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(from Mercedes-Benz
Press Release) Detroit – With the new E-Class,
Mercedes-Benz is presenting the pacemaker when it comes to safety,
comfort and environmental compatibility in this market segment. With
more than 20 new or further technical developments, this saloon
further consolidates the leading position of Mercedes-Benz in the
luxury class. They include trailblazing innovations for safe driving
that are available from no other manufacturer worldwide in this
combination. Examples include the standard Attention Assist,
Adaptive Main Beam Assist and automatic emergency braking, which is
activated when there is acute danger of a collision.
Mercedes-Benz has
improved the already exemplary long-distance comfort of the E-Class
even further in the new saloon, including intelligent bodyshell
technology with up to 30 percent greater rigidity, further improved
seats and a newly developed suspension whose shock absorbers
automatically adjust to the current driving situation. The optional
air suspension now works together with an electronic damping system.
The outstanding safety
and comfort of the E-Class are matched by its environmental
compatibility and economy: the four- and six-cylinder engines are
direct-injection units, and consume up to 23 percent less fuel than
before. The combined NEDC consumption of the new four-cylinder
diesel engines is just 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres, which
corresponds to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre. All the engines for
the new E-Cass meet the EU5 emission standard, and in the case of
the E 350 BlueTEC the emissions are already below the EU6 limits
planned for 2014 .
Apart from the engines,
the BlueEFFICIENCY package for the E-Class is in large part
responsible for a considerable fuel saving. Engineers from every
development department have worked together to optimise assemblies
and components, to save fuel by means of reduced weight, a new form,
improved functioning or efficient energy management.
The work done in the
wind tunnel was particularly successful, for with a drag coefficient
of only 0.25, the new E-Class is the world’s most aerodynamically
efficient luxury saloon. It betters the already good Cd figure of
the preceding model by another four percent, which represents a fuel
saving of around 0.25 litres per 100 kilometres when driving at a
motorway speed of 130 km/h. The aerodynamics are for example
improved by variable fan louvres, which control the airflow to the
engine compartment in line with requirements.
Other BlueEFFICIENCY
measures include newly developed tyres with up to 17 percent lower
rolling resistance, energy-saving control of the generator, fuel
pump, air conditioning compressor and power steering, and the ECO
start/stop functionwhich switches the engine of the new E 200 CGIoff
when idling. Displays in the speedometer inform the driver how much
fuel is being consumed (per 100 kilometres), and when he should
shift to the next higher gear in the interests of an economical and
environmentally conscious style of driving.
The range of engines
available for the new E-Class comprises four, six and eight-cylinder
units with outputs from 100 kW/136 hp to 386 kW/525 hp. The
four-cylinder engines are newly developed direct-injection units,
which develop a higher output and torque than the comparable
V6-engines of the preceding series despite a smaller displacement.
The strategy is to replace to replace large, naturally aspirated
engines with turbocharged units which excel with advantages such as
lower weight, reduced internal friction and more economical
operating characteristics.
Engines: new CDI-four-cylinder
units with a fuel consumption of just 5.3 litres
and 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre
With three completely
newly developed four-cylinder engines, the E-Class also remains one
generation ahead where diesel technology is concerned. These engines
feature latest-generation common-rail direct injection, fast piezo-electric
injectors, improved exhaust gas recirculation and an innovative twin
turbocharger, making for fast responsiveness and good performance
characteristics. To express this in figures, the E 250 CDI with 150
kW/204 hp and 500 newton metres develops a 25 percent higher torque
than the previous V6 diesel engine, but uses around 23 percent less
fuel at only 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC
consumption). This corresponds to 139 grams of CO2per kilometre.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine also powers the E 220 CDI with
125 kW/ 170 hp and the E 200 CDI with 100 kW/136 hp, also with a
fuel consumption of only 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
The top model in the new E-Class diesel range is the six-cylinder E
350 CDI with an output of 170 kW/231 hp, which uses 0.5 litres per
100 kilometres less fuel than the previous E 320 CDI. From autumn
2009 the V6 diesel will also be available as a BlueTEC model with
the world’s best emission control technology. The E 350 BlueTEC
develops 155 kW/211 hp and meets the EU6 exhaust emission standards
planned for 2014. All the other engine variants in the new E-Class
meet the EU5 limits.
Petrol engines: 20 percent fuel
saving thanks to direct injection
The E 200 CGIand E 250
CGIare equipped with the newly developed four-cylinder
direct-injection engine with a displacement of 1.8 litres,
turbocharging and variable intake and exhaust camshafts. The E 200
CGI(135 kW/184 hp) is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission
and the ECOstart/stop function as standard, and consumes only 6.8
litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC
consumption, provisional figure). This equates to 159 grams of
CO2per kilometre.
