Going through our inbox this beautiful May morning, the fine gentlemen over at Wald sent us some new photos of the work they’ve done on the Mercedes E-Class – one of the W211 variety, and the second of the W212. The first is the Wald W211 WAGON SPORTS LINE Black Bison, an enhanced version of the prior E-Class Estate clad in what’s grown to become the traditional Wald fare. A new front and rear bumper, new side skirts, new front fenders with integrated air ducts and a DTM Sports Muffler are all present, as are 20″ Wald Germania rims. Topping it all off, the chrome elements have been replaced with those of a carbon fiber variety, while a lessened ride height (i.e. you can barely see the rear tire) add the finishing touches on the now sportier E-Class Wagon. You can see more of the Wald W211 WAGON SPORTS LINE Black Bison in the gallery below, and be sure to stay tuned for part two of today’s Wald tuning coverage.
Utilising the right suspension and a long wheelbase has paid dividends for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate as they ensure that passengers benefit from a comfortable ride. Richard Dredge from Auto Trader tested the E-Class Estate and was impressed with the vehicle’s on-the-road performance, as well as its ride quality and handling.
He noted that the E-Class Estate was particularly nimble for a car of large proportions, while an air suspension only enhanced the comfort experienced by passengers. Furthermore, steering profited from the fact that the vehicle is a rear-wheel drive model, while Mr Dredge remarked that the engineers have done well to ensure that the estate does not feel too bulky.
He added: “Its acceleration once on the move is more than ample for the cut and thrust of everyday driving.”
The particular car tested by the reviewer was the Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI Estate, which is the entry model in the petrol range, but it can still reach a top speed of 140 miles per hour. According to Mercedes-Benz, the latest E-Class Estate offers increased shoulder room, headroom and legroom for all occupants that its predecessors.
Mercedes-Benz is launching its next-generation E-Class wagon at the New York International Auto Show, open to the public and beginning April 2, 2010 at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan. Packed with useful new safety technology, the stylish 2011 E350 4MATIC wagon is expected to reach U.S. dealerships this summer.
While the new E-Class wagon is styled more like a traditional sedan than an SUV, it boasts outstanding utility. Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive provides an extra measure of traction, whether the road surface is wet, dry or covered with snow.
Smart-looking aluminum roof rails are standard, and inside, a 60-40 fold-down rear seat makes for cavernous cargo capacity that’s highly flexible. For example, the E-Class wagon can carry a grandfather clock and still accommodate three occupants, or a load of lumber can be carried with four people aboard.
Its normal five-seat configuration can easily expand to seven seats by unfolding a standard third-row seat from the luggage compartment floor. The E-Class wagon is the only vehicle in its market segment to feature seven-place seating. With coil spring suspension up front and electronically controlled air springs at the rear, its load-leveling air suspension keeps the car level regardless of the cargo weight.
An elegant luggage cover and cargo net are attached at the beltline so they don’t interfere with the fold-down rear seat. At the same time, the cover can be attached to the folded seatbacks if needed, and it can be raised conveniently whenever the standard power liftgate is opened.
4MATIC Four-Wheel Drive Sets a Trend
The new E350 wagon comes standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. As modern all-wheel-drive systems become more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time four-wheel drive provides year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads.
The latest Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is cleanly integrated into the automatic transmission so it fits right into the standard body and utilizes the existing front suspension. Fuel efficiency has been improved, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra gears and shafts.
Sport and Luxury Models
Fitted with standard 17-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels, the E-Class wagon is available in Sport or Luxury trim that is designed to appeal to a wide range of customer tastes. All Luxury models come with a comfort suspension and can be identified by a four-lamella front grille, contemporary yet elegant body styling and an interior featuring burl walnut trim. Sport models have a three-lamella grille, expressive sport body styling and are fitted with sport suspension that includes a slightly lower ride height. Inside, the Sport model includes a unique tone-in-black interior theme featuring black-ash wood trim.
ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions “Time For A Rest?”
Among the many standard life-saving features on the E-Class is the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a “Time for a Rest?” message with a coffee cup icon in the instrument cluster.
More New Safety Systems Assist the Driver
Other examples of trailblazing innovations include: Lane Keeping Assist, which alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibration in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on. At any speed above 37 mph, the system recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a small video camera to sense both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beam operation to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be varied infinitely from their current 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.
Night View Assist PLUS can now enable a driver to see pedestrians up to 300 feet earlier than before. When the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined frame highlighting each person. In contrast to passive systems that rely on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights.
Extending the driver’s ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet, Night View Assist PLUS uses an infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly detailed black & white video images in the COMAND display.
The optional Distronic Plus system now includes Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots alongside the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings.
