS and Brake Assist working through massive vented discs front and rear. All-speed traction control keeps the rear wheels from setting themselves afire during quick starts, and stability control keeps you on the straight and narrow if you get in over your head. A Touch Shift automanual transmission can't really substitute for the thrill of rowing your own gears, but with the abundant luxury exhibited by the E55's cabin, this is actually OK. Standard gear includes the usual upscale fare found on lower-level E-Class models, and adds niceties such as power sunroof, multi-adjustable sport seats dressed in unique two-tone premium leather, black birdseye maple wood trim, and an automatic climate-control system with active charcoal filter and smog sensor. New for 2000 is TeleAid, which can summon help in the event of a medical emergency or accident, but don't bother the live operator for excuses to get out of speeding tickets when a black-and-white has you on the shoulder of your favorite twisting canyon road. And this will happen, eventually. Skip the optional COMAND system, which groups navigation, stereo, trip computer and integrated telephone functions into a single, difficult to understand unit operated using a small dash-mounted screen. COMAND is confusing, and distracts the driver from the task at hand. Get yourself a good atlas of the U.S. and the newly optional StarTAC digital cell phone with voice-recognition technology. Deceptively fast, with exceptional handling and astounding braking, this E55 is the Benz for those who love to drive. But the competition has enticing, though not as exclusive, sedans at this price too. Pick wisely. BMW M5Cadillac SevilleJaguar XJRLexus GS450,000450,000UnlimitedUnlimited450,0005.4 sec.121 ft.0.8785.5 litersV8349 hp @ 5500 rpm391 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm189.4 in.70.8 in.56.9 in.3746 lbs.111.5 in.37.6 in.37.2 in.56.3 in.57.1 in.54.9 in.55.9 in.41.3 in.36.1 in.15.3 cu.ft.StandardNot AvailableStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedAcceptableNot Tested21.1 gal.16 mpg / 23 mpg338 mi. / 485 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$64,914$69,8007.35%$645N/A3% of the Total MSRPE55 (5A): 5.5L V8 SOHC SMPI 24-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; driver's selectable multi-mode transmission; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 2.82 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; sport-ride suspension, auto ride control electronic stability control, adjustable shocks, front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, premium front shocks, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, premium rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 21.1 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front power sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; front and rear body-colored bumpers with body-colored rubber strip, chrome bumper insert; body-colored bodyside molding with chrome bodyside insert, rocker panel extensions; monotone paint; aero-composite high intensityheadlamps with washer, delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; front 18" x 8" silver alloy wheels rear 18" x 9" silver alloy wheels; P245/40ZR18 performance BSW front tires; 275/35ZR18 performance BSW rear tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat/AC ducts, auto air recirculation; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, in-dash CD pre-wiring, 8 premium speakers, speed sensitive volume, theft deterrent, and window grid antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 1 power accessory outlet, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, garage door opener, emergency "S.O.S"; instrumentationdisplay includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, systems monitor, trip odometer; warning indicators include water temp, battery, oil pressure, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, service interval, low brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's door mounted side airbags, overhead airbag; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function; heated jet variable intermittent front windshield wipers, rain detecting wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster, rear power blind; seating capacity of 5, heated-cushion/back front premium bucket seats, power adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 10-way power adjustment, power 2-way lumbar support; rear bench seat with adjustable headrests, center armrest, with storage;front and rear height adjustable seatbelts with front pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood trim on instrument panel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob; memory on driver's and passenger's seats with 3 memory setting(s) includes settings for exterior mirrors, steering wheel, headrests; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights, 4 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, dual auxiliary visors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel covered bin, 2 seatback storage pockets, refrigerated box, driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, carpeted trunk lid, cargo light, cargo tie downs; chrome grille, black side window moldings, blackfront windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.