Powerful power delivery, impressive pulling power, exhilarating agility – coupled with frugal fuel consumption. The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG combines these apparently contradictory qualities. All thanks to an entire package of efficiency-enhancing measures.
With peak output of 386 kW/525 hp from a displacement of 6208 cc the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine ranks among the world’s most powerful standard-fit eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engines. The rated speed of 6800 rpm and the maximum engine speed of 7200 rpm are the hallmarks of this high-revving engine. But it also boasts enormous pulling power: developing 630 newton metres at 5200 rpm, the AMG V8 offers more torque than any other naturally aspirated engine in this displacement and performance class. High pulling power at low engine speeds, instant responsiveness and exhilarating high-revving flexibility are the strengths of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine unveiled in 2005.
With fuel consumption of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres the new E 63 AMGbetters its predecessor by 1.7 l/100 km or 12 percent, despite the extra output of 8 kW/11 hp. As such, the new high-performance saloon leaves the competition standing. This significant reduction in fuel consumption comes courtesy of a wealth of innovative measures: the E 63 AMG is the first AMG model to feature alternator management with braking energy recovery as standard. The controlled fuel supply, friction-optimised twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating on the cylinder walls and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the Controlled Efficiency consumption-optimised transmission mode and wet start-up clutch, which replaces the torque converter, (see page 15) are crucial elements in improving efficiency.
Key data at a glance:
| Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG | |
| Cylinder arrangement | V8 |
| Cylinder angle | 90o |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Displacement | 6208 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 102.2 x 94.6 mm |
| Cylinder spacing | 109 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.3 : 1 |
| Output | 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm |
| Output per litre | 62.2/84.6 kW/hp |
| Max. torque | 630 Nm at 5200 rpm |
| Torque per litre | 101.5 Nm |
| Maximum engine speed | 7200 rpm |
| Engine weight (dry) | 199 kg |
| Fuel consumption NEDC combined | 12.6 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 299 g/km |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 4.5 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h* |
* electronically limited
Recuperation: generating energy during braking
Alternator management on the new E 63 AMG takes advantage of the engine’s overrun phases and braking to recover kinetic energy. This energy is then used to charge the battery, rather than being wasted by simply generating heat. This recuperation assists the driver not only during braking action but also helps convert the braking energy into electrical energy. Conversely, the alternator is switched to no-load operation during acceleration, thus reducing the load on the engine. All of which saves fuel: some 0.15 litres per 100 kilometres as per NEDC ratings and up to 0.2 l/100 km on urban roads with frequent overrun and braking phases.
The twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating on the cylinder walls – used exclusively by AMG – produces outstanding low friction while reducing fuel consumption at the same time. The electronically controlled fuel supply works in the same way: depending on the power requirements and outside temperature, the system operates at a demand-actuated fuel pressure of between 3.6 and 4.5 bar and is regulated at lightning speed. The engine management system translates the command from the accelerator within milliseconds into the corresponding fuel pressure setting. Such control ensures rapid vehicle response and a sporty thrust across all load ranges and at all engine speeds.
Know-how from motor racing went into the design
In typical AMG fashion, the design of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has been based closely on its motorsports counterparts. As customary with the thoroughbred racing engines, the AMG engineers opted for a closed-deck design with the crankcase made entirely out of aluminium for the eight-cylinder unit. To produce a crankcase with superb torsional stiffness, the bottom section of the crankcase has been designed as a bedplate. This produces a very stiff tunnel for the crankshaft which can easily withstand the high combustion pressures and reduces flow losses within the crankcase. The resulting improvement in mechanical efficiency helps reduce fuel consumption. An oil scavenger integrated into the bedplate reduces engine oil foaming.
The finely balanced crankshaft is designed for the highest stresses, consists of the high-quality forged steel alloy 42CRMo4V, rotates in five crankshaft bearings and features six counterweights for perfectly balanced masses. Torsional rigidity, long-term structural strength and inertia characteristics are also to the very highest standards. Two lightweight connecting rods forged by the cracking process are connected to each of the four crank pins. During this process, the utmost production precision is made possible by a predetermined breaking point created by a laser beam. Extremely close weight tolerances between the eight connecting rods are also ensured by precision machining. The same principle is also used for the cast, lightweight pistons. They are made from a durable high-temperature alloy. Pressure-controlled oil spray nozzles in the crankcase ensure optimal cooling of the highly stressed piston crowns.
Variable intake manifold with two internal throttle flaps
The aerodynamically designed intake system with large cross-sections and the variable intake manifold made of magnesium with two integrated throttle flaps ensure superlative cylinder charging. Its task is to ensure a strong torque curve by lengthening the airflow distance at low engine speeds. At higher engine speeds the intake manifold switches to short airflow distances to achieve a high peak performance. The two throttle flaps can be opened to their maximum in just 100 milliseconds at full throttle, and the driver perceives this as extraordinary responsiveness.
Rigid valve train, four overhead camshafts
The 32 valves in the cylinder heads are operated by bucket tappets. Their space-saving design allows a stiff valve train and therefore high engine speeds with large valve opening cross-sections, which in turn benefits output and torque. The large intake valves have a diameter of 40 millimetres, while their opposite numbers on the exhaust side measure 34 millimetres.
All four overhead camshafts are continuously variable over a range of 42 degrees. Both the intake and exhaust camshafts are adjusted as a function of engine load and engine speed, ensuring extremely high output and torque values and smooth idling, and especially low exhaust emissions. Depending on the engine speed, the valve overlap can be varied to ensure an optimal supply of fuel/air mixture to the combustion chambers and efficient venting of the exhaust gases. The system is driven by a duplex roller chain and intermeshing pairs of gear wheels.
Sophisticated engine cooling solution
A powerful oil pump is used for the oil cooling system on the engine. As in thoroughbred racing engines, the engine is cooled on the sophisticated cross-flow principle. In the interests of optimal in-engine friction and fuel economy, the temperature of the coolant is also variably controlled. The lightweight, compact and powerful cooling module – located behind the large apertures in the AMG front apron – for coolant, engine, transmission and power-steering oil ensures non-critical operating temperatures – even under the extreme stress of the racetrack. The hot air from the suction-type fan used for engine oil cooling is vented via the side apertures in the AMG front apron.
Distinctive AMG V8 vocals, efficient emission control system
The newly composed AMG V8 vocals fully live up to the expectations of a powerful high-performance saloon: a powerful engine sound when accelerating coupled with restrained running characteristics during smooth cruising, providing hallmark Mercedes long-distance comfort. The AMG experts have resolved this conflict of aims with a newly developed AMG sports exhaust system; it comes with carefully matched tube cross-sections and two newly designed chrome-plated twin tailpipes.
Thanks to efficient emission control technology, the E 63 AMGmeets current EU 5 exhaust emission standards and all requirements of the U.S. market (LEV-II standard, On-Board Diagnosis II and oxygen sensor diagnosis).
Engine production – tradition of hand-built excellence
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has traditionally been built by hand. In the AMG engine workshops, which were opened in 2002, a highly qualified engineer assembles an eight-cylinder engine according to the company’s philosophy of “one man, one engine” in compliance with the most stringent quality standards. The engineer’s signature on the characteristic AMG engine plate is testimony to the highest standards of workmanship. Production takes around three hours.
In the coveted “International Engine of the Year Awards 2009”, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine carried off two awards: in the “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4 litres” categories, this high-revving, naturally aspirated engine took first place by a wide margin in each case.
Power transfer: Exclusive driving pleasure courtesy of AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission
Seven gears, four drive modes, double-declutching and Race Start function – the power transfer on the new E 63 AMG promises superb emotion and pure driving pleasure. At the same time, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission contributes substantially to reducing fuel consumption.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission is an innovative power transfer system that made its debut in the high-performance SL 63 AMG Roadster in 2008. It combines the sporty, direct and agile feedback of a manual transmission and the maximum convenience of an automatic transmission. Fitted with seven speeds, four drive modes, a double-declutching and Race Start function, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7‑speed sports transmission offers superb versatility. MCT stands for Multi-Clutch Technology and only employs clutch elements to perform gearshifts.
A wet start-up clutch, which runs in an oil bath, replaces the conventional torque converter. Thanks to its low rotational inertia, the transmission responds instantaneously and dynamically without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission – thereby helping to save fuel. The AMG sports transmission also impresses with its low weight of just 80 kilograms, which has been made possible through the use of lightweight magnesium for the transmission housing. Vibrations are effectively eliminated by a new, two-stage torsion damper, with resulting benefits in perceived passenger comfort.
Consumption-optimised drive mode “C” (Controlled Efficiency)
During development of the E 63 AMG the AMG engineers paid special attention to the new drive mode “C” (Controlled Efficiency). The emphasis was on delivering minimum engine speed coupled with a reduced number of gearshifts in all driving situations. When moving off in “C”, the MCT transmission always selects second gear and shifts decidedly early to next higher gears if the driving style permits. At 60 km/h for instance, sixth gear will already be engaged – not only improving fuel consumption but noise levels, too. Controlled Efficiency also means convenient gearshifts and a “soft” accelerator response set-up for outstandingly smooth power transfer.
The powerful electronic control unit and the integrated 80 MHz processor ensure spontaneous downshifts at the same time – say when approaching traffic lights or if the driver suddenly needs power for dynamic acceleration.
Drive modes “S”, “S+” and “M” for even more driving pleasure and dynamism
The engine and transmission come across as much more agile in the “S” (Sport) mode. Accelerator pedal movements trigger a more direct traction response, making the downshifts more spontaneous. The engine speed is allowed to reach a higher level in each gear, while the gearshifts are around 25 percent faster than in “C”. Turning the rotary switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT a notch further to the right activates “S+” mode. Sport plus shifts the gears another 25 percent faster than in “S”. The same applies to the manual shift mode “M”. In “S+” and “M” modes, gearshifts at full throttle take just 100 milliseconds.
The engine management system partially suppresses cylinders in “S”, “S+” and “M” modes: precisely interrupting ignition and injection under full load for brief periods leads to even faster gearshifts than before. The highly emotional vocals are an appealing side effect of this lightning-fast process.
Ultra-fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts are another forte of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission. For instance, kickdown lets you move straight from seventh down to fourth gear or from fifth to second. In the Sport, Sport plus and Manual modes the automatic double-declutching function is active. Every manual or automatic downshift is accompanied by precisely metered double-declutching – from “S” through “S+” to “M” incrementally. And this not only adds to the driver’s emotional experience: the load-free downshift minimises load-change reactions, which pays dividends particularly when braking into a bend on the racetrack and also enhances safety in the wet or on ice.
In manual “M” mode the driver also benefits from the high torque of the V8 engine, as there is no automatic downshift under full load and kickdown; the transmission remains steadfastly in the selected gear. Moreover, the AMG MCT sports transmission does not perform an automatic upshift in manual mode when the rev limit is reached. In “M” mode the AMG instrument cluster displays the current gear and alerts the driver to the need for an upshift just before the needle reaches the red zone. This means that a particularly sporty driver can use the superior performance potential to its fullest extent. When approaching the lower rev limit, e.g. when braking the vehicle, there is an automatic downshift to the next lower gear.
AMG DRIVE UNIT with Race Start function
The AMG DRIVE UNIT is the central control unit for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and all driving dynamics functions. The driver can change gears either using the new AMG E-SELECT selector lever or via the AMG steering-wheel shift paddles. On the left next to the selector lever is the electronic rotary switch to select the four drive modes including activation of the Race Start function. Underneath are three buttons for additional functions: the first controls the ESP® function, the second the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. The third adorned with AMG lettering is used to store the personal set-up. Briefly pressing the AMG button brings up the configuration options, whilst holding down the button allows you to program the required set-ups – this is confirmed by an acoustic signal. The current settings may be viewed in the AMG instrument cluster by pressing the AMG button at any time.
The Race Start function delivers maximum dynamism: while the vehicle is at a standstill, the driver needs to activate the ESP® sports function and press the brake pedal with their left foot. Having preselected the Race Start program using the rotary switch, a confirmation message comes up on the AMG central display. The driver then simply needs to confirm the Race Start function by pulling the “Up” shift paddle once, fully depressing the accelerator and taking his foot off the brake. The optimum start-up engine speed is set fully automatically and the E 63 AMG accelerates away with flawless traction – all the way up to top speed, if so required. The driver does not need to shift gear manually; the AMG transmission changes gear with lightning-fast shift times.
High cornering speeds, exhilarating driving dynamics coupled with typical Mercedes long-distance comfort – when it comes to the chassis and braking system, AMG has developed innovative systems that ensure the new E 63 AMG consolidates its leading position in the high-performance saloon segment.
The sophisticated AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension on the E 63 AMG combines steel suspension at the front, while an all-air suspension system is used at the rear. This exclusive solution guarantees a sensitive response from the front springs while the vehicle is kept at a constant height thanks to the automatic level control system – irrespective of the load. The top-of-the-line AMG model differs from the other E-Class variants with its newly developed three-link front suspension with wider track – 56 mm wider than the E 500. In conjunction with new hub carriers for more negative camber at the front, this provides much more grip when taking bends at high speed.
Another feature of the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension is the electronically controlled damping system: the system varies the damping characteristics instantly according to the driving situation, road speed and load status, reducing the roll angle of the body. For the driver this means instant, continuously variable adjustment between the greatest possible agility and optimum ride comfort – depending on the driving style and route. The damping can also be individually adjusted by pressing the appropriate button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. A push of a button is all it takes for the electronics to switch from “Comfort” to “Sport” or “Sport plus.” The selected mode is displayed in the AMG instrument cluster.
“Comfort” delivers a sensitive response with soft damping characteristics, while the shock absorber response is an average xx percent firmer in “Sport”. “Sport plus” is ideal for challenging laps on private racing circuits; here the shock absorbers are around another xx percent firmer. The E 63 AMG can be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory, with the Performance package: The Performance package includes the AMG RIDE CONTROL Performance suspension with its even firmer set-up, lightweight forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, and a rear axle locking differential with 40 percent locking action (see also page 27).
Eleven sensors for electronic damper control
The electronic damper control utilises four sensors to permanently monitor the drive and brake torque along with steering angle and lateral acceleration. Four position sensors are also used to determine the ride height and to ascertain the direction of motion. Three acceleration sensors help identify the absolute body roll.
Powerful control electronics that interact constantly with the engine and transmission control units instantly adjust the forces at the four shock absorbers.
New axle components and more direct steering
The high-grade axle components provide further testimony to the painstakingly redesigned AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. New steering knuckles, wishbones, torque strut bearings and head bearings at the front provide extra stability and improved road contact. A weight-optimised, thicker tubular stabiliser reduces body roll on fast S-shaped bends. The rear suspension has also been substantially reworked in the interests of enhanced handling stability: new track rods, push-pull rods and far more rigid mountings for the subframe – on which the rear axle is mounted –, translate into enhanced dynamics when cornering. The AMG-specific kinematics and the new elastokinematics on both axles also noticeably increase precision during cornering – a solution that has already proven itself on the C 63 AMG.
Added to which is the newly developed rack-and-pinion steering: the selected steering ratio which is 22 percent more direct (14 : 1), together with the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance conveys more agile cornering. More feedback in all driving situations comes courtesy of the Hardy disc made out of a rubber compound that is 33-percent harder; it sits between the steering shaft and steering coupling.
3-stage ESP® with Sport function as in the SL 63 AMG
The 3-stage ESP® is also consistently tailored to the superb dynamic qualities of the E 63 AMG: familiar from the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG, the Electronic Stability Program supports three individual control strategies at the push of a button: the ESP® button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the display of the AMG instrument cluster. In “ESP ON”, the onset of handling instability leads to braking intervention at one or more of the wheels, accompanied by a reduction in engine torque.
Briefly pressing the ESP® button activates “ESP SPORT”. In this mode the braking intervention to counter oversteer or understeer, as well as the accompanying reduction in engine torque, allows a higher dynamic threshold and, for instance, corresponding drift angles – providing the driver with the benefit of far greater driving pleasure. Operating the brake pedal restores all the normal ESP® functions. Prolonged pressure on the ESP® button activates “ESP OFF”. There is no intervention to control the handling dynamics and generally no reduction in engine torque – thus increasing driving enjoyment even further. “ESP OFF” should only be used by experienced drivers on dedicated racetracks. In this mode too, operating the brake pedal restores all the normal functions of ESP®.
The system’s traction logic is active in all three ESP® modes. If one of the drive wheels starts to spin, specific brake pressure is applied to virtually create the effect of a mechanical differential lock. This means that the engine power is transferred to the road even more effectively.
New AMG ceramic composite brakes as an option
As you would expect from an AMG high-performance car, the new E 63 AMG also comes with an ultra-powerful braking system. Internally ventilated and perforated brake discs with their generous 360-millimetre dimensions are fitted front and rear. The highly stressed front discs featuring composite technology that has been tried and tested in motor racing help offset temperature peaks more effectively. Grey-painted brake callipers with white AMG lettering and six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) technology provide spontaneous, fade-resistant deceleration and extremely short stopping distances.