Its optional Parktronic system also incorporates Parking Guidance, which utilizes ten ultrasonic sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers. At low speeds, the system scans available parking spaces and displays a “P” in the dash if the car will fit in the space. When reverse is selected, Parking Guidance displays a pictogram of the steering wheel and provides helpful steering guidance.
PRE-SAFE® Brake Can Automatically Apply 100 Percent Braking in Emergencies
When the E-Class is equipped with the optional Distronic Plus system, another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature – PRE-SAFE® brake – can now apply full braking automatically in emergencies, to reduce accident severity. When PRE-SAFE Brake senses an impending collision, the system sounds three warning tones.
About 1.6 seconds before a potential impact, partial braking is automatically initiated, and the PRE-SAFE occupant protection system are activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated about 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and effectively acting as an “electronic crumple zone.”
All E-Class models are equipped with “basic” PRE-SAFE – the world’s first system that can sense and take protective measures before a crash. The innovative PRE-SAFE system first automatically tensions the seatbelts if the car senses an impending collision. PRE-SAFE uses resettable electric tensioners in addition to the existing pyrotechnic belt tensioners.
In addition, if the front passenger seat is overly reclined or forward, PRE-SAFE automatically moves it to a more favorable crash position. If the seat cushion angle of the front passenger seat is too shallow, it is also re-adjusted to help prevent submarining. If the vehicle skids (often a precursor to rollover), the system closes the sunroof and side windows. If a crash is averted, the electric belt tensioners automatically relax and are ready to deploy again.
If necessary, PRE-SAFE reacts to fishtailing (or oversteer) as well as “plowing” (or understeer) by using existing sensors for ESC stability control to measure steering angle, vehicle yaw and lateral acceleration. Emergency braking can also trigger PRE-SAFE, which monitors sensors for the Brake Assist system as well.
Up to 11 Air Bags for Front and Side Protection
The E-Class now comes with a new knee air bag for the driver that minimizes leg injuries in frontal collisions, while new pelvic air bags work with the existing curtain and side air bags to provide extra protection for front passengers in dangerous side-impact collisions. Combined with front airbags, the E-Class now boasts nine supplemental restraints, and rear side air bags are optionally available.
Edgy Design Uses Cubist Cues
The design of the new wagon begins with a “cubist” treatment of the trademark Mercedes-Benz twin-headlight face. Two parallelogram lights are recessed into the front fenders, bracketing the three-dimensional frame of the front grille.
The overall body shape features a sophisticated interplay between taut lines and large curved surfaces. The wagon appears to have continuous side windows from the front windshield all the way to the rear lift gate, thanks to flush roof pillars trimmed to blend with the side glass.
Luxury Defined
Mercedes-Benz designers paid careful attention to the E-Class interior, to ensure that every surface is appealing in form, color and material. The cockpit features five analog gauges, including two pairs that overlap each other. Standard equipment includes a premium leather-covered steering wheel with integrated multi-function switches and a Direct Select electronic shift lever mounted on the steering column.
First-Class Seating
14-way adjustable power front seats feature stylish divided seat cushions that cover steel seat frames featuring their own suspension. An optional Drive-Dynamic multicontour seat for the driver uses a series of air bladders and mechanical bolsters in the bottom cushion and seat back to offer impressively variable seat adjustments. To provide extra support during spirited driving, the Drive-Dynamic seat inflates the right-side bolster in a left turn (or the left bolster in a right turn).
In COMAND
Also standard is a COMAND system featuring a large seven-inch color display screen with a standard in-dash, six-disc CD/DVD changer and a Bluetooth interface that allows a phone still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the car’s audio system. A standard rear-view camera displays the area behind the car whenever it’s in reverse.
The COMAND system can also display maps and directions for the optional GPS navigation system, which can be set up to display Sirius real-time traffic information and Zagat restaurant ratings. The system can also be equipped with an optional iPod/MP3 interface, Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and an advanced voice control system for audio, navigation and phone systems. Using a console-mounted controller, the central display can be operated by either the driver or front passenger.
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is the best business class car, while the Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the best newcomer in the “luxury” category – this is according to a top-class panel of international motoring journalists which has voted both Mercedes-Benz models the top cars of 2010 in their respective categories.
No fewer than 150 motoring journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were asked by the Motorinformationsdienst (mid) (Motor Vehicle Information Service) to cast their votes and use their expertise to decide on the top cars of 2010, choosing from among 80 passenger cars in 8 different categories.
In the “business” category, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate took top honours by quite a significant margin. The premium lifestyle estate has caused a great deal of excitement since its launch with its distinct, dynamic and at the same time elegant design, and also sets new standards in safety, comfort, quality, economy and functionality. In addition it also provides a unique combination of technical innovations in this vehicle class – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the active bonnet. On top of all this there is also air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard, as well as some innovative new features in terms of the functionality of the luggage compartment. This area can also accommodate an optional third row of seats, something unique among the competition.
