After four years in production, Mercedes-Benz is presenting at the New York International Show the new generation of its E-Class. Some 2000 parts in the E-Class are new or further developments. The Saloon and Estate boast new bodystyling, the DIRECT CONTROL package, with more direct steering and a retuned suspension, and six new or enhanced engines. Maintaining the same level of fuel economy, these engines develop up to 26 percent more output and 18 percent more torque. The prices for the four and six-cylinder models remain unchanged.The bumper and radiator grille feature a pronounced V-shape, which epitomises power and forward motion. Mercedes‑Benz has enhanced the familiar twin-headlamp face of the E-Class by adding transparent louvres to the top section of the headlamps, producing a striking light effect when switched on. And for the first time white LEDs have been used as parking lights. Mercedes-Benz has further accentuated the dynamic appearance of the E‑Class on all model variants with side skirts and rear bumper in the AVANTGARDE design.
Interior Design
Inside, the new generation model differs from the outgoing model with new eye-catching colours, a new four-spoke steering wheel featuring elliptical thumb-operated buttons and a new control unit for the standard-fit THERMATIC automatic climate control. The Mercedes designers have also redefined the coordinated colour schemes, upholstery and materials.
Technology
Mercedes-Benz is fitting the new generation E-Class with flashing brake lights to prevent rear-end collisions. They warn the drivers behind more effectively than conventional brake lights when there is a risk of an accident. Mercedes-Benz has also consistently fine-tuned the occupant safety features on the E-Class.
Intelligent Light System: world premiere of new headlamp technology
The Intelligent Light System, available as an option for the Saloon and Estate, is based on the powerful bi-xenon headlamps and includes five different lighting functions: the new country mode provides brighter, further illumination of the offside verge than the previous low-beam headlamps. Here the driver’s range of vision is increased by around ten metres, which allows him to recognise other road users or obstacles earlier in the dark. The motorway mode, activated automatically at speeds above 90 km/h, produces an even light cone that extends to a range of up to 120 metres, illuminating the entire road width.
Diesel engines: noticeably more output from the four-cylinder engines
While fuel consumption remains consistently low at just 6.3 litres per 100kilometres, the output of the E 200 CDI has been increased by 10 kW/14 hp to 100 kW/136 hp. Maximum torque has been increased from 270 to 340 Nm.
The new E 220 CDI develops a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm, around 14 and 18 percent respectively more than the outgoing model. Meanwhile the new six-cylinder diesel engine in the E 320 CDI (165 kW/ 224 hp) now provides even more torque: peak torque has been increased from 510 to 540 Nm.
From model year 2007 Mercedes-Benz intends to launch the first diesel production vehicle in the USA with the trailblazing BLUETEC technology, which will provide further remarkable reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions. The future E 320 BLUETEC will be the world’s cleanest diesel, using 20 to 40%percent less fuel than comparable petrol-engined vehicles. In Europe Mercedes-Benz plans to launch BLUETEC in a passenger car model by 2008.
Petrol engines: more powerful supercharged engine and new eight-cylinder engine
The four-cylinder engine in the E200 KOMPRESSOR delivers 12.5 percent more output than before: 135 kW/184 hp. At the same time, maximum torque has been increased to 250 Nm.
From mid-2006, the E-Class engine range will be headed by the newly developed 5.5-litre eight-cylinder engine from the S-Class with an output of 285 kW/388 hp. Compared with the previous V8, the new engine delivers 26 percent more output. At 530 Nm the torque also comfortably exceeds the maximum for the preceding engine by around 15 percent. The new E 500 delivers the performance profile of a sports car: the Saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the previous E 500.
The new E 63 AMG from the Mercedes-AMG stable is fitted with a naturally aspirated V8 engine delivering 378 kW/514 hp and maximum torque of 630 Nm. The E 63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class of all times.
DIRECT CONTROL: package for even more dynamic driving pleasure
Increasing the direct steering by around 10 percent makes the E‑Class more responsive to steering movements. The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models also come with rebound buffer springs, which effectively limit body roll when cornering. The DIRECT CONTROL package also includes a new gearshift linkage system for the six-speed manual transmission for high gearshifting comfort and precision.