All-new AMG ceramic composite brakes are available as an option – instantly recognisable with their gold-painted brake callipers with the “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logo. Thanks to the special materials and production technology used to manufacture the discs from carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic in a vacuum at 1700 degrees Celsius, the ceramic discs are much harder. This not only increases the service life many times over compared with a grey cast iron disc, but also their resistance to extreme loads and heat. The result is extremely short stopping distances, exact pressure point and much higher fade resistance even under extreme operating conditions. The larger ceramic discs – front: 402 x 39 millimetres; rear: 360 x 32 millimetres – also feature a composite design and are connected with a floating radial mount to an aluminium bowl.
Compared with the conventional composite brake discs, the ceramic brake discs are around 40 percent lighter. The further reduction in unsprung masses not only boosts driving dynamics and agility but also improves steering response as well as ride comfort and contact characteristics. Six-piston fixed callipers are fitted at the front with a brake lining surface of 2 x 154 cm2; four-piston fixed callipers with a brake lining surface of 2 x 73 cm2 are used at the rear.
Numerous functions of the AMG high-performance braking system enhance comfort and safety. Take the practical HOLD function: if the E 63 AMG has come to a stop, the driver simply needs to press the brake pedal a little bit firmer. The vehicle is now held by the brake – even if the driver takes their foot off the brake pedal. This prevents the vehicle from unintentionally rolling forward in stop-and-go traffic or inadvertently rolling back on an uphill slope. The HOLD function is automatically disengaged once the vehicle is driven forward. Another useful feature comes in the shape of the hill-start assist. If the sensor technology detects that the driver has stopped on an incline, the brake pressure is automatically maintained constant for a short period. This means the E 63 AMG will not roll back and the driver has sufficient time to switch their right foot from the brake to the accelerator pedal without having to use the parking brake.
If the driver of the AMG saloon suddenly switches from the accelerator to the brake pedal prior to emergency braking, the braking system increases the pressure in the brake lines and applies the pads to the brake discs, so that they can grip instantly with full force when the brake pedal is pressed. The system supports the standard-fit Brake Assist by means of this ‘priming’. Further standard features include the brake-drying function, which uses brief braking impulses to ensure the film of water on the brake discs is removed in the wet, thus considerably improving the responsiveness of the brakes.
AMG 18 or 19-inch light-alloy wheels
The AMG light-alloy wheels in an 18 or 19-inch design play a major part in the dynamic, stable handling of the new E 63 AMG. The saloon comes as standard with titanium grey, high-sheen five-spoke wheels measuring 9.0 x 18 or 9.5 x 18 and 255/40 R 18 tyres at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear. As an option, the AMG Performance Studio includes forged 19-inch AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a mirror finish, shod with 255/35 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear) wide-base tyres.
The new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG fulfils its role as the powerful, top-of-the-line E-Class model with effortless superiority. The exterior design conveys presence, precision and typical Mercedes dynamism. Functional sportiness, top quality and consummate business class comfort combine in the interior. In short: it comes across as sporty without being showy.
Dominant, masculine, dynamic – take a look at the new E 63 AMG and you instantly get a sense of these three attributes. The distinctive wings immediately catch the eye in the front section of the high-performance saloon. They are 17 millimetres wider on each side to accommodate the new front axle with its larger track width and the 255/40 front tyres.
The striking AMG front apron is an integral part of the characteristic AMG bodystyling. A central air intake and two side apertures provide an efficient supply of fresh air to the cooling module placed behind. The side air vents in the front apron serve to expel the hot air from the oil coolers. The AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights are another eye-catching detail. In conjunction with the optional Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted bi-xenon main headlamps.
From the side, the eye is drawn to the 18 or 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels as well as the “6.3 AMG” lettering integrated stylishly into the wings; this lettering is testimony to the powerful eight-cylinder powerpack under the bonnet. The side sill panels pick up the sweeping line of the spoiler edges on the front apron, extending it through to the AMG rear apron – the same line also emphasises the saloon’s width: the two newly designed chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, the characteristically black insert and the overlying light-catching contour provide further visual highlights on the muscular rear section.
Sporty and high-grade interior ambience
Luxurious quality, high-grade materials, consummate business class comfort combined with a noticeable degree of dynamism and sportiness – the interior of the E 63 AMG in a nutshell. Dedicated, newly developed electrically adjustable, heated AMG sports seats and AMG badges await the driver and front passenger. All the seats, armrests and door centre panels are trimmed in exquisite leather, the seat centre panels with perforated leather. Three different appointment colours are available: black, mocha brown/almond beige and reef grey/alpaca grey. The perfect finishing touch comes courtesy of the black ashwood trim.
The AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with a 385-millimetre rim is trimmed with perforated leather in the specially moulded grip areas. Gear selection can be performed manually by means of the AMG aluminium shift paddles with “up” and “down”.
AMG main menu and AMG DRIVE UNIT
Behind the steering wheel lies the equally new AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer scale and silver-coloured backplate. The five classic dial instruments come with a new look, red needles and all-new lettering. AMG lettering adorns the speedometer while “6.3 V8” lettering adds a special touch to the rev counter. The AMG main menu is integrated into the central display of the speedometer, which can be operated conveniently using the multifunction buttons on the AMG sports steering wheel. The three modes “Warm Up”, “Set Up” and “RACE” keep the driver well informed: “Warm Up” indicates the engine oil and coolant temperature, “Set Up” indicates the current ESP® mode, the suspension setting “Comfort”, “Sport” or “Sport Plus” and the transmission mode “C”, “S”, “S+” or “M”. In “RACE” the RACETIMER is ready; this allows the driver to record lap times on private racing circuits.
The AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is familiar from the SL 63 AMG, is angled towards the driver and enables individual settings to be selected for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension set-up and the AMG drive modes. A completely new feature for the DRIVE UNIT comes in the shape of the AMG E-SELECT selector lever in the centre console. The driver can shift directly between R, N and D simply by nudging the lever, all thanks to drive-by-wire, Briefly pressing the P button is sufficient to activate the parking lock.
The wide range of standard equipment includes (selection):
Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG Performance Studio: the E 63 AMG can be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory, with the Performance package. This includes the following:
The new designo range for the E 63 AMG, which will be available from the end of the year, offers further individualisation options. The designo colour chart includes a total of ten eye-catching colours, including three new matt finishes: designo magno platinum, designo magno allanite grey and designo magno cashmere white. Nine different single-tone designo leather upholstery options and three designo trim elements are available in the interior.
Safety: “Intelligent” partner thanks to unique combination of assistance and protection systems
For more than 50 years, the E-Class Saloons and their predecessors have been the acknowledged trendsetters in the field of automotive safety. The new top-of-the-line E 63 AMG model continues this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and protection systems whose concept and development are based on what actually happens during accidents.
The systems turn the E-Class into an “intelligent” partner that is able to see, feel, respond reflexively in dangerous situations and act autonomously to prevent accidents or mitigate their effects. With this concept the new E 63 AMG not only protects its own occupants, but also contributes greatly to the safety of other road users.
The new E-Class is the first car in the world to be equipped with headlamps which adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to provide the best possible road illumination in a given situation and avoid dazzling other road users. The optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a camera on the windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles in front and to control the headlamps so their beams do not reach the other vehicle. The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be extended from the current 65 to as much as 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam. Mercedes-Benz offers this new system in a Light package that includes bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights.
The Lane Tracking package for the E 63 AMG 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 three 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 Plus is now also available as an optional extra for the E 63 AMG. 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 63 AMG is very sensitive to its driver’s attention level, and warns him or her 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 which they often correct very rapidly 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. An enhanced 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 BAS PLUS system, which automatically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situations. The driver is given an audible and visual warning at the same time. When the brake pedal is pressed, the system immediately provides 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 reduce the severity of an impact considerably as the system can be regarded as a kind of “electronic crumple zone”.
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. The crumple zone principle invented by Mercedes safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously honed 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 extra-high-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 E 63 AMG has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model. Another standard feature is the unrivalled anticipatory 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.
High speed in South Africa, high-temperature test in Arizona, cold shock in the Arctic Circle, chassis and suspension testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) – the development phases for the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG were as diversified as they were unforgiving. Over a period of 19 months and a distance of 1.25 million test kilometres, the new-generation dynamic sports saloon offering everyday practicality was made ready for series production – and ambitious targets were achieved in terms of efficiency.
Before the first disguised test vehicles rolled through the factory gates at Affalterbach, the concept phase had to be completed. The purpose of the packaging tests which commenced in November 2005 was to test the entire car for functioning and feasibility. Whether it was the suspension tuning, radiator and cooler efficiency, the airflow through the engine compartment or the durability of all the components – everything had to be analysed in advance by the AMG experts using a computer-based digital prototype (DPT). At the same time, the first engines and transmissions had to prove their performance capability and durability on various test rigs. Permanent stress in “accelerated” tests: full throttle from a standstill at a simulated 30 degrees C below zero, racetrack profiles with a high proportion of driving under full load and stop-and-go traffic in the city at 45 degrees C in the shade. Only once the precisely predefined development stages had been negotiated was the coveted go-ahead given.
At the same time, inconspicuous E 63 AMG models from the current W 211 series were on the road as component carriers or “mules”. Equipped with numerous components from the successor model – such as the 6.3-litre V8 engine, SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission and RIDE CONTROL sports suspension – they help ensure effective testing of the new technologies before the new models (in-house code W 212) are even available. State-of-the-art measuring techniques provide the AMG engineers with invaluable data, with the focus on the temperatures of the coolant, transmission fluid and brake discs as well as the lap times on the handling course at the test track in Idiada, Spain and at the Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop), for example.
Concept approval in autumn 2007 signals the start for the “real” prototypes
In this preliminary stage, the specialist departments define every aspect of the new E 63 AMG: bit by bit, they narrow down the choice of axle kinematics, radiator and cooler dimensions, springing and damping rates, and tyre compounds for further testing – not forgetting the crucial interaction between the different control units for the engine, transmission and dynamic handling control systems as well as their respective software versions. Following this concept approval, granted in autumn 2007, the first “real” AMG prototypes of the E 63 AMG were built – signalling the start of the extensive, standardised AMG development and testing programme.
This is when things get really serious for the 20 disguised test vehicles: tests in all of the world’s climatic regions, from 85 metres below sea level in Death Valley in the US right up to Pikes Peak at an altitude of over 4400 metres. And from a bone-chilling minus 40 degrees in Swedish Lapland to plus 40 degrees in Arizona, USA. “We deliberately go to the extremes. It greatly helps us to save time and deal with the various aspects efficiently,” says Tobias Moers, Head of Overall Vehicle Development at Mercedes-AMG.
AMG-specific test routes for loads that take it to the limit and beyond
It is simply not enough to consider the individual criteria such as heat, altitude and driving dynamics in isolation. It’s rather a question of finding test routes that offer an opportunity to depict a combination of these three parameters. “We therefore take it to the limit and beyond, subjecting the car to far more load than any AMG customer ever will. And the new E 63 AMG has to overcome these tortures without a murmur of discontent,” reports Oliver Wiech, Head of Overall E-Class Development.
High-speed test runs on a country road in South Africa, stretching for several miles and as straight as a die, are just as much part of the test procedure as driving at full throttle for many hours on the circular course in Nardo, southern Italy or at the proving ground in Arizona, USA. The E 63 AMG prototypes have to prove that the oil and water temperatures can stay in the green and that all of the seals and hose clamps are capable of withstanding the immense loads and stresses. The toughest test of all is saved for last: here the saloon has to race across the proving ground at top speed in temperatures of some 45 degrees plus before going straight into a garage where there is no draught and no wind – the engine’s only relief being provided by the fan motor. Highly-sensitive electronic measuring systems with up to 500 measuring points per vehicle reveal even the most minor problems, which the AMG experts are able to pinpoint and put right immediately.
The high-temperature tests in Death Valley, USA are similarly extreme – albeit far less spectacular at first glance. Here, too, the summer temperatures approach the magical 50-degree mark, but slow cruising rather than hurtling at top speed is the order of the day here. Oliver Wiech: “We drive at an average of 35 km/h with maximum payload, climbing a steady ascent to the Daylight Pass – in the blazing sunshine and with a tarmac temperature of 80 degrees. The route is only 20 kilometres long, but there is no shade. Because the car is travelling so slowly, hardly any air flows through the radiator and engine compartment.” No question about it: if a new high-tech performance car such as the E 63 AMG passes this test, it can also survive the daily stress of stop-and-go traffic in Shanghai or Dubai.
Vast know-how and wealth of precision engineering ensure low fuel consumption figures
But it is not all about extreme loads. Achieving the ambitious fuel-consumption targets also requires the developers’ full concentration – as explained by Friedrich Eichler, who is in overall charge of engine and powertrain development: “To achieve an NEDC consumption figure of 12.6 litres per 100 kilometres, we put in a great deal of work in two areas: alternator management and transmission control.” The system for recuperating braking energy when the vehicle is decelerating – being used at AMG for the first time – had to be tested and verified using every conceivable speed and drive profile. As did the new C (Controlled Efficiency) mode for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission: “The deliberately early upshifts and low engine speeds play a key role in reducing fuel consumption,” adds Eichler. Here it was a question of perfectly harmonising the AMG seven-speed sports transmission – equipped with a wet start-up clutch and four modes (C, S, S+ and M) – with the powerplant’s response and vibration characteristics. A key part of this set-up involves ensuring that the dynamic power delivery of the AMG V8 engine developing 386 kW/525 hp and a torque of 630 Nm is provided at lightning speed when requested by the driver – a challenge which can only be overcome with vast know-how and a wealth of precision engineering, not to mention many simultaneous tests on public roads, test tracks and test rigs.
The brake tests on the Grossglockner Alpine pass road in Austria are a true test of endurance for the AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated discs all round and composite technology tested on the racetrack on the front axle. In contrast to the tests on the high-speed circuits, where the saloon is braked to a standstill from 250 km/h on countless occasions to test absolute performance, the focus here falls on a different aspect: fading. Loaded up to their permissible GVW, the E 63 AMG prototypes are sent from an altitude of just below 2600 metres through numerous hairpin bends down into the valley lying at 1151 metres. Meanwhile, the MCT sports transmission is simply idling, providing no engine braking whatsoever. As if this weren’t enough, the test drivers also apply the brakes lightly between the switchbacks to generate additional heat – all of which places relentless thermal load on the brake discs, callipers, pads and fluid. What’s more, the low speed prevents effective cooling of all the components. All the brake tests are carried out with the AMG high-performance braking system as well as with the new ceramic braking system.
Nordschleife proves the ultimate test for man and machine
The series of tests on the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) – considered to be the world’s toughest racing circuit – is equally extreme. Measuring 20.8 kilometres in length, the “big dipper” with its 73 bends stretches the E 63 AMG and its test drivers to the very limit. Every kilometre covered on the Nordschleife is equivalent to around seven kilometres on a normal road – the ultimate “accelerated” test for every new AMG model. This is where all the people who matter can be found: the suspension and tyre specialists, the handling dynamics experts, the transmission gurus and the team responsible for overall vehicle development. “If our 3-stage ESP® works here, it will work on any road in the world,” laughs Tobias Moers, who gives his personal approval for every new AMG high-performance vehicle on the Nordschleife. Without exception.
Mercedes-AMG also runs its own test centre in the Eifel region to carry out its extensive development work: workshops, offices and test facilities devoted to customised development work occupy some 700 m2, all within earshot of the Nürburgring.
The tests in the wind tunnel are just as important as the test drives: here it is not just a question of simulating all routes and climatic conditions. The rapid change from hot to cold is of great assistance to the development engineers in their quest to take the vehicle and its components to the limit. Whether it be temperature, humidity, the angle of solar radiation or the airflow velocity – a state-of-the-art wind tunnel is an indispensable tool for every AMG vehicle.
Permanent exchange of information with AMG headquarters in Affalterbach
Testing, analysing, optimising – it all comes together at AMG headquarters, located at number 1 Daimlerstrasse in the Swabian town of Affalterbach. It is in this small town with a population of around 4600, situated to the north of Stuttgart in an idyllic location between fruit plantations and vineyards, that the development engineers meet up to discuss the topics raised and e-mailed in by colleagues around the globe. In this way, new parts and components can be sent from Affalterbach to Arjeplog by overnight express. And new software updates can be sent to Denver, USA via the internet.
“The precisely defined development processes at Mercedes-AMG ensure the hundred-percent quality standard. We owe our discerning customers this much. This is the only way the new E 63 AMG can achieve that which everyone has ultimately been working towards: overall vehicle approval,” says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The major test stages at a glance:
The extensive programme of vehicle development is supplemented by an endurance test which simulates an entire vehicle lifetime under the toughest of conditions in just a short time. The aim is to ensure the necessary degree of maturity before vehicle production can commence at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen.
