On the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new E-Class sedan. The new model will be available for order in Europe on January 12, 2009, and hit showrooms in the spring. “The E-Class is of special importance to Mercedes-Benz: it is and will remain the ‘heart’ of the Mercedes-Benz brand and expresses its core values in an exemplary manner,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The new E-Class sedan will once again set new standards for safety, comfort, and economy in the upper-range segment.”
Pioneering innovations for ensuring safe driving will either be standard equipment in the new E-Class or available in this vehicle segment for the first time. About a dozen assistance systems will be available to customers, including new developments from Mercedes-Benz such as Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and Night View Assist Plus. “The E-Class is more closely connected to the Mercedes-Benz brand than any other vehicle in our product range,” said Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. “While developing this car, we placed a high priority on our customers’ wishes. In comparison to our competitors, the E-Class has the most loyal customers. A total of ten million customers have purchased an E-Class sedan or one of its predecessor models in the eight generations of the vehicle’s history, making it the most successful business sedan in the world.”
Powerful engines with significantly increased fuel efficiency
The new E-Class sedan has outstanding fuel economy. The four- and six-cylinder engines have direct injection systems and consume up to 23 percent less fuel than their predecessors. The E 250 CDI, for example, is equipped with a 150 kW/204 hp engine with 500 Nm of torque that is 25 percent greater than the previous V6 diesel engine. At the same time, it consumes around 23 percent less fuel – only 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers (NEDC combined cycle), which corresponds to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer. All of the new engines meet the EU5 emissions limits. In the case of the E 350 BlueTEC, emissions are even below those of the EU6 limits that are scheduled to go into effect in 2014. The BlueEFFICIENCY package contributes to the reduced fuel consumption with a range of features such as improved aerodynamics, all-new tires with up to 17 percent lower rolling resistance, and the ECO start/stop function, which shuts off the engine of the new E 200 CGI at idle.
Safety: Unique system synergies create a “thinking” partner
For more than 60 years now, the E-Class sedans and their predecessor models have served as trendsetters in the field of safety. The new sedan is continuing this tradition with a unique combination of state-of-the-art assistance and protection systems. These technologies make the E-Class a “thinking” partner that can see, feel and respond to dangers via its “reflexes,” and act independently to prevent accidents or reduce their effects. An example of this is the standard-equipment ATTENTION ASSIST system, which monitors more than 70 parameters to determine a driver’s level of concentration and warn the motorist in time if he or she is suffering from fatigue. Every bit as unique is the optional Adaptive High-Beam Assist, which makes the E-Class the world’s first automobile that can automatically adjust the range of its headlights in line with the distance to an oncoming or preceding vehicle.
Comfort: Adaptive shock absorbers and improved air suspension
Mercedes-Benz is further enhancing the high level of long-distance driving comfort typical of the E-Class by fitting the new sedan with a number of new features, including intelligent body-systems with up to 30 percent greater rigidity, improved seats, and an all-new chassis whose shock absorbers automatically adapt to the driving situation. In addition, the optional air suspension now works together with a continuously variable, electronically controlled damping system.
An international bestseller
The new E-Class is the successor to an internationally successful Mercedes-Benz model, the 211 series. Altogether, customers of this model have purchased 1.5 million sedans and station wagons since its launch six years ago. Over the past sixty years, the eight generations of the E-Class sedan have thrilled ten million customers worldwide.