In the E 250 CGI(150 kW/204 hp), which has a five-speed automatic
transmission as standard, maximum torque is now 310 newton metres,
which represents an increase of more than 26 percent over the
previous V6-engine. At the same time the NEDC fuel consumption is
reduced by over 20 percent to 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres,
equating to 175 grams of CO2per kilometre (provisional figures).
As before, the E 350 CGI
with direct petrol injection (215 kW/292 hp) and the top-of-the-line
E 500 (285 kW/388 hp) are included in the range of engine variants
in the new E-Class. Detailed improvements have reduced the fuel
consumption of these V6/V8 models by up to 0.6 litres per 100
kilometres. As a product from Mercedes-AMG, the new high-performance
E 63 AMG develops 386 kW/525 hp.
The V6 and V8-models are
equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission and steering
wheel selector lever as standard.
On request the V6 models
E 350 CDIand E 350, as well as the eight-cylinder E 500, are
available with latest-generation Mercedes all-wheel drive. This
system distinguishes itself from previous all-wheel drive technology
with greater efficiency, lower weight and more compact construction.
These advantages produce noticeably better traction and fuel
savings.
Safety: "Intelligent” partner
thanks to unique combination of assistance
and protection systems
For more than 50 years,
the saloons in the E-Class and their predecessors have been
acknowledged as trendsetters in the safety field. The new saloon
continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very
latest assistance and protection system whose concept and
development are based on what actually happens during accidents.
These technologies make the E-Class an "intelligent partner"who can
see, feel, react reflexively in critical situations and if necessary
act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their
consequences. With this concept the new Mercedes model not only
protects its own occupants, but also contributes decisively to the
greater safety of other road users.
The new E-Class is the
first automobile in the world whose headlamps adapt to the traffic
situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling other drivers.
The optional Adaptive Main Beam Assist uses a camera on the
windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead,
and controls the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the
other vehicle. This achieves the best possible road illumination in
a given situation. The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be
extended from 65 to up to 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear,
the system performs a gentle transition to high beam.
Mercedes-Benz offers this new system as a light & sight package that
includes bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED
daytime driving lights.
The Lane Safety package
for the new E-Class includes Blind Spot Assist familiar from the
S-Class, and as a new development, Lane Keeping Assist which seeks
to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road unintentionally. When
the system recognises that the car is drifting from its lane, the
driver is prompted to take countersteering action by brief but
unmistakable vibrations of the steering wheel. The images from the
windscreen camera are also used by the new, optionally available
Speed Limit Assist , which recognises speed limit signs as the car
passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the
speedometer.
Night View Assist from
the S-Class is now also available as an optional extra for the new
E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has improved this system with a special
pedestrian detection function: as soon as Night View Assist Plus
recognises pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the
onboard display to provide a greatly enhanced warning effect.
Detection of drowsiness based on
70 parameters as standard
Thanks to an innovative
technology, the new E-Class has developed a highly sensitive means
of monitoring its driver’s attention level, and warns him of
drowsiness in good time. This new ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness
detection system, which is standard equipment, is equipped with
highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor more than 70
different parameters. Observing the driver’s steering behaviour has
proved to be a particularly strong indicator: several years of
practical research by Mercedes engineers have shown that drowsy
drivers make minor steering errors that can often be rapidly
corrected in characteristic ways. These corrections are recognised
by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor.
Automatic emergency braking when a
collision is imminent
The well-proven, radar
based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also optionally
available to E-Class customers. A further development of the
long-range radar sensor now has a range of 200 metres (previously
150 metres), and is able to monitor the mid-distance so that dynamic
events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out to overtake can
be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle short-range
radar sensors, which have a range of around 30 metres, continue to
be included in the system.
The radar-supported
systems are able to assist the driver with emergency braking. Their
sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which
automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision
in critical situations. The driver is given an acoustic and visual
warning at the same time. When the brake pedal is depressed, the
system immediately activates the calculated level of braking
assistance.
If the driver fails to
respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates partial
braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver
response and a collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is
initiated. This can considerably lessen the severity of an accident,
i.e. the system acts as something like an "electronic crumple zone".
Active bonnet, seven airbags and
PRE-SAFE® as standard
During the course of its
development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than 150
high-speed crash tests and a total of more than 17,000 realistic
crash simulations. The crumple zone principle invented by the
Mercedes safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously improved
by the engineers in Sindelfingen. The front-end deformation zone of
the E-Class acts on four independent levels, and is even more
effective than before. The increased use of highest-strength steel
alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to withstand
high impact forces. Around 72 percent of all the body panels are
made from these high-tech steels – yet another unrivalled figure in
passenger car development.