The endurance testing at a glance:
All the components and systems are tested together in everyday operation. Loaded up to their permitted gross vehicle weight, the test cars are put through a precisely defined test programme on country roads, on motorways and in city traffic.
In this case, the developers focus on the durability of the chassis and suspension components, the entire bodyshell and the integral subframe on which the front axle, steering and engine are mounted. The test cars are loaded up to their permitted gross vehicle weight.
Testing of the entire vehicle, focussing on the powertrain, chassis and suspension. Special features of the AMG programme include 10,000 kilometres on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) and 10,000 kilometres in city traffic.
Extreme acceleration and braking manoeuvres with a high proportion of full-load operation, making extreme demands on the cooling, fuel-delivery and braking systems.
Corrosion testing of the entire vehicle simulates the toughest dynamic and climatic environmental influences.
All-inclusive verification of the degree of development and production maturity.
These tests are supplemented by extensive crash simulations and real crash tests to provide the necessary evidence for country-specific certifications without which no registration would be possible.
One can call the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class many things, but naming it “the best looking car in the world” is, by any stretch of the imagination, certainly wishful thinking. How, you ask, was it determined that the new E-Class is the best looking car in the world? I’m glad you asked.
First, the German publication AUTO BILD asked its readers to vote for the best looking car in each of five categories, with the prerequisite being that all of the vehicles must have made their debut in the last year. Then, some 100,000 readers responded, voting the 2010 E-Class Coupe winner in the “Coupe and Cabriolet” category and bestowing the 2010 E-Class sedan with top honors in the overall ranking. Based on this highly scientific, one-hundred percent definitive study, Daimler arrived at the only conclusion that one could derive from a study of this type: that the E-Class business saloon is “the most attractive new car in the world.”
And that’s all there is to it. After more than a hundred years of automotive engineering, this is it, ladies and gentlemen – the crowning achievement of automotive design excellence. So if you’re considering a new E-Class, rest easy, because should you procure one, you can tell the world you’re driving the best looking in the world (or at least you can think you are).
The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine in the new E 63 AMG develops an output of 386 kW/525 hp and a torque of 630 newton metres, matching the outstanding figures for the SL 63 AMG. The high-performance roadster has also donated its AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission to the new model. This transmission dispenses with a conventional torque converter and uses a compact, wet start-up clutch. In conjunction with the four individual driving modes, the double-declutching and RACESTART functions, the resulting direct connection to the powertrain allows an extremely emotional and highly dynamic driving experience.
The drive unit is unique in this segment, and ensures decidedly sporty performance figures: the E 63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). The fast-revving, naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 6208 cc impresses with its agile responsiveness, muscular power delivery and great flexibility. The newly composed AMG V8 sound is a thrilling accompaniment for mile after mile, while the smooth-running engine guarantees typical Mercedes long-distance comfort. A newly designed water cooling system ensures maximum endurance even under the enormous dynamic stresses of the racetrack.
Fuel consumption cut by almost twelve percent
Despite 8 kW/11 hp of additional output versus the preceding model, the fuel consumption of the new E 63 AMG has been significantly reduced: at 12.6 litres of super-premium grade petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined consumption, provisional figure), the fuel consumption of the E 63 AMGis almost twelve percent lower than before, and leads the field among sports saloons developing more than 377 kW/500 hp. This progress has been made possible by a package of efficiency-enhancing measures. These include on-demand delivery of fuel and generator management with recuperation of braking energy on the overrun, both of which are standard in the new E 63 AMG. In-engine friction is also reduced by the AMG-exclusive twin-wire arc spray coating process used on the cylinder walls.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission also makes a decisive contribution to fuel economy: a wet start-up clutch running in an oil bath replaces the previous torque converter. This unit responds extremely rapidly, dynamically and without the losses typical of a torque converter transmission thanks to its low rotational inertia. The transmission is equipped with four driving modes: “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), which can be selected using a rotary electronic switch in the AMG DRIVE UNIT. Partial suppression of individual cylinders by interrupting ignition and injection during gearshifts under full load leads to considerably faster shift times. In M mode the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission allows gearshifts to be performed in 100 milliseconds.
In the even more fuel-efficient driving mode Controlled Efficiency, the transmission shifts the gears decidedly smoothly, and the transmission control unit is programmed to perform early upshifts to keep engine speeds as low as possible. At the same time, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission meets the most demanding requirements where driving dynamics are concerned: fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts ensure first-class agility in conjunction with the automatic double-declutching and RACE START functions: this enables the E 63 AMG driver to call on the maximum acceleration potential automatically.
Electronically controlled damping system and a new front axle
Sporty or more comfort-oriented? The driver of the new Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG is not obliged to accept any compromises in this respect. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension copes equally well with the agile manoeuvres of the racetrack and more comfortable, sedate driving. High performance and typical Mercedes long-distance comfort go together as an extraordinary synthesis in the E 63 AMG. This is made possible by the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension. While new steel spring struts are used on the front axle, the rear suspension features AMG-specific air springs. The advantage of this solution, which is exclusive to AMG, is that the front steel spring struts ensure more sensitive responses while the rear air struts with their automatic level control system keep the vehicle at a constant height irrespective of the load.
A new, electronically controlled damping system automatically varies the damping characteristics according to the driving situation, reducing the roll angle of the body. The result is instant adjustment to provide the best possible ride comfort together with the greatest possible agility. In addition the driver is able to choose between the three suspension modes of Comfort, Sport and Sport plus at the touch of a button. The E 63 AMG is also equipped with a newly developed, dedicated front axle with a 56-millimetre wider track, a tubular stabiliser, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new elastokinematics and new wheel location for more negative camber – thereby providing more grip when taking bends at speed. The AMG-specific kinematics also ensure significantly more precision. This is a highly sophisticated axle design whose principle has already proved its worth in the C 63 AMG. The rear axle likewise has more negative camber, optimised elastokinematics and a new subframe mounting for greater stability at the physical limits.
Newly developed power steering and individual 3-stage ESP®
For more direct responsiveness, the speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering is also a new development. The steering ratio of 14 : 1 is 22 percent more direct than in the standard production models, while a more rigid steering column plus the reconfigured characteristic mapping of the speed-sensitive servo assistance ensure better steering precision and improved road contact.
The 3-stage ESP® familiar from the SL 63 AMG and C 63 AMG enables individual settings to be selected – with clear benefits in terms of driving pleasure combined with the same, high level of handling safety. The ESP® button in the AMG DRIVE UNIT allows the driver to choose between “ESP ON”, “ESP SPORT” and “ESP OFF” – with the currently active mode shown in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. Perfect deceleration even when driving at high speed is ensured by the AMG high-performance braking system with 360-millimetre, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs all-round. Particularly resistant, motorsports-tested composite technology is used at the front axle. Outstanding grip is ensured by the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a width of nine or 9.5 inches and mixed tyre sizes of 255/40 R 18 at the front and 285/35 R 18 at the rear.
Decidedly dynamic interior and exterior
The decidedly dynamic design of the new E 63 AMGis fully in keeping with the uncompromisingly sporty technology. The front aspect is characterised by 17‑millimetre wider wings bearing “6.3 AMG” lettering on each side, the new AMG front apron with large intake air apertures and the AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights. In conjunction with the optional Intelligent Light System, the E 63 AMG is equipped with tinted main headlamps. The striking visual presence is further enhanced by the AMG side skirts and AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert. As a hallmark of the brand, the AMG sports exhaust system has two newly designed, chrome-plated twin tailpipes.
The newly designed interior of the E 63 AMG is an exciting blend of high-grade materials and functional sportiness. Exclusive features include the dedicated, electrically adjustable AMG sports seats with improved lateral support and the AMG sports steering wheel in a four-spoke design with AMG shift paddles. As a completely new feature exclusive to the E 63 AMG, the AMG selector lever has one-touch logic. Directly adjacent to it in the centre console is the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which provides adjustments for the MCT sports transmission, the ESP functions, the suspension setup and the AMG driving modes. Standard equipment also includes high-grade leather upholstery in three different colours, the AMG instrument cluster with an AMG main menu, door entry sills with AMG lettering and a sports pedal cluster – both in brushed stainless steel.
Even more individuality with tailor-made AMG extras
Customers requiring even more sporty individuality are catered for by the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO: the E 63 AMG can, for instance, be dynamically enhanced even further ex factory, with the Performance package. This includes the following:
Optional extras from the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO are also individually available ex factory:
The flagship AMG model in the E-Class traditionally meets the very highest expectations with respect to active and passive safety. Naturally this also applies to the new E 63 AMG: standard features include the new drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the unique anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, BAS PLUS, seven airbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints. The safety features can be brought to a level unprecedented in this vehicle class with the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist systems, the PRE-SAFE® Brake with an automatic emergency braking function to bring the vehicle to a standstill, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist and Speed Limit Assist.
BRABUS has announced today that just in time for the market launch of the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, they have created a range of enhancements aimed at making the model a bit more appealing to those of you who have a flair for the sporty. Outside, highlights include a new front apron with LED running lights, side skirts, aluminum front sport quarter panels, a new rear apron and spoiler, and of course, a range of Monoblock light-alloy wheels ranging in designs and sized from 17 to 20 inches.
To help the 2010 E-Class’ performance match its new outward appearance, BRABUS engineers have also worked their magic on the sedan’s range of engines, with power for the E500 (E550 in the U.S.) being increased to 462 hp (456 bhp) / 340 kW at 6,200 rpm and torque improving to 615 Nm at 3,100 rpm. As a result, the BRABUS-tuned E500 can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 191 mph. In addition, BRABUS is also working on a range of performance packages for the BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel models along with the E350 BlueTEC. Complimenting this newfound power, a new suspension setup, a high performance braking system and a new exhaust are also present on the BRABUS-enhanced E-Class.
And finally, as is the case with all BRABUS models, should you wish to enhance the interior of the 2010 E-Class, a multitude of options are again at your disposal. Stainless steel scuff plates, a sport steering wheel and sport pedals are some of the minor options, while a fully customized leather and Alcantara interior with various multimedia options can also be had, if you so desire.
To see the BRABUS 2010 Mercedes E-Class, keep scrolling for the complete photo gallery (click any picture to enlarge). Once you’re finished, you can then find the official press release detailing all of BRABUS’ available 2010 E-Class modifications.
New spy photos have emerged today depicting a scantily clad Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, which should be celebrating its unveiling in the not too distant future. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t look much different than the 2010 Mercedes E-Class fitted with the AMG sport package that we detailed back in January, but of course, the true fun of the E63 lies not in its design, but rather in what’s under the hood. Power from the model’s hand-built AMG 6.2-Liter V8 is expected to come in around 525 hp, while the rest of the E63’s mechanics are expected to receive a major overhaul.
We will of course keep you posted when the official specs are released; in the meantime, keep scrolling for a few more Mercedes E63 AMG spy photos, then head over to GlobalMotors.net where you can check out the full, action-packed gallery.
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.
With the launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is continuing a success story which is without parallel in the luxury-class car segment: Since 1947, when the Model 170 V was introduced as the direct forerunner of the E-Class, the Stuttgart-based automaker has produced more than ten million saloons in this vehicle category. In 2002 alone, some 1.3 million drivers chose the E-Class, whose market share of up to 40 percent makes it the top seller in this market segment in Germany and many other countries in Western Europe.
But as well as being by far the best-established and most successful business saloon, the E-Class is the “heart” of the Mercedes brand – it is the typical Mercedes-Benz. No other model reflects the core values of the brand as precisely as the E-Class: safety, comfort, environmental compatibility, design, quality and individuality.
The new E-Class represents another major advance by Mercedes-Benz in all these fields as the saloon marks the series-production debut of a series of innovative technical features which cannot be found in any other car in this vehicle category – from the drowsiness detection system to automatic emergency braking when an accident is imminent, from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet with its reversible actuation mechanism, from the air suspension with electronically controlled damping to the trend-setting BlueTEC exhaust aftertreatment system.
Mercedes-Benz is also offering the saloon as a specially protected E-Guard model. This is mainly distinguishable from the standard model by a network of intelligently conceived protective features of special steel, which are invisibly integrated beneath the otherwise identical body. This protective cocoon also includes all-round polycarbonate glazing. Accordingly the new E-Guard Saloon offers its occupants effective protection against the increasing worldwide risk of criminal attack in the street. With this new Guard model, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its eight decades of expertise in the design and production of special protection vehicles.
Along with innovation, individuality has always been one of the outstanding characteristics of the E-Class. And the new saloon is no exception: For example, the model range comprises ten engines, two drive concepts and three suspension variants. Further scope for individual configuration exists in the choice of two design and equipment lines, twelve 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 . 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.
The standard-equipment version is complemented by two design and equipment lines which form the basis for the individualisation of the E-Class. These lines emphasise the outstanding characteristics of the new Mercedes model and offer drivers scope for adjusting the car’s appearance and equipment in line with their personal tastes and lifestyle.
Standard equipment: Safety and comfort features expanded significantly
As well as incorporating the perennial core values of the E-Class, such as comfort, safety and style, the standard-equipment version includes the following items as standard:
Adaptive airbags for driver and front passenger
Adaptive brake lights, flashing
Active Bonnet with reversible actuation mechanism
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Connector for external audio device
Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
Selector lever for automatic transmission on steering wheel (V6 and V8 models)
Audio 20 CD radio with twin tuner, CD player and eight loudspeakers
Controller
Brake Assist
ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with Hold function and Hill Start Assist
Direct-Steer system (V6 and V8 models)
Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) with acceleration skid control (ASR)
DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping control
Colour display in dashboard
Five-speed automatic transmission (E 250 CDIand E 250 CGI)
Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for outer rear seats
Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for driver and front passenger
Ventilated glove compartment
Remote boot lid unlocking
LED rear lights
ISOFIX child-seat attachment points
THERMATIC automatic climate control with combined activated charcoal filter
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control (E 500 and E 500 4MATIC)
Kneebag for driver
NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints
Light-alloy wheels
AIRMATIC air suspension (E 500 and E 500 4MATIC)
ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system
Multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather with chrome inserts
PRE-SAFE®anticipatory occupant protection
Tyrepressure loss warning system
Shift/selector lever in nappa leather
Windscreen wipers with intermittent setting and rain sensor
Six-speed manual transmission
Sidebags for driver and front passenger
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission (V6 and V8 models)
Daytime driving lights
Bluetooth hands free system for telephone
Cruise control
Front seats electrically adjustable for height, inclination and backrest angle
Green-tinted windows all round
Windowbags
Central locking with crash sensor
High-gloss eucalyptus wood trim elements
AVANTGARDE: A contemporary character with its own front design
In AVANTGARDE guise, the E-Class has a distinctly contemporary and innovative look as a result of additional appointments and equipment, such as…
17-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
Ambient lighting
Bi-xenon headlamps with Intelligent Light System
Waistline trim strip in polished stainless steel
245/45 R 17 wide-base tyres
Chrome trim strips on sides and rear bumper
Sporty front bumper
Automatically dimming interior mirror
Special interior colours: chestnut brown and natural beige with black roof lining
Instrument cluster in bright silver with sporty tubular design
LED daytime driving lights
Combined fabric/ARTICO man-made leather upholstery
Headlamp cleaning system
Seats with padded horizontal piping
Sporty, lowered suspension set-up
Chromed radiator grille with three louvres painted in high-gloss black
All-LED tail lights
Trim elements in black high-gloss ash wood (optional: brushed aluminium)
ELEGANCE: A stylish presence with extensive use of chrome
The ELEGANCE line (standard for E 500 and E 500 4MATIC) lives up to its name by emphasising the elegant, classic character of the E-Class — with the following additions to the standard equipment, for example:
16-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
Ambient lighting
Wide-base tyres: 225/55 R 16 or 245/R 17 (for V8 models)
Chrome trim strips on front bumper, sides and rear bumper
Front bumper with black air intake and chrome trim strips
Automatically dimming interior mirror
Chromed radiator grille with four louvres painted in silver
Seats with longitudinal piping pattern
Trim elements in brown high-gloss burr walnut wood
AMG sports package: Exclusivity on 18-inch wheels
In addition to the design and equipment lines, the AMGsports package offers customers further scope for equipping the new E-Class in line with their personal tastes while adding emphasis to the dynamic character of the saloon. The package contains high-quality features, most of which are not available separately. For example:
18-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
Wide-base tyres: 245/40 R 18 (front) and 265/35 R 18 (rear)
Larger brake discs
Nappa leather three-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddles
Floor mats with AMGlettering
Perforated brake discs and brake callipers featuring the Mercedes logo
Shift paddles on steering wheel (if automatic transmission is fitted)
Black fabric roof lining
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with M programme
(V6 and V8 models)
Lowered sports suspension
Brushed stainless steel sports pedals with black rubber studs
Front sports seats in DINAMICA microfibre and ARTICO man-made leather
AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts
Exclusive package: Sheer indulgence for drivers
For particularly discerning drivers, Mercedes-Benz has put together the Exclusive package which includes:
Velour floor mats in appointments colour with nubuck border
Wood steering wheel
Roof lining, sun visors and pillar trim in Alcantara
High-quality dashboard finish with decorative stitching
Seat upholstery, armrests and door panels in nappa leather
Equipment packages: Combinations of safety and comfort technology
No other car offers such a comprehensive and intelligently matched array of advanced driver assistance systems as the new E-Class. To allow drivers to enjoy the benefits of these technologies to the full, Mercedes-Benz offers certain inno-vative features as optional packages. This approach ensures that the systems operate perfectly together and complement each other’s functionality:
The Lane Tracking package contains newly developed features which support the driver by helping to prevent accidental lane departure and aiding safe lane changing: Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
The principal systems which Mercedes-Benz offers in the Driving Assistance package are designed to make an active contribution to avoiding head-to-tail collisions: the radar-based DISTRONIC PLUSproximity control system, Brake Assist PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® Brake automatic braking system. This package also includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
Mercedes-Benz has put together the Light package for drivers who are often on the road at night. Along with bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights this package includes the new Adaptive Highbeam Assist function.
