So I assume that you either own or have driven an E-Class for a
sustained (ie more than just a day) period of time as to judge it
as such? The braking performance of the W211 E-Class is actually
top notch, namely considering its a brake-by-wire system (known as
the SBC in Mercedes terms) and I would say that the braking is far
from "having problems" stopping a vehicle weighing 1560kg (less in
the case of the E200K).
Just for comparision a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 weighs 1480kg,
and considering just the amount of finishing and features that goes
into producing an E, it is not "damn heavy" either. The steering
feels like it needs more effort to use as it has more feedback and
hence it is not artificially light as with many Japanese compacts,
which are 'easier' to manouver in traffic and such but infact
severly lacking from needed feedback and proper 'feel' around the
bends.