With seven airbags as
standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive
head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, the new E-Class
has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model.
Another new feature is the active bonnet, which is a continuation of
many years of commitment to pedestrian protection on the part of
Mercedes-Benz. It is standard equipment in the new E-Class. In the
event of an impact, a system of springs raises the rear section of
the bonnet by 50 millimetres within fractions of a second, thereby
increasing the available deformation space. Thanks to the cleverly
conceived mechanism, the driver is able to reset the active bonnet
to its normal position himself, without visiting a workshop.
Another standard feature
is the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. In
potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates
precautionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, so that
the seat belts and airbags are able to fulfil their protective
function to the full during an impact.
Comfort: Further progresses with
adaptive shock absorbers and improved air suspension
As in the safety field,
the E-Class has been setting the standards for long-distance comfort
in this vehicle class for several decades. Bettering the already
high level of the preceding series, Mercedes engineers have achieved
further advances with the new saloon – especially where ride,
seating and climatic comfort are concerned.
Standard equipment
includes a further improved suspension with adaptive shock
absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving
situation by reducing the damping forces when driving normally,
thereby noticeably improving ride comfort. When taking bends at
speed or during rapid evasive action, the system switches to the
maximum damping effect so that the saloon is stabilised to best
effect.
A version with dynamic
damping characteristics and a lowered suspension is available as an
optional alternative to the standard suspension (standard for the
AVANTGARDE line).
The air suspension
system optionally available for the V6 models (standard in the E
500/E 500 4MATIC) has for the first time been combined with an
electronically controlled damping system, which processes various
sensor signals and controls each wheel independently. In this way
Mercedes specialists have achieved significantly better ride comfort
while improving handling safety and agility at the same time. The
driver is able to select either comfort or sport mode at the touch
of a button.
Well-proven seat technology with a
new design
Where seat development
is concerned, Mercedes-Benz had added a new quality to a well
established Mercedes concept, namely padded seat piping – a
sophisticated and demanding upholstery technique that is only used
by Mercedes-Benz. This involves the insertion of an additional foam
filling under the fabric or leather cover, and gives an immediate
feeling of comfort and wellbeing when sitting in the car. There are
different versions of this padded seat piping: in the basic model
and AVANTGARDE line the upholstery is transversely contoured, while
the ELEGANCE line has longitudinal piping and is reminiscent of the
well-known and highly effective Mercedes seat design from the 1960s
and 70s.
Active multicontour seats with
massage function from the S-Class
The active multicontour
seat package (optional) includes newly developed multicontour seats
with comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the
backrest that has proven highly successful in the S-Class. Depending
on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed,
fast-acting piezo-electric valves on the air chambers in the
backrests vary their pressure and volume to give the driver and
front passenger even better lateral support.
On request the E-Class
is also available with a rear seat unit consisting of two
comfortable, single seats. This rear-seat comfort package includes
seat heating, leather upholstery, a centre console, comfort head
restraints, roller blinds in the rear doors, an electrically
operated roller blind for the rear window, comfort sun visors and a
through-loading facility to the boot.
Individual climatisation modes at
the touch of a button
Mercedes-Benz has
developed a climate control system for the E-Class which not only
allows individual temperatures to be set in three zones – for the
driver, front passenger and rear passengers – but also offers
different "climatisation modes". If this optional THERMOTRONIC
system is specified, the occupants of the new E‑Class are able to
select "Diffuse", "Medium"or "Focus"at the touch of a button, and
adapt the air volume and distribution to their personal preferences
without sacrificing the convenience of automatic mode. In standard
trim the new E-Class is equipped with the two-zone THERMATIC
automatic climate control system.
Design: Distinctive lines flow as
an expression of effortless grace and status
In 1995 the E-Class was
the first Mercedes model to appear with the highly acclaimed
twin-headlamp face – a highly symbolic design feature that still
characterises the identity of the E-Class. Nonetheless, the design
idiom has remained fluent even for this characteristic styling
feature, and has been adapted to suit the self-assured, masculine
overall appearance of the saloon. The designers have now
reinterpreted these four "eyes"as rectangles, with a direct
reference to the interesting geometrical shapes found in cubism.
They have the effect of precious gems that have been precisely set
into the wings. In the same way, the radiator grille with its
three-dimensional chromed surround, dynamic arrow-shape and more
upright position underlines the status of the car as the epitome of
a business saloon.