The new E-Class offers comfort-conscious customers the Active Multicontour Seat package, containing the newly developed multicontour seats with massage and dynamic function. Mercedes-Benz offers the multicontour seats with adjustable seat cushion length and side bolster support in the Multicontour Seat package.
The Rear Comfort package includes leather-upholstered luxury individual rear seats for the rear passengers, luxury head restraints, roller sunblinds integrated in the rear doors and an electrically operated roller blind on the interior of the rear window.
The Memory package offers electrically adjustable seats with 4-way lumbar supports for the driver and front passenger as well as a memory function for the seats, exterior mirrors and steering column.
The Mirror package consists of automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors as well as electrically folding exterior mirrors.
The Sun Protection package contains an electrically operated roller sunblind for the rear window, manually operated roller sunblinds in the rear doors and luxury, two-part folding sun visors for the driver and front passenger.
The KEYLESS-GO package consists of the KEYLESS-GO automatic vehicle unlocking functionality and remote boot closing.
The Anti-Theft Protection package contains the anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring and tow-away protection.
The new E-Class points the way ahead. An executive saloon whose design positively exudes status. New lines make the car appear even more effortlessly superior and imposing than before, lending it added masculinity. A strong yet familiar character that clearly originates from good stock. The identity features are unequivocal: the louvre structure of the radiator grille is classic Mercedes, while the twin-headlamp face has been a characteristic E-Class hallmark for 14 years now.
Nevertheless, even with these familiar styling elements, the design idiom remains vibrant and fits in perfectly with the Saloon’s more striking appearance: housed in a three-dimensionally shaped chrome frame, the radiator grille radiates presence by virtue of its dynamic V-shape and is also far more steeply raked than previously, allowing the new E-Class to emphasise its status without being brash; understatement is and will remain the style of this model series.
Once again the E-Class is seen “with new eyes”: the headlamps – previously always oval in shape – have been given a more progressive slant by the Mercedes designers, drawing inspiration from cubism and its beguiling geometric forms. As a consequence, they look like gemstones that have been cut from the car’s wings with unerring precision. The result is an all-new look – surprising yet unmistakable. Classic E-Class.
Like the headlamps, the bumper blends perfectly into the car’s body, completing the harmonious overall impression of the front section – as if the design were cast from a single mould. The dynamic lines that flow outwards, the distinctively shaped spoiler edges in the lower area and the bumper’s broad air intake emphasise the Saloon’s effortlessly superior aura, making it appear even wider and more athletic than before.
As always, these and other styling elements also enhance the profile of each of the individual lines, helping to accentuate their unique character. Hence the AVANTGARDE line features a front bumper with a sporty design, which looks wider and more athletic than that of the ELEGANCE line on account of the large lower air intake boasting a black painted grille with diamond-shaped perforations typical of a sports car. This impression is reinforced by the LED daytime driving lights, which are integrated in an attractively styled crossmember; these lights are standard equipment for the AVANTGARDE model, as is the Intelligent Light System with bi-xenon headlamps.
Another feature which makes for clear demarcation between each of the lines is the chromed radiator grille: the grille at the front of the AVANTGARDE model sports a unique look on account of its three high-gloss black louvres, while the design used for the ELEGANCE line stands out by virtue of its four louvres painted in metallic silver. The standard model as a radiator grille with three louvres in stone grey.
Design philosophy: effortless superiority, forwards thrust and sensuality
The slick interplay between lines and surfaces is a key trademark of contemporary Mercedes design. Large, concave or convex surfaces are given structure by taut, clearly defined lines. These lines emerge from the surfaces organically before flowing back into them equally seamlessly. They play with light and shade effectively, creating a range of contrasts whilst also making the body appear longer.
Perhaps the most alluring aspect of this design is its clarity and tranquillity. The focus is on the essentials: the pureness of the forms. There are no needless flourishes, no over-exaggerated trims, no formal over-indulgences. Instead, there is an overriding feeling of serenity, suggesting inner strength and effortless superiority.
The Mercedes designers have perfected this design concept right down to the last detail for the new E-Class. The lines of the side section become linking elements which influence the entire body design. In other words, the front and rear as well as the flanks. By way of example, the character line emerges from the muscular form of the front bumper and, from here, rises continuously rearwards to emphasise the dynamic wedge shape of the body. Above this on each side runs the shoulder line, formed by the bonnet’s joint, which lends the headlamp structure and spans the entire flank, culminating at the luggage compartment, where it gives the appearance of supporting the C-pillar.
Sitting proudly atop the tranquil surfaces and dynamic lines of the side sections, the roof emerges from the A-pillars – which themselves sweep majestically into the wings – and rises smoothly rearwards to lend the Saloon an even greater sense of forwards thrust. The message is unambiguous: this Saloon was designed to forge ahead.
Rear wings: a long-standing tradition still very much alive
The captivating lines of the side section culminate in a new styling element at the rear end, symbolising a further attribute of Mercedes design: a blend of tradition and innovation, of continuity and progress.
The E-Class model tradition stretching back more than six decades is mirrored in the design of the rear wings: the powerful line which spans the rear wheel arch and gives the physical, muscular form of the rear wing a distinctive contour harks back to the famous “Ponton” (three-box-body) Mercedes. This precursor to the E‑Class from 1953 boasted a similarly expressive anatomy, lending it a robust character – a symbolic feature and hallmark of the E-Class. And living proof of how this model series draws together the past and the future in perfect harmony. Keeping a long-standing tradition very much alive.
Like the shoulder line and character line, the striking line contour of the rear wing performs an integrating function, bringing together the side section and the rear end, since the line running above the rear wheel arch abuts the tail light which, for its part, is drawn deeply into the car’s flank and continues the flow of the line seamlessly at the rear end. The result is a harmonious overall picture – a composition of high aesthetic quality.
Rear end: power and passion
Like the front end, the rear section of the new E-Class emphasises the breadth of the body, thus lending it powerful shape. The taut, well-defined edge of the boot lid, the chromed handle and the bumper covering integrated perfectly into the body are the key elements that create this stylistic impression of width.
The tail lights with their classic Mercedes horizontal look really catch the eye –especially in the case of the light clusters specified as standard for the AVANTGARDE model, featuring LEDs for all the tail-light and indicator functions. A special technique is used make the LED units, which are activated in darkness, stand out from the hazily illuminated background so that they appear to be hovering in the reflector. The tail lights therefore produce a classic night design which makes the new E-Class unmistakable when viewed from the rear in darkness.
Interior: hallmark Mercedes luxury
Displaying the attention to detail for which Mercedes is renowned, the designers have made each individual element of the interior a beautiful piece in its own right. A piece whose form, colour and material arouse the senses and, moreover, a piece that does its job perfectly. This stylish symbiosis of technology and aesthetics never ceases to captivate, ensuring that the emotions experienced during the first encounter are just as vivid as those felt during the second, third, fourth…
The designers have gone to great lengths to mirror the design idiom of the exterior in the interior and, in so doing, create holistic harmony. By way of example, the wide look of the body design is reflected in the horizontally oriented lines of the dashboard, emphasising the pleasant feeling of spaciousness on board the E-Class.
This overriding impression of width is predominantly down to the distinctive fine-wood or refined aluminium trim and the precisely integrated ventilation outlets. Thanks to the seamless continuation of form and material between the dashboard and the door panels, the trim elements cocoon the driver and front passenger, giving them a feeling of reassurance. There is no doubt that that interior of the E‑Class is a space designed to promote wellbeing – an exclusively appointed home in which two aspects matter above all: comfort and relaxation.
As well as being based on an elaborate composition of beguiling forms, fine materials and attractive colours, the high-quality interior of the E-Class is characterised by a further key design element: light. The interior of the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models features discreet yet effective lighting: thin optical fibres located behind the trim elements on the dashboard and above the door centre panels create a harmonious band of light running around the inside of the car, ensuring that the feeling of high quality and interior space can be experienced at night as well as during the day.
In this sense, the new E-Class fulfils a desire expressed by many people – for security, enjoyment and aesthetics – that has lead to the development of a new lifestyle in recent years: a new living and motoring culture. The aim is to achieve tranquillity and wellbeing. And to delight in the finer things in life which offer both exceptional comfort and outstanding practicality.
Materials: nature in its purest form
This “welcome-home” feeling is achieved primarily thanks to the use of materials of natural origin – wood and leather. There are a total of four handcrafted wood trims to choose from for the new Mercedes Saloon:
The new, open-pore finish makes the wood trim appear extremely authentic, bringing a piece of practically unaltered nature into the interior of the E-Class.
Those who attach greater importance to sportiness and modernity can opt for high-quality aluminium in place of fine wood. In the standard model, Mercedes‑Benz offers the metal with an embossed surface, while the AVANTGARDE line features the option of aluminium trim elements with a brushed surface.
The wood or aluminium appointments in the E-Class Saloon are made all the more lavish, since the large trim elements on the dashboard and the door linings are accompanied by a second trim level which further enhances the front section of the centre console and the armrests in the doors. In addition to this, the controls for the automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models are embedded in fine wood.
Leather is the second natural material used to enhance the feeling of wellbeing on board. Even the standard version of the new E-Class features a multifunction steering wheel and a shift/selector lever trimmed in fine nappa leather. Leather seats are available as optional extras and, if the Exclusive package is ordered, the seats, armrests and door centre panels are trimmed in fine nappa leather.
Centre console: large stowage compartments and soft handrest
If the E-Class is ordered with the seven-speed automatic transmission and DIRECT SELECT gearshift on the steering column, the shift/selector lever usually found on the centre console is replaced by a closable stowage compartment with a wood-trimmed sliding cover or a double cup holder suitable for various cups, cans or bottles with a diameter of up to 82 millimetres. The control panel incur-porating the controller and further buttons is located behind this. The soft handrest, featuring indirect lighting in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models, makes the controller extremely easy to operate and also serves as an opener for the spacious stowage compartment between the front seats, which has a capacity of around five litres and, as an option, can house the mobile-phone cradle.
Models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission feature an asymmetrically split armrest which protrudes further forwards on the driver’s side, serving as a practical handrest for operating the controller. Behind this is the large stowage compartment, while a further compartment, which can optionally be used as a double cup holder, is concealed beneath the retractable cover on the right-hand side of the centre console.
Colour concept: feel-good factor as standard
Inside the new E-Class, the welcoming interior appointments are finished in pleasant colours. The Mercedes designers have compiled a wide range of colours and colour combinations for the various lines and materials:
Standard appointments black or black/alpaca grey
ELEGANCE black or reef grey/alpaca grey
AVANTGARDE black or black/alpaca grey
AMG Sports package black
If leather appointments are specified, the range of colours and colour combinations available for personalising the interior is even wider:
Standard appointments black or reef grey/alpaca grey
ELEGANCE mocha brown/almond beige or reef grey/alpaca grey or black
AVANTGARDE black/almond beige or black/chestnut brown or black/natural beige or black/alpaca grey or black
Mercedes-Benz offers a choice of twelve different paint colours for the body of the new E-Class.
Cockpit: sporty or elegant
Likewise, the instrument cluster reflects the different characters of the lines: the standard model and the ELEGANCE line have circular instruments with chrome surrounds, white illumination and a black background. In the AVANTGARDE cockpit, meanwhile, the instruments feature a matt-silver painted background and deep, slanting tubes, giving them a sporty, elegant aura. Fine chrome rings on the faces underline the high-quality impression of both cockpit variants.
Control concept: a perfect blend of form and function
Fewer switches but more functions. A simple way of expressing the basic principle behind the controls in modern-day cars. The controller on the centre tunnel in the new E-Class puts a whole range of functions at the driver’s fingertips. It is linked to the large colour display on the dashboard and allows operation of the navigation system, car radio, telephone, DVD player and other components of the infotainment system. For other functions, Mercedes-Benz has developed hotkeys which are located alongside the controller, on the centre console and in the door panels. The twelve-button multifunction steering wheel is another main protagonist of the sophisticated control and display concept (also see page 79).
Controllers, buttons, dials and displays are key interfaces between the driver and the car. As well as being simple, precise and intuitive, they need to be a pleasure to use and stir the emotions. This is why both looks and feel were top priorities when the Mercedes designers came to design the controls for the new E-Class. The exquisite integration of the switches and buttons into the interior design concept was just as important as the pleasant feeling of touching the control surfaces or the soft “click” heard when pressing the buttons.
Welcome home. The slogan for the new E-Class can be taken literally. Just by getting in and closing the door, you find yourself in a totally different world. Noise, stress and the rush of everyday life remain locked outside, replaced by an overriding feeling of comfort and relaxation. Elegant forms, fine materials, attractive colours, comfortable seats and exquisitely designed details create an atmosphere in which you immediately feel at home.
One of the key aspects the Mercedes engineers focussed on to create this exceptional level of comfort was the new dimensional concept for the body and the interior, which differs from that of the outgoing model in many respects and thus allowed a new form of “spatial planning”. More space equals more comfort was the principle the product planners applied to design a body that is 16 millimetres longer, 10 millimetres lower and 32 millimetres wider than previously. Measured against the outgoing E-Class model, the wheelbase length has been increased by 20 millimetres to 2874 millimetres, which is a major factor behind the enhanced ride comfort and interior spaciousness. This is highlighted for example by the seat reference point, effectively the distance between the front and rear seats, which is crucial in determining the space in which the occupants are able to move: it measures 848 millimetres (outgoing model: 838 millimetres) and is therefore on a par with the level which, not so many years ago, was the standard for top-end luxury cars.
The occupants also benefit from the new dimensions of the E-Class when it comes to shoulder room and elbow width. Here the new Saloon impresses by offering up to 51 millimetres more (rear elbow width) than its predecessor, largely down to the wider body (+ 32 millimetres) and the wider track (front + 23 millimetres, rear + 49 millimetres). The effective headroom for the driver and front passenger has been increased by ten millimetres compared to the previous E-Class and now stands at 1048 millimetres; rear headroom is now 972 millimetres – an increase of eleven millimetres.
When it came to “spatial planning” of the boot, the Mercedes experts focussed on the everyday qualities drivers expect from an executive saloon. Hence the key criteria for the boot design were sufficient space for safely stowing four people’s luggage, practical variability when using the luggage compartment and excellent functionality for stowing large and small items. As well as being evident in the bare figures, the impressive end result can above all be seen when it comes to everyday practicality. Compared to the predecessor model, the length of the luggage compartment has been increased by 33 millimetres to 1177 millimetres, while the height has risen by 14 millimetres to 468 millimetres. The smallest luggage compartment width between the wheel arches has been extended by 24 millimetres and now measures 1000 millimetres. Furthermore, the boot opening, important for loading, has also been widened – by eleven millimetres to 500 millimetres.
In practice, these dimensions mean that there is now space for two jumbo suitcases side by side on the flat load-compartment floor or for four golf bags (including clubs). The overall boot capacity of 540 litres (as per the VDA measuring method) has been maintained despite the far more extensive basic equipment package for the new E-Class. There are 78 litres of stowage space available in the compartment beneath the luggage-compartment floor. And the optionally available folding rear-seat backrests allow Mercedes customers to increase the load-carrying capacity depending on the transport task in hand as well as producing a practically flat load bay. Standard-fit load-securing rings enable items of luggage to be secured in place.