The new Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG also moved effortlessly into first place in its “luxury” category. Its exciting design featuring the gullwing doors harks back to that sporting legend of the 1950’s – the 300 SL. The new super sports car also dazzles with its exquisite technology which includes such highlights as: aluminium spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid engine with dry sump lubrication as well as a maximum power of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles. This high-tech combination helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics.
Being voted the top cars of 2010 is not the first time that both Mercedes-Benz vehicles have picked up an award. The SLS AMG has won the 2009 Auto Trophy, as well as the 2009 Golden Steering Wheel award.
Other awards also received by the E-Class family include the following:
No fewer than 150 motoring journalists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were asked by the Motorinformationsdienst (mid) (Motor Vehicle Information Service) to cast their votes and use their expertise to decide on the top cars of 2010, choosing from among 80 passenger cars in 8 different categories.
In the “business” category, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate took top honours by quite a significant margin. The premium lifestyle estate has caused a great deal of excitement since its launch with its distinct, dynamic and at the same time elegant design, and also sets new standards in safety, comfort, quality, economy and functionality. In addition it also provides a unique combination of technical innovations in this vehicle class – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the active bonnet. On top of all this there is also air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard, as well as some innovative new features in terms of the functionality of the luggage compartment.
This area can also accommodate an optional third row of seats, something unique among the competition.
The new Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG also moved effortlessly into first place in its “luxury” category. Its exciting design featuring the gullwing doors harks back to that sporting legend of the 1950’s – the 300 SL. The new super sports car also dazzles with its exquisite technology which includes such highlights as: aluminium spaceframe body shell, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front mid engine with dry sump lubrication as well as a maximum power of 420 kW (571 hp) and 650 Nm of torque, seven-speed double-clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and a sports suspension with aluminium double-wishbone axles.
This high-tech combination helps to guarantee the highest level of driving dynamics.
Being voted the top cars of 2010 is not the first time that both Mercedes-Benz vehicles have picked up an award. The SLS AMG has won the 2009 Auto
From November 2009, Mercedes-Benz will be expanding its family of E‑Class vehicles by adding another highly distinctive model: the new estate. Just like the saloon and coupe, the new estate combines unique design with leadership in safety, comfort, quality and practicality. The new E‑Class marks the debut of a number of technical innovations which no other car in the world in this category is able to offer – from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as being imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet. Naturally the new estate also features all these innovations. In addition, it also features air suspension with self-levelling at the rear as standard as well as unique innovations with regard to load compartment management features.
Design: New Mercedes hallmarks combined with E‑Class styling features
The new estate immediately makes an athletic and practical, but also effortlessly superior and safe impression. The profile displays many new elements and leaves no room for doubt about the new estate’s identity. The B and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the centre but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side aspect. This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheels.
When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers concentrated on highlighting the estate’s high levels of practicality. They did this by emphasising horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design makes it easy to recognise the E‑Class estate.
Practicality: Top marks for load capacity and ease of operation
If the vehicle has to be loaded from the rear, the standard EASY-PACK tailgate can be opened automatically using the ignition key or manually by pressing the handle. The innovative “Quickfold” system enables the rear seat backrests to be folded down from the load compartment. Neither the head restraints nor the rear-seat cushions need to be adjusted beforehand in order to do this. The two backrest sections are unlocked and folded down by a cable pull, creating a level loading surface. As another useful feature, either the left of right backrest sections, or both together, can be folded down. This enables the rear seat unit to be used by passengers even when long and bulky items are being carried. The backrest sections can also be unlocked and folded down from the side.
The new E‑Class estate sets a new standard in its class for the size of its load capacity, which has a volume of up to 1,950 litres (length/width/height: 4,895/1,854/1,471 millimetres). An exemplary load management system is specified as standard. Examples of this system include the automatically opening and closing EASY-PACK tailgate and the EASY-PACK folding load compartment floor. The latter considerably increases the usable height of the load compartment. It can be folded up and secured in various positions. Standard equipment also includes the EASY-PACK load compartment cover with a load securing net. The optional folding bench seat for the load compartment is also unique in this vehicle segment.
Suspension: Automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard
Outstanding long-distance driving comfort is ensured in the estate by the all-new DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping system as standard. Thanks to the likewise standard self-levelling rear suspension, the estate always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. The tuning of the estate’s chassis has been adapted to the modified body geometry. The shock absorbers and the torsion bar stabilisers have been somewhat upgraded, making the vehicle just as agile as the saloon without sacrificing rolling comfort.