A sophisticated
interplay between lines and surfaces is one of the hallmarks of
today’s Mercedes design. Large concave or convex surface areas are
structured by taut, clearly defined lines. This design concept has
been perfected down to the last detail in the new E-Class. The flank
contours become connecting features that influence the entire body
design, i.e. not just the side aspects but also the front and
rear-end styling.
At the rear this
harmonious flow culminates in a new feature, namely a graceful line
that follows the rear wheel arches and lends a clear shape to the
imposing, muscular contours of the rear wings. Here Mercedes
aficionados will recognise styling features reminiscent of the
famous "Ponton Mercedes" introduced in 1953, which already
emphasised its sovereign character with these striking
contours at the time -- a symbolic feature, and at the same time a
hallmark of the E-Class that well illustrates how tradition is made
to harmonise with the future in this model series.
With typical Mercedes
attention to detail, the designers have also given great attention
to the interior of the new E-Class, ensuring that every feature
appeals in both emotional and functional terms with its form, colour
or material. The result is a harmonious whole – an atmosphere in
which the car’s occupants immediately feel safe and protected, and
long journeys can be taken without any feeling of effort or stress.
In short: Typically E-Class, welcome home.
Model range: High level of
standard appointments and individual variants
Individuality and
variety have always been two of the outstanding attributes of the
E-Class. The new saloon not only provides Mercedes customers with a
choice of ten engines and three suspension variants, but also two
design and equipment lines, 12 wheel/tyre combinations in 16, 17, 18
or 19-inch size, twelve exterior paint finishes and six different
seat upholstery materials in up to five colour combinations to suit
their individual preferences. The choice of interior trim has been
doubled versus the preceding series, with the range now including
high-gloss exotic wood, open-pored wood and aluminium trim.
Standard specifications
already include 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a nine-spoke design,
eucalyptus or embossed aluminium trim (optional) and a four-spoke
multifunction steering wheel lined in fine nappa leather with chrome
inserts. Also included in the standard equipment is the Audio 20 CD
infotainment system with a twin receiver, CD-player, eight
loudspeakers and a Bluetooth interface for a mobile phone. The
colour display in the centre of the dashboard can be operated by the
driver or front passenger, using the Controller on the centre
console.
The individualisation
programme for the E-Class is based on two design and equipment
lines. The ELEGANCE line lives up to its name with a decidedly
elegant, classic appearance. This is in part due to additional
features such as a chrome-plated radiator grille with four
silver-painted louvres, 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a ten
twin-spoke design, burr walnut trim and stylish ambient lighting
with fibre optics that frame the dashboard and door panels.
In contrast the
AVANTGARDE line shows the E-Class in a decidedly modern and
innovative light. This is ensured by additional standard features
such as bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System and LED
daytime driving lights, LED technology for all the rear lights,
17-inch light-alloy wheels in a five twin-spoke design, a special,
lowered suspension setup, ambient lighting and the instrument
cluster in a sporty tubular design. This model variant is also
distinguishable by its different bumper design and a chrome-plated
radiator grille with three glossy, black louvres.
Equipment packages: extras for the
discerning customer
In addition to the
design and equipment lines, the AMGsports package and the Exclusive
package offer more scope for equipping the new E-Class to personal
taste. These packages contain high-quality features that are mostly
not available in isolation.
In the AMG sports
packagethey include bumpers and side skirts in an AMGdesign, sport
seats with enhanced lateral support, contrasting decorative seams in
the seats and armrests, a three-spoke sports steering wheel with
shift paddles, a black roof lining, a lowered sports suspension ,
perforated disc brakes with the Mercedes logo and 18-inch
light-alloy wheels in an AMGdesign.
The Exclusive package
includes a wood/leather steering wheel, the roof lining, pillar
claddings and sun visors in Alcantara, the seat upholstery, armrest
and door panels in nappa leather, an attractively lined dashboard
with decorative seams and velours floor mats.
Market position: With
ten million models since 60 years the world’s most successful
business saloon
The new E-Class saloon is the successor to a Mercedes model that has
been successful throughout the world, and of which more than 1.3
million examples have been sold since 2002. In Germany more than 40
percent of all saloons in this market segment have an "E"in their
model plate, and in many western European countries this Mercedes
model series is the number one in the luxury class.Since 1947, when
the Model 170 V was introduced as the direct ancestor to the
E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has produced more than ten million saloons
belonging to this series. This makes the E-Class easily the world’s
most successful business saloon.
The new E-Class will
appear in the showrooms of the European Mercedes sales and service
outlets and dealerships in March 2009.