For fast and easy stowage of smaller items, Mercedes-Benz equips the load compartment of the new E-Class with a robust bag hook and stowage nets on the load compartment side panelling. One new addition is the optional EASY-PACK load-compartment box, which attaches below the parcel shelf. From here, the box measuring around 530 millimetres in width can be pulled forwards and loaded with ease as it unfurls downwards and has variable settings. The box has a maximum capacity of 55 litres and can carry up to ten kilograms.
Wide choice of seats for business-class travel and wellbeing
Many aspects of the multicontour seat for the new E-Class have been further enhanced, prompting “Aktion Gesunder Rücken” (a German organisation that promotes back health) to award the seat its coveted seal of approval. Multicontour means that the occupants are able to adapt the contours of the seat to suit their anatomy or personal preferences. This is made possible by inflatable air chambers beneath the seat padding. A new method for adjusting the side bolsters allows the backrest width to be adjusted continuously variably by up to 45 millimetres on each side – in other words by a total of up to 90 millimetres.In the outgoing model, the maximum adjustment range was just 50 millimetres.
Another plus point of the new multicontour seat is the function for pneumatically adjusting the seat cushion length. The front air cushion increases the seat cushion length by up to 50 millimetres at the push of a button, allowing occupants to relax their legs and ensuring good blood circulation.
The likewise new active multicontour seat offers the same comfort functions and more than lives up to its name: fast piezo valves at the air chambers vary the inflation pressure and volume of the air chambers in the backrest side bolsters depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and road speed so as to offer the driver and the front passenger even better support.This active function relieves strain on the musculature and enhances well-being. Plus it improves safety as the fast piezo valves allow the active multicontour seats to be integrated into the PRE-SAFE®anticipatory occupant protection system (also see page 54): if the PRE-SAFE®control unit detects a critical driving situation, it activates the air chambers in the backrests almost instantaneously. These then envelope the seat occupants and provide them with support, limiting the dangerous whiplash movements of the upper body in the event of accident.
To ensure a relaxed and fatigue-free ride, the Mercedes engineers have developed another special feature, available in conjunction with the active multicontour seat, in the shape of a massage cushion in the backrest. It consists of seven air chambers that are inflated and deflated cyclically so that the passengers feel a pleasant rolling movement across their entire back area. This movement stimulates the musculature, boosts circulation and counteracts premature fatigue. The massage mat operates independently of the contour and lumbar settings.
Further features of the active multicontour seat include a luxury head restraint with moving side bolsters, which also incorporates crash-responsive NECK-PRO technology.
Filled seat piping for a new comfort experience right from the off
For the E-Class, the Mercedes experts have further enhanced the quality of a tried-and-trusted Mercedes concept: filled seat piping. This is a special form of upholstery in which an additional layer of foam is inserted under the fabric or leather cover. The soft upholstery makes the occupants feel comfortable and relaxed as soon as they take their seats in the car. The experts attach great importance to first impressions, in this case the impression a person has when sitting in a car seat for the first time. All in keeping with the “welcome home” motto.
The design of the filled seat piping depends on the design and equipment line: the base model and the AVANTGARDE line have seat covers with horizontal contours, while the ELEGANCE line features vertical contours, evoking memories of the equally famous and well-proven Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and 1970s. In each case, the manufacture of the filled seat piping is a complex process in terms of both the craftsmanship and the upholstery technology required. Only Mercedes-Benz uses this process
A newly developed moulded foam cushion effectively forms the seat’s lower comfort zone. In the centre area, the Mercedes engineers have increased the foam thickness by around twelve percent compared to the outgoing model. Coupled with the overall softer feel of the material in the seat centre, this design provides noticeably more comfort. In the area of the side bolsters, on the other hand, the foam is harder so as to enhance lateral support. In this way, the experts achieve an excellent pressure distribution, which helps relieve the strain on the spinal column and provides specifically targeted support for the pelvic area.
Mercedes seat developers have always attached great importance to the optimum distribution of the seat pressure as they view this as a key requirement for a high level of long-distance comfort. Seat pressure distribution is adjusted in eight different zones of the backrest and seat cushion, based on carefully acquired empirical values. The backrests of the front seats, for example, are divided into several pressure zones: whereas the foam is soft in the area of the cervical and lumbar curve, it is hard in the pelvic and shoulder areas, where optimum support is required. On the seat cushion, the pressure gets progressively lower between the hip and thigh areas – a key requirement for comfortable, fatigue-free car travel.
The foam upholstery used for the front seat cushions is housed in seat squabs with integral springing. Here a frame made partially from high-strength steel forms a solid base. Special tubular sections and energy-absorbing elements in the seat lining ensure that, in the event of a side impact, the seats are able to absorb high forces and transfer these to the side facing away from the impact.
Lumbar support as standard for healthy sitting
Because the human body is not designed to sit still for long periods, it needs support at specific points. One example is the lumbar lordosis – the area of the lower part of the spinal column where the backbone curves forwards. This inevitably leads to a hunched sitting posture – meaning that stress is exerted on one side
of the intervertebral discs. The lumbar lordosis therefore requires support when sitting. Standard equipment for the driver’s seat in the E-Class includes a lumbar support which provides ergonomic support for the spinal column in the lumbar region. If the Memory function is specified by the Mercedes customer, the two front seats are equipped with electropneumatically adjustable four-way lumbar supports including side-to-side adjustment as well as height and shape adjustment.
The front-seat backrests consist of steel frames with springing and foam elements whose contours, like the seat surfaces, provide even better lateral support. The backrest height has been increased by around 30 percent in the area at the top of the backrest to provide even better support for the shoulders.
Natural materials and active ventilation for a comfortable seat climate
When developing seats, the Mercedes experts do not merely think about classic comfort features such as springing and damping. Moreover, they look at the all-round wellbeing of the car occupants, including what is referred to as seat climate. The materials and structure of a Mercedes seat are designed to ensure wellbeing whatever the weather and temperature outside. In the case of the E‑Class seats, this is achieved thanks to the breathable material mix and the high-quality fabric or leather covers. The fabric covers contain 25 to 30 percent wool – a natural material which, unlike synthetic fibres, displays excellent electrostatic properties and, moreover, outstanding moisture absorption, which has a positive effect on the seat climate in high temperatures.
Even greater climate comfort is provided by the optionally available actively ventilated front seats: four ventilators in the seat cushion and in the backrest extract cool air from the floor area of the interior and distribute it evenly through a ventilation tissue beneath the seat surface. The mild airflow can prevent the car’s occupants from sweating, even when it is extremely hot outside.
Multiple adjustment options for the ideal sitting position
As before, the front seat height, cushion angle and backrest inclination can be adjusted electrically, while adjustment of the fore/aft position of the seat cushion is performed manually. Plus the seats in the new E-Class have the largest fore/aft adjustment range in this market segment: 277 millimetres. The individual seat position can be adjusted in very small 4.5-millimetre stages and is therefore almost continuously variable, whereas the backrest inclination is fully continuously variable. This means that very tall and very short drivers can adjust the seat so that all of the Saloon’s functions are within easy reach.
Adjustment ranges of the standard-specification front seats:
The fully electrically adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger, which Mercedes-Benz supplies as optional extras, are even easier to use. In this case, the fore/aft position, seat cushion angle, head restraint, steering column and
exterior mirrors can be adjusted by electric motors in addition to the seat height and backrest angle. Three individual seat positions can be stored if the Memory function is specified. In this case, a touch of a button on the inner door lining is all it takes to move the seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors to their programmed positions automatically.
Once the driver has removed the electronic ignition key from the new E-Class, the steering wheel can be moved upwards to make it even easier to get out of the car. The steering wheel then remains in this position until the ignition key is re-inserted, providing the driver with more legroom when getting back into the car as well.
Individual seats for the rear passengers
For the rear passengers in the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has developed a system comprising two individual seats offering an all-new comfort experience (optional). The soft foam upholstery used for the seat cushion and backrest features distinctive contours and makes travel on board the Saloon even more of a pleasure. These luxury rear seats feature leather upholstery, a heating function and their own head restraints as well as a centre console between them and a through-loading feature allowing longer items to be carried in the boot. The head restraints, adjustable for height and angle, have side bolsters which improve lateral support for the head, allowing the occupants to fully relax in any reclined position.
A spacious stowage compartment with two cup holders for various cup, can or bottle sizes is located beneath the leather-trimmed armrest. And the through-loading module can be equipped with an optional ski bag.
Climate control: THERMOTRONIC with three individual climate modes
Comfort is all about highly individual preferences. Which is why it is important for cars to offer their occupants a wide range of personalisation options. The new E-Class meets this requirement, not only in terms of suspension tuning and seat adjustability, but also when it comes to climate comfort.
The new E-Class marks the debut of a Mercedes-Benz-developed automatic climate control system which, as well as being able to set individual temperatures in three zones (for the driver, the front passenger and the rear passengers), additionally offers what are referred to as climate modes. This means that, if the optionally available THERMOTRONIC system is fitted, the car occupants can choose from “Diffuse”, “Medium” and “Focus” at the push of a button and thus adjust the air quantity and air distribution to their liking without having to leave the convenient automatic mode.
In “Diffuse” mode, for example, the THERMOTRONIC system operates with a low air speed and distributes the air over a wide area so that there are fewer draughts. This is the purpose of the automatically controlled, upwards inclined diffuse nozzle in the centre of the dashboard. In “Focus” mode, meanwhile, the air outlets in the centre area of the dashboard are used for the most part, meeting the need for a direct flow of a larger quantity of air.
Sophisticated sensors are another reason why the three-zone luxury automatic climate control system does full justice to its name. These ensure that the desired temperatures set by the occupants remain constant: even the standard-fit THERMATIC system features two sensors for the interior temperature, four sensors for measuring the temperature of the air flowing out of the air outlets and one sensor for recording the intensity and direction of the sun’s rays, while the THERMOTRONIC system for the new E-Class additionally includes a dew-point/moisture sensor and a pollutant sensor.
The dew-point sensor enables specifically targeted cooling and, if required, reheating of the inflowing air, meaning that the air conditioning operates even more economically. The pollutant sensor senses when the carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide concentrations in the outside air are too high and, if the level of these pollutants increases suddenly, closes the air recirculation flap automatically.
Finally, the THERMOTRONIC system is equipped with a separate control panel at the rear of the centre console, allowing the rear passengers to select their ideal temperature and – if required – adjust the air quantity manually. This means they control the special booster in the centre console, which offers five speed settings and, therefore, ensures highly effective climate control in the rear of the car.
Another highlight of the THERMOTRONIC system is the residual heat function: pressing the “Rest” button heats or ventilates the interior for around 30 minutes when the engine is switched off.
The standard equipment package for the new E-Class includes THERMATIC two-zone automatic climate control. With this system on board, the driver and front passenger can set the desired temperature using the rocker switches on the elegant control panel in the lower section of the centre console. The OLED (organic light emitting diode) display indicates the programmed levels. If automatic mode is deactivated, the blower speed and air distribution can also be adjusted by rocker switch. The “ZONE” function is new: at the push of a button, the temperature settings are synchronised, and the level selected by the driver is transferred to the front-passenger side.
Heating output of a modern family house
The THERMATIC and THERMOTRONIC systems have received a boost in both heating and cooling output. The heating output has been increased by around ten percent to eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the power of the central heating system in a modern family house. In the diesel models and the four-cylinder models with direct petrol injection, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements (PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside temperature falls below a certain level in order to supplement the heater heat exchanger with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. The PTC heating element is required because, due to their high thermal efficiency, the sophisticated CDI and CGIengines are very economical on fuel and, therefore, give off much less heat to warm up the coolant than conventional engines when running under partial load.
An air-conditioning unit with an output of around 8.4 kilowatts – some five percent more than the unit used in the predecessor model – ensures rapid cooling of the interior. The air-conditioning compressor is continuously variable, allowing on-demand, i.e. economical, operation of the air conditioning. The control is provided by a solenoid valve which varies the swept volume of the air-conditioning compressor. In the E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model, Mercedes‑Benz uses an air-conditioning compressor which is disconnected from the engine’s belt drive automatically when no cooling power is required.
Fine-dust particulate filter fitted as standard
A large, hermetically sealed fine-dust combination filter, fitted as standard for the new E-Class, ensures that the air entering the interior is clean. It is 96 to 98 percent efficient at filtering out particles between five and ten micrometres in size and 100-percent efficient when it comes to removing ten-micrometre particles. Thanks to its activated-charcoal coating, the fine-dust combination filter can also filter out gaseous substances which are the cause of unpleasant odours. The filter is active on a permanent basis – even in air recirculation mode.
Up to ten electric motors and 18 air outlets for excellent climate comfort
The cleaned air flows to the centrally arranged evaporator, which cools and, therefore, also dries the air, depending on the temperature set by the car’s occupants. The temperature is then controlled with the help of the heater heat exchanger, which sets the desired outlet air temperatures. There are up to ten electric motors in total, whose job it is to control the cold and warm air flaps in the mixing zones as well as the air outlets, meaning that practically every air outlet can be regulated precisely as required. THERMATIC features 18 air outlets for effective and uniform ventilation of the interior, while THERMOTRONIC includes two additional rear outlets in the B-pillars.
As well as being more effective, the climate control systems for the new E-Class are also audibly quieter than before. Newly calculated cross-sectional areas for the air intake, the air ducts and the air-conditioning unit reduce the noise level at maximum cooling output by around three decibels (dB (A)), for example. In addition, the air ducting has been lined with acoustic absorption elements and/or sound-insulating foam.
Dashboard: technology and aesthetics in harmony
Attractive design, a pleasant feel and perfect ergonomics are the three main attributes of the dashboard and the centre console in the new E-Class – a harmonious blend that is one of the main factors behind the feeling of comfort and wellbeing experienced when riding on board the Mercedes Saloon.
As an option, the dashboard can be ordered with a two-tone design: while the upper section and the centre console are finished in a darker shade, the lighter contrasting colour used for the knee bolster, glove compartment lid and tunnel makes these areas really stand out. The surface of the dashboard is made from a polyurethane foam skin with additional padding. This sophisticated production process allows both small radii and precise edges, plus it ensures a pleasant feel. For particularly discerning motorists, Mercedes-Benz offers a dashboard trimmed in high-quality sheeting with fine topstitching for a perfect finishing touch. This item is part of the Exclusive package (optional extra), which also includes a fine Alcantara trim for the roof lining, sun visors and pillar mouldings.
The dashboard incorporates an illuminated glove compartment with a capacity of around 6.8 litres, which can be cooled by the automatic climate control system. A twelve-volt outlet and a socket for connecting an external audio device are also integrated. This is likewise the location of the optional media interface for connecting an MP3 player.
One of the main aims of the Mercedes engineers – to fuse elegant design with a pleasant feel – is reflected in the door panelling. They achieve this aim by combining high-quality materials such as fabric or leather and wood or aluminium with scratch-resistant plastic boasting a new grain-effect finish. The wide armrests on the door panelling are pleasingly soft to the touch and, therefore, exceptionally comfortable. Here the designers have integrated the control panel for the power windows, the locking/unlocking switch for the doors and the exterior mirrors so that it looks elegant and is also easy to reach and use. In addition to the expansive wood or aluminium trim strips at waistline height and the optical fibres for the ambient lighting in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models, the door panelling incorporates a second trim level, adding a further elegant touch beneath the armrests.
Centre console as command centre for the infotainment and automatic climate control systems
The centre console blends in harmoniously with the dashboard form and colour concept. This is where the controls for the infotainment system and the optionally available car phone are located, just below the air outlets. Beneath these, the buttons for the seat heating, seat ventilation, rear window blind, rear head restraints and other optional extras are demarcated by a discreet chrome strip. The lower section of the centre console houses the controls for the standard-fit automatic climate control system.
A special paint has been used to treat the visible areas of the buttons and controls, giving them a satiny shine and a soft finish. The experts call this “soft-touch paint”. Together with the sophisticated short-stroke buttons, which are easy to press and have very little travel, this paint helps ensure a pleasant yet precise feel. They buttons only need to be pressed once to activate or deactivate the function in question, and they always make a soft “clicking” sound to confirm that the desired function has been activated.
Every last detail designed for everyday practicality
A wealth of intelligently conceived details in the interior of the new E-Class highlight the fact that the Saloon has been developed with the customer and, therefore, everyday practicality in mind:
The front-passenger footwell incorporates a practical storage net suitable for holding an atlas or map. Directly above this is an adjustable plastic bottle holder.
In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models, two stowage boxes, each with a capacity of around 2.6 litres and suitable for carrying smaller items, are housed beneath the driver’s seat and front-passenger seat.
Additional coat hooks are built into the B-pillar trims.
As part of the Sun Protection package (optional extra), Mercedes-Benz supplies two-piece luxury sun visors for the driver and front passenger, an electrically operated rear window blind, guided on the C-pillars as in the S‑Class, and manually operated roller blinds for the insides of the rear side windows. They cover over 80 percent of the window area and, therefore, provide highly effective protection from the sun.
