The 2005 Mercedes-Benz E500 wagon was equipped with the automaker's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which provided improved handling, stability, and traction in all types of driving conditions. In addition, the wagon came with third-row seating that folded down to provide additional cargo space.
Power for the E500 wagon was provided by a 5.0-liter V8 engine, which produced 302 horsepower. The engine was linked to an efficient seven-speed automatic transmission equipped with the Touch Shift feature, which enabled the driver to upshift and downshift manually by nudging the shift lever left or right.
The E500 wagon was well-equipped with both luxury features and high-tech mechanical systems, including a self-leveling system, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and an Electronic Stability Programming (ESP) anti-skid system. It also came with the automaker's TeleAid emergency communication and assistance program.
Other standard features included leather seats with power adjustment in the front, wood interior trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, multi-zone automatic climate control, dual front and side airbags, power windows, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, and an AM/FM audio system with a CD player.
A DVD-based navigation system was among the options. 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 speed to maintain a set distance from the car you're following.
Drivers had mostly positive comments about the 2005 E500 wagon, citing its smooth ride, quick acceleration, responsive handling, and numerous creature comforts as among its positive features. The previous year's E500 had a number of mechanical problems, according to some drivers, but those problems appeared to have been fixed for the 2005 model year.