Engines: Considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions
A range of new engines and numerous improvements to, for example, aerodynamics, weight, energy management and rolling resistance, have substantially reduced the new estate’s fuel consumption and emissions. An overview of all the available engines at the market launch:
Diesel
E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cm³, 125 kW/170 hp, 5.8 l/100 km, 150 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €44,803.50
E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cm³, 150 kW/204 hp, 5.8 l/100 km, 150 g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €47,719.00
E 350 CDI Blue-EFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cm³, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.0 – 7.3 l/ 100 km, 185 – 192 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €54,204.50
Petrol
E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 3498 cm³, 215 kW/292 hp, 8.6 – 8.9 l/ 100 km, 200 – 208 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €55,156.50
E 500: V8, 5461 cm³, 285 kW/388 hp, 11.1 – 11.2 l/100 km, 258 – 260 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €70,150.50
The following engines will be available in the first quarter of 2010:
Diesel
E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 2143 cm³, 100 kW/136 hp, 5.7 – n/a l/100 km, 150 – n/a g CO2/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €41,947.50
E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY: V6, 2987 cc, 170 kW/231 hp, 7.6 – 7.7 l/100 km, CO2200-203 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €56,941.50
Petrol
E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 135 kW/183 hp, 7.7 – n/a l/100 km, CO2 179 – n/a g/km, 6-speed manual transmission, from €42,721
E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 4-cylinder in-line, 1796 cc, 150 kW/204 hp, 8.0 – 8.2 l/100 km, CO2 185 – 191 g/km, 5-speed automatic transmission, from €47,719
E 350 4MATIC: V6, 3498 cc, 200 kW/272 hp, 10.2 – 10.3 l/100 km, CO2 238 – 241 g/km, 7-speed automatic transmission, from €56,941.50
(All prices inclusive of 19% VAT)
Pole Position for the new E 63 AMG estate: The performance estate car with an AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine delivers 386 kW/525 hp, accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and offers a load capacity of 1,950 litres – and that with a relatively low fuel consumption of 12.8 litres per 100 km (combined, preliminary figures). With these dream figures, the new E 63 AMG estate is an extraordinary combination of dynamic performance, great utility and high efficiency.
The top-model of the E‑Class not only features a unique design, but also an extremely responsive AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7 seven-speed sports transmission, a completely newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sport chassis including electronically controlled damping and a new front axle. A ceramic-composite brake system is also available as an optional extra with the E 63 AMG estate. The unique combination of driver assistance systems raises the estate to a new level of active and passive safety.
A boot with a huge load volume and a high degree of functionality
With a volume of between 695 and 1,950 litres, the luggage area has not only been expanded but is also way ahead of the competition in terms of the most important load compartment capacity dimensions and load compartment volume. Standard equipment includes the major components from the EASY-PACK system, including the folding load compartment floor with two loading levels and folding box, the load compartment cover, the Quickfold system for convenient folding down of the rear seats with its 1/3–2/3 division and the electric EASY-PACK tailgate.
The market launch of the new E 63 AMG estate will be in February 2010 at a price of 108,409 euros (incl. 19 % VAT).
Mercedes today has officially taken the wraps off the 2010 E-Class Estate, a highly functional variant of the E-Class that will launch this November. As you’d expect, the model’s styling closely resembles that of the sedan version save for the vastly more grocery friendly rear end, with designers choosing to emphasize horizontal lines (note the band formed by the tail lights and chromed tailgate, for example), all of which serves to emphasize the supreme functionality of the estate.
In total, the 2010 Mercedes E-Class Estate boasts a load capacity of 1950 liters (length, width, and height of 4895, 1854, and 1471 millimeters, respectively), setting the bar in terms of load capacity for its class. Adding to its functionality, an EASY-PACK tailgate and folding load compartment floor are present, the first of which automatically opens and closes the tailgate and the second of which allows numerous configurations for optimum cargo transport. An optional folding bench seat adds additional seating as well, further increasing the E-Class Estate’s capabilities for people transport.
Under the hood, you’ll have your choice of five engine variants at launch, including three diesel and two petrol models (the E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the E250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the E350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E500). Power ranges from 170 horsepower in the E220 CDI to 388 horsepower in the E500, with fuel consumption and emissions improved across the board. Starting next year, two additional diesel models and three petrol model will be furthermore be available – it’s important to note, however, that the U.S. customers will have far fewer options to choose from.
Now that the 2010 Mercedes E-Class has been officially unveiled, it’s only a matter of time before the estate variant of the new E makes its debut as well. While we’re waiting for that momentous event to occur, here’s a few new shots showcasing precisely what we have to look forward to from the upcoming model. Yes, there is still quite a bit of masking covering its various design attributes, but with a little imagination, you can make out to a large degree the amount of extra space the wagon holds over its sedan counterpart.
Not being much of a wagon connoisseur, I’ll keep my thoughts on the E-Class Estate’s design to myself. However, from a functional standpoint, I’m sure it will score very high on the practicability scale – assuming, of course, that you need to store a prodigious amount of crap in the back of your vehicle on a daily basis.
To see more of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, you can see a few additional shots immediately below (click to enlarge)