Proven concept for intuitive and reliable control
The aluminium controller on the centre console is one of the core elements of the tried-and-tested control and display concept which Mercedes-Benz first unveiled in the S-Class some years ago. It is based on the conviction that technology is only perfect if people can understand and master its use intuitively. To achieve this aim, the Mercedes experts have defined four basic principles that underpin their work:
1. Easy identification of the key control functions
2. Fast availability of the key spontaneous functions
3. Simple and intuitive control of the key functions
4. All the controls in the right place
Key features of the Mercedes control concept include special hotkey-type buttons which provide fast access to frequently used functions. This is why all the control and display elements that are necessary or important during a journey are located in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver. These include the switches and stalks for the lights, windscreen wipers, indicators and cruise control (standard in models with automatic transmission).
Furthermore, in keeping with the “everything in the right place” logic, the switches and buttons for the power windows, central locking and exterior mirrors are where one would intuitively look for them: on the doors. In other words, the driver does not need to learn anything new and, when it comes to the controls too, feels at home immediately on board the new E-Class.
Multifunction steering wheel with twelve buttons
Alongside the controller on the centre console, the multifunction steering wheel is one of the main protagonists of the sophisticated control and display concept. Its buttons are linked to the central display in the instrument cluster and merely need to be tapped with a thumb to gain fast access to a wide range of information displayed right in front of the driver’s eyes. The driver uses the left-hand button in horizontal direction to mark one of the main menus on the central display and in vertical direction to select the desired submenu. Each selection or setting is accepted by pressing the “OK” button, while the “Return” button is used to return quickly to the next-highest menu level.
The buttons on the right-hand side of the multifunction steering wheel are used for adjusting the volume (vertical), activating the mute function (middle) and using the car phone (horizontal). Beneath these is an additional button for activating the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system.
Cockpit with five circular instruments featuring a high-quality chronometer-style design
There are five instruments in the cockpit to provide the driver with all the necessary information: speedometer (middle), rev counter (right), clock (right), coolant temperature gauge (far right) and fuel gauge (far left). Thanks to black-panel technology, the indicator and warning lights assigned to the various circular instruments are not visible during normal driving; the driver only sees these when the ignition is switched on or if a fault occurs.
In the centre of the speedometer is a two-section central display.
The lower section of the central display is used for displaying icons that provide information about the status of the driver assistance systems as well as digital readouts of the outside temperature, transmission gear and transmission mode
(if an automatic transmission is fitted). One of the new features is the fuel consumption and gearshift indicator (if the six-speed transmission is specified), which informs the driver of the current fuel consumption and at what point the next-highest gear should be selected in order to save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions (also see page 89).
Large colour display for the infotainment functions
In the centre of the dashboard – where it can be easily seen by the driver and the front passenger – a large colour display in 16:9 format provides information about all the infotainment system functions. There are two versions of this sophisticated AM-TFT(Active Matrix Thin Film Transistor) display available, depending on the equipment specified for the E-Class: a 5.8-inch version for the Audio 20 and Audio 50 APSdevices or a high-resolution 7.0-inch version for COMAND APS (also see page 82).
The controller on the centre console incorporates the main controls for the infotainment systems and allows fast and easy access to the devices’ clearly structured menus. This turn/push control can be moved in eight directions: turning the controller selects the main menu and submenus on the display, while pressing it activates or accepts the displayed function or setting. The “R” and “C” buttons in front of the controller are used to exit submenus quickly or delete entries.
As the infotainment control system has been designed redundantly, the car radio, CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation system can be operated either using the controller or at the push of a button. This is the purpose of the function buttons on the centre console, which are positioned ergonomically so that the driver can reach them easily without having to take their eyes off the road.
Car radio, CD player and Bluetooth interface as standard
Information, communication, navigation, entertainment – these four aspects are now just as important a part of motoring as agile handling, outstanding comfort or powerful engines, for example. Motorists can no longer do without news, the telephone, navigation and music whilst driving. This is why Mercedes-Benz equips the new E-Class with sophisticated infotainment devices that deliver outstanding performance and, above all, are easy to use. These are called Audio 20 CD (standard equipment), Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS (optional extras).
All of the devices include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, a colour display in the centre of the dashboard and a Bluetooth interface to connect a mobile phone to the hands-free system wirelessly. Eight loudspeakers fitted as standard in the doors deliver superlative sound.
Features of the Audio 20 CDsystem, fitted as standard in the new E-Class, include a CD player (with MP3 capability), a dual tuner for FM/MW/LW/SW, automatic station search, RDS function (for FM reception) and a 4 x 20-watt amplifier.
The AUDIO 50 APS infotainment system is an all-in-one device featuring a combination of car radio, DVD player and Europe-wide DVD navigation system. The radio functions and the options for linking with other systems are the same as for the Audio 20 system. Mercedes customers who opt for the version with integral six-disc DVD changer also receive the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system.
COMAND APSwith even more functions
The Mercedes-Benz-developed COMAND APS multimedia system includes a DVD player for audio and video as well as a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a 40-gigabyte hard drive, allowing extremely fast access to the navigation data and, compared to DVD-based navigation, even faster route calculations. The high-resolution map appears on the 7.0-inch colour display in the centre of the dashboard and provides useful additional information. By way of example, the map shows the outlines of prominent buildings along the road to aid orientation.
In addition, COMAND APS includes a Music Register for around 1000 compressed music tracks in MP3, WMA or AAC format, which can be downloaded from PC memory cards. The system has a saved database (“Gracenote”), enabling it to recognise music tracks played from a CD, DVD or the Music Register and then display the title of the track and the artist on the display. Mercedes-Benz combines COMAND APS with LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control and a text-to-speech function as standard, allowing the driver to listen to route-specific traffic reports, SMS messages, address book entries or station names. New traffic reports relevant to the current route are read out automatically by the system.
Voice-operated control with whole-word voice input for navigation, telephone and radio
Mercedes-Benz, one of the inventors of modern voice-operated control systems, has continued to further develop the LINGUATRONIC system in recent years, meaning that the navigation system in the new E-Class can now be controlled based on the principle of whole-word voice input: the driver no longer needs to spell out the names of countries, towns or streets, but is able to speak them as whole words. It is just as easy to use the voice-operated control to select a radio station or an entry in the phone/address book: all available or stored names can be called up without the need for prior voice-input training.
As an option, Mercedes customers can combine the infotainment devices that feature in the E-Class with further systems offering even more information and entertainment:
The “Logic7” surround sound system developed by Mercedes-Benz in partnership with the audio specialist harman/kardon® provides three-dimensional audio enjoyment noticeable above all by a natural 360-degree music experience in all seats. It makes no difference if the music is played from a CD or a DVD or if the disc contains 5.1 surround or normal stereo recordings. The music signals are distributed by a 610-watt amplifier that controls 14 high-performance loudspeakers.
A media interface in the glove compartment can be used to connect an iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices to the infotainment system in the new E-Class. All that is required for this is a suitable cable from the Mercedes accessories range. The interface includes a control unit that links the external music memory to the Saloon’s on-board electronic and control systems. The advantage of this is that the titles of the tracks stored on the iPod can be shown on the colour display in the dashboard and in the instrument cluster, allowing them to be selected almost effortlessly using the controller and the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The battery in the audio device is charged for as long as the portable music memory is connected to the car via the media interface.
A separate DAB tuner (DAB= Digital Audio Broadcasting) and additional aerials (optional) allow passengers on board the new E-Class to receive digital radio stations in CD quality. The system switches to analogue reception automatically when the DAB signal is too weak.
A newly developed Rear Seat Entertainment System with a DVD player and two large colour displays (8.0-inch) in the rear of the front head restraints makes the ride even more entertaining for the rear passengers in the new E‑Class. The system also includes connection options for external audio or video devices and for the integration of a TV tuner. If COMAND APS is fitted, the DVD films and TV programmes (if the TV tuner is specified) played by the COMAND device can also be viewed by those passengers sitting in the rear seats.
BlueEFFICIENCY – the trademark for exceptionally economical and ecofriendly Mercedes passenger cars – is a package of measures compiled by development engineers across all disciplines, the main aims being to reduce weight, aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance, to further optimise the engine technology, and to make energy management even more efficient.
The Mercedes commitment to reducing fuel consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions targets actual driver usage profiles. As part of a large-scale field trial, the typical driving profiles of Mercedes customers were ascertained and combined in an in-house fuel-consumption test covering a total of almost two million kilometres. Hence the positive effects of the BlueEFFICIENCY concept are most noticeable during everyday use of the cars.
For the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has put together an extensive raft of measures, which is one of the key factors behind the reduction in fuel consumption of up to 23 percent. From the power steering to the tyres, from the fuel pump to the alternator, the development engineers scrutinised a wide range of components to determine if and how lightweight designs, new forms, more efficient control or enhanced functioning could be employed to save fuel. Although many of the individual measures only improved fuel economy by the odd percentage point or two, together they add up to a substantial saving.
Lower aerodynamic drag: fan shutter behind the radiator
The aerodynamic drag of a car rises by the square of the car’s speed and, at just 80 km/h, accounts for around 50 percent of all drag and rolling resistance. These figures show just how important aerodynamics are when it comes to fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – especially when driving at higher speeds. Reducing the drag coefficient (cd figure) by 0.01 only brings about a fuel saving of 0.04 litres per 100 kilometres in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) due to the low average speed of 33 km/h; however, in the real world – for example at a motorway speed of 130 km/h – this reduction in the cd figure equates to a fuel saving of up to 0.15 litres per 100 kilometres.
By performing computer calculations and meticulous work in the wind tunnel, the Mercedes engineers have succeeded in aerodynamically optimising the body of the new E-Class (also see page 49). The overall result is impressive to say the least: the cd figure for the Saloon is just 0.25 – significantly lower than the figures achieved by other saloons in this vehicle category.
One of the main reasons behind this outstandingly low drag coefficient is the new, electropneumatically controlled fan shutter. Its development is based on the knowledge that the air flowing through the radiator and the engine compartment accounts for up to ten percent of a car body’s total aerodynamic drag. The fan shutter allows the engine’s cooling air quantity to be limited in line with
requirements, thus saving fuel. In essence, this means that, when the engine is running under part load and requires relatively little cooling, the radiator grille is closed by a circular system of louvres located behind the radiator. For minimum cooling, the shutter allows just a small amount of residual air to enter the engine compartment, but opens completely when the sensors signal that more cooling air is required.
The fact that the area around the radiator is hermetically sealed ensures that the fan shutter works extremely effectively, allowing precise control of the air flowing into the engine compartment.
When the fan shutter is closed, the cd figure falls by 0.013, which is equivalent to a fuel saving of up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres when travelling at the motorway speed of 130 km/h. The fan shutter is fitted as standard on the four-cylinder models and on the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model.
Energy management: intelligent detail solutions beneath the bonnet
The most important aspect when trying to save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions is to avoid unnecessary energy losses – both internal losses caused by friction in the powertrain and losses due to drag and rolling resistance.
By way of example, the use of a turbocharger in place of the previous mechanical supercharger in the new models with direct petrol injection allows more efficient energy management, since the mechanical drive power from the belt drive required to operate the supercharger is no longer needed. The biggest plus point in favour of the new four-cylinder engines is the homogeneously operated direct injection system, which brings about a major increase in thermodynamic efficiency compared to the previous port injection system. The fuel vaporising in the cylinders lowers the temperature in the combustion chambers, thereby reducing the engine’s tendency to knock and allowing higher compression. The engine developers have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption further still by incorporating an intelligent thermal management system which prevents coolant from being pumped through the cylinders when the engine is cold, meaning that the combustion chambers heat up more quickly.
Part of the BlueEFFICIENCY concept involved optimising the automatic transmissions for the new E-Class: the newly developed converter for the five-speed automatic transmission reduces hydraulic losses and, therefore, uses up less fuel. For the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission in the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model, Mercedes-Benz has developed a standstill decoupling function: when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in a traffic jam, for example, the transmission switches to “N” position so as to reduce the engine load.
The standard-fit power steering system is based on an intelligent solution designed to prevent energy losses and, therefore, cut fuel consumption. Unlike conventional steering systems, in which the power steering pumps operate at full power on a permanent basis, the power steering pump in the new E-Class features an additional valve for on-demand control. This means that, when the driver does not require steering assistance – when driving straight ahead, for example – an electronic control unit minimises the operating power of the power steering pump. The advantage of this system is that the engine does not need to provide energy (or only needs to supply very little energy) to drive the pump. However, the delivery rate of the power steering pump is increased again spontaneously when the driver moves the steering wheel. In this instance too, the system operates on-demand, adjusting itself in line with the current steering angle, engine speed and vehicle speed.
The same basic principle applies to the automatic climate control system in the new E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model: if the air conditioning system does not require any cooling power, the air-conditioning compressor is disengaged from the engine’s belt drive.
In order to ensure on-demand energy management, Mercedes-Benz uses controlled fuel pumps in the petrol engines for the E-Class (the diesel engines will also incorporate this feature from autumn 2009 onwards). In this setup, the engine control unit only calls for the maximum pump output during full-load operation. In other driving situations, the pump adapts the delivery volume and pressure in line with requirements, resulting in a fuel saving of 0.15 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC).
Energy recuperation: power from braking energy
Each time the car is braked, kinetic energy is converted into heat and therefore goes to waste. This is why the E-Class incorporates efficient alternator management. This means that, whenever the engine is coasting and whenever the vehicle is braked, the voltage level in the vehicle electrical system is increased and the battery is charged. This increased alternator load assists the driver with braking and also helps to recuperate part of the braking energy, which is converted into electrical energy. This is why the experts refer to recuperation. Conversely, the alternator switches to no-load operation in certain situations – for example when accelerating or when the battery charge level is high – thus relieving the strain on the drive system. This process saves fuel to the tune of around 0.1 litres per 100 kilometres on paper (NEDC) and up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres when on the road in city traffic, where coasting and braking are more frequent than in the NEDC test cycle.
Energy saving: engine switched off at traffic lights and tips for economical driving displayed in the cockpit
To reduce fuel consumption when the engine is idling, Mercedes-Benz has developed the ECO start/stop function for the new E 200 CGIBlueEFFICIENCY model: the direct-injection petrol engine is switched off as soon as the driver applies the brakes, shifts the manual transmission to neutral and releases the clutch; however, the engine is restarted as soon as the driver depresses the clutch. What’s more, thanks to direct-start technology, the Mercedes-Benz-developed system operates spontaneously and with little noise: fuel is injected directly and ignited during the piston’s compression stroke, allowing the engine to be started with only very little assistance from the starter. The E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model is only started conventionally – with longer starter assistance and fuel injection during the suction stroke – in operating ranges that do not allow an automatic start function to be used, for example when the engine is cold.
The tyres also help to minimise fuel consumption. The E-Class is fitted with newly developed tyres whose rolling resistance has been reduced by up to 17 percent without impairing their outstanding handling and braking characteristics.
Finally, drivers can also help to save fuel, aided in the new E-Class by a display in the centre of the speedometer, which indicates the current fuel consumption – in litres per 100 kilometres. Drivers are therefore aware of whether they are driving fuel-efficiently or not. In addition to showing this information, the display also advises the driver when to change up a gear. Mercedes-Benz “ECO driver training” courses have shown that adopting an economical and energy-efficient driving style alone can cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent on average.
“Less is more”. This slogan certainly proves true when looking under the bonnet of the E‑Class. That’s because the newly developed and modified four-cylinder powerplants have a higher output than the previous six-cylinder units, despite the reduction in displacement. Plus they return impressive fuel-consumption figures that were previously only achievable in the compact-car class. The Mercedes strategy is to use turbocharged engines with lower displacement in place of high-displacement, non-turbocharged engines. Key benefits of the concept include lighter weight, reduced internal friction and a more economical fuel-consumption map.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model, for example, is proof that the plans have worked out successfully: with an output of 150 kW/204 hp, a peak torque of 500 Nm and a displacement of 2.1 litres, it develops around seven percent more power and delivers 25 percent more torque than the previous V6 diesel engine with a displacement of three litres whilst consuming around 23 percent less fuel: just 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure), making it far more fuel-efficient than comparable saloons in this performance class. The CO2 emissions figure for the new four-cylinder diesel models is 139 grams per kilometre – up to 24 percent lower than the figures achieved by the previous CDI models.
In the case of the petrol models too, “more power and more driving pleasure with even lower fuel consumption” proves to be the perfect formula: the E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCYmodel with direct petrol injection has a displacement of 1.8 litres and an output of 135 kW/184 hp yet consumes a mere 6.8 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined figure). Plus the CO2 emissions figures for the four-cylinder petrol models are more than a fifth lower than those for the outgoing models.
As with carbon dioxide emissions, the engines for the new E-Class have also taken a further major step towards the future when it comes to exhaust gas emissions: all of the powerplants meet the requirements of the EU 5 standard, whose limits are up to 80 percent more stringent than those in previous standards. And with the new E 350 BlueTEC, Mercedes-Benz offers the world’s cleanest diesel, undercutting the limits of the EU 6 standard, which is not even due to come into force until 2014.
Diesel engines: newly developed four-cylinder model with a choice of three power outputs
The newly developed diesel engine extends the range of four-cylinder CDI units for the E-Class to three. These engines span the power output range from 100 kW/136 hp to 150 kW/204 hp; fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in all the new four-cylinder diesel engines have been reduced to just 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres and 139 grams per kilometre respectively (NEDC combined fuel consumption).
The technical advances made by the Mercedes-Benz engine designers responsible for this new four-cylinder diesel unit can also be seen in the performance figures: the most powerful variant, with an output of 150 kW/204 hp, outperforms its predecessor by 20 percent yet has the same displacement. Plus the peak torque has been increased by 25 percent from 400 to 500 N m. When it comes to speci fic output too, the powerplant posts a new record: 70 kW/95 hp and 233 Nm per litre of displacement.
The new engines are characterised by high output, agile response and exceptional pulling power. Plus they are exceptionally refined for four-cylinder units. Then there is the highly impressive agility, reflected in the performance figures, for example: the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds, while the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h takes the Saloon a mere 9.7 seconds. The E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY developing 125 kW/170 PS takes 9.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standing start and accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in 11.3 seconds, while the E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY completes the burst from zero to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in 13.2 seconds.
A wealth of innovative technologies has been implemented to enable the four-cylinder diesel engines to achieve their exceptional power and torque characteristics, economy, emissions performance and refinement, including new developments that do not currently feature in any other standard-production diesel engine for passenger cars.
Fourth-generation common-rail technology with piezo injectors
This series of four-cylinder engines sees Mercedes-Benz introducing fourth-generation common-rail direct injection into series production. One of its hallmarks is a 400-bar increase in the maximum rail pressure, which now stands at 2000 bar for the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E 250 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY models. This increased pressure potential was a key factor in raising the engine output to up to 150 kW/204 hp and the peak torque to 500 Nm whilst also achieving a significant cut in untreated emissions.
Newly developed piezo injectors are key components in the latest CDIgeneration. They use their piezoceramic properties to change their crystal structure – and therefore their thickness – in a matter of nanoseconds when electrical voltage is applied. The injectors are equipped with a stack of thin piezoceramic layers (called the “piezo stack”) to enable them to achieve a sufficient overall lift from the very small lift per layer. In contrast to the systems commonly used to date, this lift activates the nozzle needle directly, so that the fuel injection can be adjusted more precisely in line with the current load and engine-speed situation – for example by means of precise multiple injections, which have a favourable effect on emissions, fuel consumption and combustion noise. What’s more, the engine is far quieter when idling than its predecessor.
Another key factor behind the impressive output and fuel consumption at full load with respect to emissions is the maximum ignition pressure. And, with 200 bar, the new four-cylinder diesel unit from Mercedes-Benz is among the leading contenders in the field of passenger-car diesel engines.
Impressive torque yield thanks to two-stage turbocharging
The new diesel engine in the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models marks the debut of two-stage turbocharging in a standard-production diesel engine for passenger cars at Mercedes-Benz. The aim is to achieve further advantages compared to a single-stage turbocharger, for example a further improvement in start-up performance and peak output. A single-stage turbocharger with variable nozzle turbines is used in the E 200 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY model. The lower engine power allows a smaller turbocharger to be used and, therefore, ensures likewise excellent start-up performance.
The compact module for the new two-stage turbocharger consists of a small high-pressure (HP) turbocharger and a large low-pressure (LP) turbocharger. These are connected in series, and each has a turbine and a compressor driven by this turbine. The HP turbine is located directly at the exhaust manifold and initially allows exhaust gas to flow through it; it then rotates at up to 215,000 revolutions per minute. The HP turbine housing features an integral bypass duct, which can be opened or closed by means of a charge-pressure control flap triggered by a vacuum cell. If the flap is closed, the whole exhaust stream flows through the HP turbine, meaning that the exhaust-gas energy is available solely for the HP turbine drive. This means that the optimum charge pressure can be built up at low engine revs.
As the engine speed increases, the charge-pressure control flap opens, primarily to prevent the HP turbocharger from becoming overloaded. A portion of the exhaust stream then flows through the bypass duct to relieve the HP section. Downstream of the HP turbine, the two exhaust gas streams join up again, and any remaining exhaust gas energy drives the HP turbine at a maximum speed of up to 185,000 revolutions per minute.To protect against overloading, the LP turbine is also equipped with a bypass, which is opened or closed by means of a wastegate. Once the engine reaches medium revs, the HP turbine’s charge-pressure control flap is opened so wide that the HP turbine ceases to perform any appreciable work. This allows the full exhaust gas energy to be directed with low losses into the LP turbine, which then does all of the turbine work.
The two compressors are likewise connected in series and are in addition connected to a bypass duct. The combustion air from the air cleaner first flows through the low-pressure compressor, where it is compressed as a function of the LP turbine’s operating energy input. This pre-compressed air then passes into the high-pressure compressor, which is coupled to the HP turbine, where it undergoes further compression – the result is a genuine two-stage turbocharging process.
The key benefit of this sophisticated, on-demand control of the combustion air supply by means of two turbochargers is the improved cylinder charging and, consequently, a high torque even at low revs. What’s more, fuel consumption is reduced. During normal operation, the advantages of this concept can be seen in the harmoni ous driving characteristics without turbo lag, a good torque curve across the entire engine speed range, spontaneous throttle response and noticeably improved performance.
As a logical addition to the turbocharger system, Mercedes-Benz installs a larger intercooler than the one seen in the previous models, which reduces the temperature of the compressed and heated air by around 140 degrees Celsius so that a larger volume of air can enter the combustion chambers.
Lower NOx emissions thanks to cooled exhaust gas recirculation
The newly developed EGRvalve works like a rotary disc valve and ensures precise control of the fresh air and recirculated exhaust gas. So as to optimise the quantity of exhaust gas recirculated and thereby achieve high recirculation rates, the exhaust gases are cooled down as required in a highly efficient heat exchanger with a large cross-sectional area. Together with the HFM (hot-film air-mass sensor) module integrated in the fresh-air ducting, which provides the engine control unit with precise information about the current fresh-air mass, this setup brings about a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
The combustion air subsequently flows into the charge-air distributor module, which supplies air to each cylinder in a uniform manner. Built into the distributor module is an electrically controlled intake port shutoff, which allows the cross-sectional area of each cylinder’s intake port to be smoothly reduced in size. This alters the swirl of the combustion air in such a way as to ensure that the charge movement in the cylinders is set for optimum combustion and exhaust emissions across the full range of engine loads and speeds.
The advantages of a rear-mounted camshaft drive
Another of the highlights of the new four-cylinder diesel engine is the rear-mounted camshaft drive, which allows statutory pedestrian protection requirements to be met when the engine is installed longitudinally and the bonnet rises from front to rear. The valve timing mechanism is another new development and reduces friction at the 16 intake and exhaust valves, which are controlled by one overhead intake camshaft and one overhead exhaust camshaft acting via cam followers featuring hydraulic valve clearance compensation. The camshaft, Lanchester balancer and the ancillary assemblies are driven by a combination of gearwheels and just a short drive chain.
The switchable water pump, another highlight of the new Mercedes diesel engine, helps to quickly heat up the combustion chambers and the friction partners as well as reducing fuel consumption and untreated emissions. The pistons are cooled by an oil pump with a central control valve for all four piston-cooling sprayer units with large oil-spray nozzles. It creates identical, thermal boundary conditions for all cylinders. The generous dimensions ensure optimum piston cooling, even at full load, and make for a long service life. What’s more, the controlled oil pump reduces the oil flow rate and, therefore, consumption.
Six-cylinder CDI engine: higher output and torque but lower fuel consumption
In a similar vein, the V6 diesel engine for the new E-Class is one of the most sophisticated compression-ignition units on the world market. It offers substantially greater output, comfort and driving enjoyment than other engines thanks to the immense torque of 540 Nm alone, which is available between 1600 and 2400 rpm, ensuring outstanding agility when accelerating from rest and exemplary flexibility when accelerating in any gear. To put this into figures, the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model (170 kW/231 hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in 5.1 seconds.
Despite the higher output and torque, fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5 litres to 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure), equivalent to 179 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission is specified as standard for the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model.
The Mercedes engineers have gone to great lengths to optimise the technology at the heart of the V6 diesel engine, reducing the compression from 17.7 to 15.5, enhancing the turbocharger with a more efficient EGR cooling zone, switchable bypass duct, ceramic glow system, modified injection nozzles and optimised air ducting.
E 350 BlueTEC meets the requirements of the EU6 emission standard
BlueTEC is a key concept for the future of the diesel engine. Thanks to the highly efficient emission control system developed by Mercedes-Benz, the compression-ignition models meet the strictest of emission requirements, making them the world’s cleanest diesel cars. This technology will be available for the E-Class in the new E 350 BlueTEC model with V6 diesel engine from autumn 2009 onwards. In this model variant, the powerplant has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and provides its maximum torque of 540 Nm from 1600 rpm. Fuel consumption in the E 350 BlueTEC model with seven-speed automatic transmission is 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined figure), while the CO2 emissions figure is 183 grams per kilometre.
For its installation in the BlueTEC model, the V6 engine has been modified in detail, among other things to further reduce in-engine untreated emissions and to meet the statutory requirements with respect to on-board diagnostics (OBD). The emission control system features a close-coupled oxidation catalytic converter and a diesel particulate filter which is located in the firewall area. Regeneration times are reduced as a result.
At the heart of the BlueTEC system are two SCR catalytic converters (SCR= Selective Catalytic Reduction) and an upstream “AdBlue®” injector. “AdBlue®” is an aqueous urea solution which converts the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the SCRcatalytic converters into harmless nitrogen through a process of reduction. The complex exhaust gas aftertreatment process is monitored and diagnosed by several sensors, including a differential pressure sensor and an oxygen sensor as well as NOX and temperature sensors.
For the “AdBlue®” additive, the E 350 BlueTEC is installed with an additional 25‑litre tank equipped with a diaphragm pump, valve, pressure and temperature sensor, and an electric heater. The latter prevents the 33-percent urea solution from freezing at low temperatures. The tank is refilled as part of the scheduled maintenance programme.
The range of diesel engines for the new E-Class at a glance:
| E 200 CDI* Blue-EFFIC-IENCY | E 220 CDI* Blue-EFFIC-IENCY | E 250 CDI Blue-EFFIC-IENCY | E 350 CDI Blue-EFFIC-IENCY | E 350* BlueTEC | |
| Engine/
cylinders |
Diesel/4 in-line | Diesel/4 in-line | Diesel/4 in-line | Diesel/V6 | Diesel/V6 |
| Transmission standard | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual | 7-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Displacement | 2143 cc | 2143 cc | 2143 cc | 2987 cc | 2987 cc |
| Rated output | 100 kW/ 136 hp |
125 kW/ 170 hp |
150 kW/ 204 hp |
170 kW/ 231 hp |
155 kW/ 211 hp |
| Rated torque | 360 Nm at 1400-2600 rpm |
400 Nm at 1400-2800 rpm |
500 Nm at 1600-1800 rpm |
540 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm |
540 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm |
| Fuel consumption
** |
5.3 l/100 km | 5.3 l/100 km | 5.3-5.5 l/100 km | 6.8-7.1 l/100 km | 7.0 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions
*** |
139 g/km | 139 g/km | 139-144 g/km | 179-186 g/km | 183 g/km |
| Emission standard | EU 5 | EU 5 | EU 5 | EU 5 | EU 6 |
*provisional figures; **NEDC combined fuel consumption; ***NEDC
Petrol engines: new four-cylinder units with direct injection
CGI appears at the end of the model designation of the four- and six-cylinder engines for the new E-Class, signifying that Mercedes-Benz uses direct petrol injection for these powerplants – a technology which allows further advances when it comes to reducing petrol consumption.
Compared to conventional port injection, direct fuel injection allows higher compression and, therefore, improved thermodynamic efficiency, saving motorists money at the pump: the new four-cylinder direct-injection powerplants for the E‑Class consume up to 21 percent less fuel than the comparable engines installed in the outgoing model. In the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model (150 kW/ 204 hp), Mercedes-Benz has replaced the previous V6 2.5-litre engine with a four-cylinder 1.8-litre unit yet still manages to increase torque by over 26 percent. This result reveals a further Mercedes strategy for the future: the use of turbochargers in small-displacement engines.
The new four-cylinder petrol engines combine excellent economy with outstanding power delivery and agility, as highlighted by the performance figures for the E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models:
E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY:
0 to 100 km/h: 8.7 seconds
80 to 120 km/h: 13.9 seconds
E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY:
0 to 100 km/h: 7.7 seconds
80 to 120 km/h: 6.0 seconds (in 3rd gear)
Mercedes-Benz equips the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model features a six-speed manual transmission and the ECO start/stop function (also see page 90), which shuts off the engine automatically when it is idling, thus making a significant contribution towards saving fuel.
Variable camshaft adjustment and intelligent thermal management
The four-cylinder engines are made almost entirely of aluminium: the crankcase is made of cast aluminium, while a special, high-strength aluminium alloy is used for the cylinder head. Two forged overhead camshafts with variable adjustment are used to control the 16 valves. A vane-type adjuster with integrated control valve allows fast and smooth adjustment of the timing, ensuring that it is always at the optimum setting. This setup has two advantages: firstly, the variable camshaft adjustment enables a high torque yield even at low revs; secondly, this technology allows high specific outputs. The valves are controlled by means of cam followers and feature maintenance-free, hydraulic valve clearance compensation.
The Mercedes engineers have paid special attention to the engine’s warm-up governor because it affects fuel consumption. This is why the new direct-injection petrol model features an electronically controlled thermostat to ensure that circulation of the coolant is stopped when the engine is cold. This setup allows the engine oil to heat up quickly and, therefore, minimises in-engine friction. This intelligent thermal management system is logic-controlled. In other words, it is based on driving style, ambient temperatures and other parameters.
The turbocharger module is welded to the exhaust manifold on the engine’s exhaust side and features a wastegate valve and a deceleration air function for controlling the pressure characteristics. There were very good reasons for using a turbocharger in place of the previously installed mechanical supercharger – not least the higher efficiency as the engine does not need to provide the extra drive power required for the mechanical supercharger. What’s more, the turbocharger takes up far less space than the supercharger, weighs around four kilograms lighter and, in addition, also offers better noise and vibration characteristics. The Mercedes engineers brought about a noticeable improvement in the turbocharger’s bottom-end response by incorporating newly developed turbine geometry and a cylinder-flushing process.
Injection pressure of up to 140 bar and new multi-hole injectors
Mercedes-Benz has a long tradition in the field of direct petrol injection. As early as the mid-1950s, the Stuttgartmanufacturer unveiled this technology in the 300 SL, the legendary “Gullwing” model. This classic sports car was the first series-produced automobile to feature a four-stroke engine with direct injection – a sensational development that boosted the six-cylinder powerpack’s output significantly.
In the direct-injection system, the air and fuel are not mixed until they reach the combustion chambers. With the help of an injector, the fuel is injected into the cylinders at an angle of 30 degrees and, depending on the engine operating characteristics, at a pressure of up to 140 bar. Here the fuel droplets and the air particles form a mixture which is guided to the spark plugs via specially shaped recesses in the pistons. By way of comparison, the fuel pressure in a four-cylinder engine incorporating conventional injection technology is approximately 3.8 bar.
In order to ensure optimum swirl in the mixture, thus making combustion fast and as complete as possible, the CGI engines have intake ports with specially calculated flow characteristics. An adjustable swirl flap is also used so as to produce high turbulence in certain operating ranges and thus improve the combustion process. The high-pressure fuel pump is driven by the intake camshaft, while a quantity control valve integrated in the pump module ensures on-demand metering of the fuel supply. A pressure regulator with its own sensor, monitored by the engine control unit, controls the pressure in the fuel line (rail), which is directly connected to the multi-hole solenoid injectors. The four-cylinder direct-injection units operate in the homogeneous range, in other words with a stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio of 14.6 : 1 (Lambda = 1), which is important for emission control by means of three-way catalytic converter. The new four-cylinder direct-injection engines meet the requirements of the EU5 emission standard.
Balancer in the crankcase and controlled oil pump
In addition to exemplary power delivery, low fuel consumption and low exhaust emissions, the new Mercedes four-cylinder engines have a further advantage, namely outstanding refinement thanks in no small part to the newly developed Lanchester balancer: two forged shafts supported in three bearings, which are arranged below the crank mechanism and counter-rotate at twice the crankshaft speed. In so doing, they compensate for the inertia forces which are caused by the motion of the pistons, for example, and can lead to irritating vibrations. The aluminium housing that contains the bearing-mounted balancer shafts is located in the oil sump, where it is bolted to the crankcase from below. The crankcase also contains the controlled engine oil pump, which is driven by one of the two shafts by means of a gear pair.
CGI six-cylinder engine with spray-guided direct petrol injection
The E 350 CGIBlueEFFICIENCY model is equipped with the world’s first petrol engine to feature spray-guided direct injection. The six-cylinder powerplant develops 215 kW/292 hp and provides a peak torque of 365 Nm from 3000 rpm. Thanks to the state-of-the-art engine technology, which Mercedes-Benz has modified right down to the last detail, fuel consumption is reduced to between 8.5 and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure), which is 0.5 litres per 100 kilometres less than the figure achieved by the outgoing model. These exemplary performance and fuel-consumption figures are achieved using cost-efficient premium unleaded petrol (RON 95).
What’s more, the highly economical and environmentally compatible CGIpowerplant provides a unique driving experience: it takes the E 350 CGIBlueEFFICIENCY model just 6.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and a mere 4.2 seconds to complete the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h (in third gear).
Stratified-charge mode, even at higher engine speeds, thanks to multiple injection
Mercedes-Benz was the first car manufacturer to introduce spray-guided direct petrol injection into series production in 2006. Thanks to higher thermodynamic efficiency, this technology allows better use of the fuel and, therefore, lower fuel consumption and lower exhaust gas emissions. The key benefit of the six-cylinder engine is delivered in stratified-charge mode, when the powerplant operates with a high degree of excess air and, therefore, extremely fuel-efficiently. This advantageous “lean-burn operation” is now also possible when the Mercedes direct-injection unit is running in higher engine speed and load ranges because the combustion chambers are supplied with fuel several times in succession within a fraction of a second in every combustion cycle, thus improving mixture formation, combustion and consumption.
Fast and precise piezo injectors are among the key components of the second-generation direct petrol injection system. They open their nozzle points outwards, forming an annular gap that is mere micrometres in size, shaping the jet of fuel and ensuring its even, hollow-cone-shaped dispersion. Thanks to their ability to switch within milliseconds, the piezo injectors also allow the multiple injection that is also of benefit for lean-burn operation, thus playing a crucial role in achieving the engine’s exemplary consumption figures. A high-pressure pump with downstream distributor and pressure valve supplies the fuel and ensures on-demand flow control. With a level of up to 200 bar, the system’s fuel pressure is several times higher than that in a conventional port injection system.
The combustion process with several injections in succession per combustion cycle developed by Mercedes engineers also enhances the refinement and emission characteristics of the V6 engine. Tests show that untreated emissions (hydrocarbons) are reduced by more than half in the warm-up phase. Plus the specifically targeted injection and combustion control allows higher temperatures in the exhaust manifold, ensuring faster heating of the catalytic converters.
Emissions are controlled by two close-coupled three-way catalytic converters with linear lambda control, which are activated immediately after a cold start. Mercedes-Benz reduces nitrogen-oxide emissions by means of two-pipe electrically controlled exhaust gas recirculation, which directs up to 40 percent of the exhaust gases back into the cylinders, depending on the engine’s operation, and by means of two NOx storage catalytic converters on the underbody. During lean-burn operation, these catalytic converters absorb the nitrogen oxides and re-release them in short regeneration phases so that they react chemically to form harmless nitrogen.
Four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment, a two-stage intake manifold, a balancer shaft and intelligent thermal management are further highlights of the V6 engine with direct injection. The crankcase and cylinder head are made of aluminium; the cylinders are equipped with liners that have a low-friction aluminium-silicon coating.
Precision-modified eight-cylinder engine
The eight-cylinder unit in the E 500 model – the flagship powerplant in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz V engines – incorporates an extensive technology package to create a blend of high output and torque yield with exemplary refinement and effortlessly superior agility. The extent of the powerplant’s capability is highlighted by the performance figures for the new top-of-the-range E-Class model, which is equipped with the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission as standard:
0 to 100 km/h: 5.3 seconds
80 to 120 km/h: 3.6 seconds (in 3rd gear)
By incorporating an intelligent valve-timing concept, the Mercedes engineers achieve advances that are a major factor behind the excellent torque and output characteristics. An optimum supply of fresh gas for the cylinders is assured thanks to four-valve technology and, above all, continuously variable and continuous intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment. The valves always open at the just the right time, in line with the current driving situation, thus substantially improving the gas cycle in the combustion chambers and reducing the amount of lost energy.
The “quadruple” continuously variable camshaft adjustment process is further enhanced by shifting camshafts, which are used to enable opening of the exhaust valves and, therefore, further improve the engine’s gas cycle. The exhaust cams are designed so that the valves open at different times during the exhaust process, depending on the firing order. As a consequence, the pressure fluctuations inherent in a V8 engine’s exhaust train are reduced. Thanks to a more constant residual-gas content, a higher knock limit and improved bottom-end and mid-range cylinder charging, the shifting camshafts increase the V8 engine’s torque and refinement. The effective mean pressure at 2000 rpm, for example, is around six percent (10.3 : 11.0 bar) higher than in a comparable engine not fitted with shifting camshafts.
The key data for the new E-Class petrol models at a glance:
| E 200 CGI* Blue-EFFICIENCY | E 250 CGI* Blue-EFFICIENCY | E 350 CGI Blue-EFFICIENCY | E 500 | |
| Engine/
cylinders |
Petrol/4 in-line | Petrol/4 in-line | Petrol/V6 | Petrol/V8 |
| Transmission standard | 6-speed manual | 5-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Displacement | 1796 cc | 1796 cc | 3498 cc | 5461 cc |
| Rated output | 135 kW/ 184 hp |
150 kW/ 204 hp |
215 kW/ 292 hp |
285 kW/ 388 hp |
| Rated torque | 270 Nm at 1800-4600 rpm |
310 Nm at 2000-4300 rpm |
365 Nm at 3000-5100 rpm |
530 Nm at 2800-4800 rpm |
| Fuel consumption
** |
6.8 l/100 km | 7.3 l/100 km | 8.5-8.8 l/100 km | 10.9-11.2 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions*** | 159 g/km | 174 g/km | 199-205 g/km | 256-261 g/km |
| Emission standard | EU 5 | EU 5 | EU 5 | EU 5 |
*provisional figures; **NEDC combined fuel consumption; ***NEDC
Modified manual transmission and consumption-optimised automatic
The Mercedes engineers have adapted the tried-and-tested six-speed manual transmission to suit the high torques of the four-cylinder engines. For instance, they equip the new E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model with a modified transmission which, thanks to more effective gearing, a dual-mass flywheel and a larger clutch, is capable of transmitting the peak torque of 500 Nm. On account of the larger gears, the transmission is around 78 millimetres longer than its counterpart for the other four-cylinder models.
The five-speed automatic transmission, available as an option for the petrol models and four-cylinder diesel models (standard for the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY) has likewise been precision-modified and features a newly developed converter that reduces the hydraulic losses and, therefore, operates even more fuel-efficiently than previously.
Standard equipment for the new V6 and V8 E-Class models includes a seven-speed automatic transmission. In “C” mode, the 7G-TRONIC offers a consumption-optimised transmission mode that is always active after the engine is started. Earlier upshifts mean the powerplant operates at a lower engine speed level and, therefore, consumes less fuel. A further new development is the standstill decoupling function: if the car is stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic, for example, the transmission shifts to “N” position and thus reduces the engine load.
4MATIC: new all-wheel-drive technology saves up to 0.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres
For the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers a new generation of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, which is even more efficient, even lighter and even more compact than the previously installed all-wheel-drive technology. These advantages over the outgoing model are evident in the improved traction and lower fuel consumption.
Three of the models are available with all-wheel drive: the E 350 4MATIC with a six-cylinder engine developing 200 kW/272 hp consumes 9.7 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined figure), making it 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres more economical than before.
In the case of the E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY model (170 kW/231 hp), the fuel saving compared to the comparable predecessor model amounts to 0.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 direct-injection diesel engine posts a fuel consumption figure of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined figures). With the E 500 4MATIC model, meanwhile, the Mercedes engineers have succeeded in reducing the fuel consumption by 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres compared to the outgoing model.
The new E-Class 4MATIC models at a glance:
| E 350 CDI 4MATIC* BlueEFFICIENCY |
E 350 4MATIC* | E 500 4MATIC* | |
| Engine/cylinders | Diesel/V6 | Petrol/V6 | Petrol/V8 |
| Transmission standard | 7-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic |
| Displacement | 2987 cc | 3498 cc | 5461 cc |
| Rated output | 170 kW/231 hp | 200 kW/272 hp | 285 kW/388 hp |
| Rated torque | 540 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm |
350 Nm at 2400–5000 rpm |
530 Nm at 2800-4800 rpm |
| Fuel consumption** | 7.3 l/100 | 9.7 l/100 km | 11.4 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions*** | 193 g/km | 229 g/km | 269 g/km |
| Emission standard | EU 5 | EU 5 | EU 5 |
*provisional figures; **NEDC combined fuel consumption; ***NEDC
The latest-generation 4MATIC is a Mercedes development that only adds 50 to 70 kilograms of extra weight (depending on model) and boasts a compact design that takes up very little space in the transfer case area. It can therefore be installed without any modifications to the body and without impeding the front-passenger footwell. What’s more, the compact design makes for lower noise and vibration levels.
The permanent all-wheel-drive system, which works in tandem with the standard-fit Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), really comes into its own in poor weather conditions such as rain, snow or black ice as well as when starting off, accelerating, cornering at speed or driving on poor road surfaces. In these situations, the electronically controlled 4MATIC system greatly enhances traction, directional stability and road adhesion.
These exemplary handling qualities go hand in hand with hallmark Mercedes comfort thanks on the one hand to the selected damper control and on the other hand to the meticulous spring and damper tuning for the all-wheel-drive models, which largely replicates that for the rear-wheel-drive models. The modified AIRMATIC air suspension system is fitted as standard for the E 500 4MATIC model or as an optional extra for the two other all-wheel-drive Saloons. A further comfort-related aspect of the 4MATIC is the omission of conventional differential locks which, as other all-wheel-drive passenger cars show, affect steerability and handling.
Transfer case integrated in 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission
Unlike before, the transfer case is now integrated directly in the 7G-TRONIC transmission. The transfer case consists of a planetary centre differential and two bevel gears, which form the side output to the front axle. The centre differential produces the newly defined torque distribution between the front and rear axles – 45 to 55 percent (previously 40 to 60 percent) – which is noticeable above all in the improved directional stability, road adhesion and traction compared to the outgoing models.
A further highlight of the new powertrain concept is the compact side output to the front axle gear, which is based on a one-stage concept, meaning that a complete gear stage can be omitted compared to the previous 4MATIC drive system. Furthermore, the rear universal joint on the propshaft is integrated in the power take-off output gear. This space-saving design allows the propshaft to the front axle to be routed very close to the transmission without having to make modifications to the bodyshell.
The significantly higher efficiency of the 4MATIC drive system and the resulting lower fuel consumption compared to the predecessor models is largely down to the omission of the gear stage for the transfer case power take-off and an improved oil supply, since the integral design means that the transmission and the transfer case share the same oil circuit.
Multiple-disc clutch with lock between the front and rear axles
The new double-disc clutch located on the centre differential produces a basic locking torque of around 50 Nm between the front and rear axles. In this system, a cup spring preloads the clutch pack with a permanent force. If the wheels on one of the two axles start to spin, the relative movement of the discs causes a friction torque to be transmitted from the faster-turning axle to its slower-turning counterpart.
This principle of variable torque displacement between the front and rear axles improves the traction, directional stability and road adhesion of the 4MATIC models. The traction assistance provided by the double-disc clutch is especially noticeable when the friction ratio between the tyres and the road is low, since the clutch locks the powertrain mechanically during moderate starting if the friction coefficient between the tyres and the road is less than µ = 0.3 (more or less equivalent to snow). The wheels are prevented from spinning in such a way as to avoid what is known as the “polishing effect”, which leads to a reduction in the friction coefficient. Another advantage of the double-disc clutch is the improved load-change characteristics of the 4MATIC models.
Electronic traction system in place of differential locks
4MATIC uses the Electronic Traction System (4ETS), an additional component of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), in place of conventional differential locks. It has been modified and now provides a even higher level of comfort and even better traction. 4ETS is activated automatically when one or more wheels lose grip on the road. In this event, 4ETS brakes these wheels automatically and individually, thus increasing the drive torque at the wheels offering sufficient traction at the same time. These millisecond-fast braking pulses achieve the same effect as three differential locks. In addition, the 4ETS automatic braking pulses are based on the speed of the car.
The newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension with standard-fit amplitude-dependent damping system is one of the major factors behind the high degree of long-distance comfort provided by the E-Class. The shock absorbers adapt to the current driving situation, reducing the damping forces automatically when driving normally with low shock-absorber impulses and increasing the forces up to the maximum as required when cornering at speed or performing evasive manoeuvres. In this way, the chassis and suspension meet driver requirements in terms of road roar, tyre vibration and agility – without ever compromising on active safety.
The shock absorber system works by purely hydromechanical means without the need for sensors or electronics. Its core components are a bypass duct in the shock absorber’s piston pin and a control piston which moves in a separate oil chamber. When the shock-absorber bounce is low, the control piston moves oil through the bypass duct so that a lower damping force is produced at the actual shock-absorber valve. The result is “softer” shock-absorber characteristics and, consequently, a high level of ride comfort. If the excitation of the shock absorber is greater, the control piston moves to its limit position so that oil ceases flowing through the bypass duct, meaning that the full damping force is available.
Mercedes-Benz has modified several aspects of the three-link front suspension with McPherson struts and, as a result, has achieved excellent results in terms of ride comfort. In the interests of optimal axle kinematics, more favourable vibration characteristics and enhanced safety, the lower link level consists of two individual elements that serve as torque and cross struts. As well as offering more precise wheel location, the main benefit of these struts is that they allow better compensation for vibrations caused by tyre imbalance and fluctuations in braking forces than rigid wishbones. In addition, more crumple space is available in the event of a frontal crash. The third front-axle link is the track rod which connects the transversely installed steering gear to the wheels.
The spring struts consist of cylindrical, transverse force-compensating coil springs, double-tube shock absorbers and newly developed three-phase head bearings. In order to further optimise ride comfort, the Mercedes experts have chosen a starkly upright position for the spring strut so as to reduce the forces acting on the torque strut bearing. As a consequence, it was possible to reduce the bearing rigidity, which has a positive effect on the chassis’ tyre/road contact characteristics and rolling characteristics – for example when driving over expansion joints running across the road. The front anti-roll bar is connected to the spring strut, which is likewise actively involved in locating the front wheels.
Intelligent use of aluminium and steel reduces the weight of the front axle by twelve percent compared to the outgoing model. The forwards-slanting torque struts and the cross struts are made of aluminium.
High-strength subframes for axle, steering, engine and transmission
The front-axle components, steering gear, engine and transmission are pre-mounted on a high-strength-steel subframe which is bolted securely to the body’s side members, making it a key component in the front crash structure of the new E-Class: in the event of a frontal impact, the subframe forms a separate load-bearing path along which the impact energy is absorbed at specific points (see page 56). The stiffness at the connecting points between the subframe and the body where load is transferred as a result of the forces and vibrations produced by the chassis and suspension has been increased substantially, all of which translates into more agile and more precise handling.
Steering: variable ratio for exceptional safety and agile handling
As well as modifying the chassis and suspension, the Mercedes experts have newly developed the steering for the new E-Class, thus further enhancing steering precision, response and steering comfort. Standard equipment for the new E‑Class includes rack-and-pinion power steering with a variable ratio, which is more indirect in the central position compared to the outgoing model and, therefore, helps to improve directional stability and road adhesion at high speed. When the steering wheel angle exceeds around 100 degrees, the ratio becomes more direct to reduce the number of steering wheel turns required to park or manoeuvre.
Mercedes-Benz offers the Direct-Steer system that has proven such a resounding success in the SL-Class as an optional extra (standard for the V6 and V8 models). It fully lives up to its name by providing the driver with more direct response when cornering and, therefore, even more agile handling. In short, it delivers even more driving enjoyment. Hence the Direct-Steer system offers all the benefits of the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering system – less steering effort is required at low speed, when manoeuvring or parking, for example – whilst also enhancing handling dynamics.
The variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increases sharply as soon as the angle reaches five degrees, meaning that the driver does not have to move the steering wheel a great deal when cornering. The E-Class responds more spontaneously, and the driver has even more control over the car when greater manoeuvrability and agility are required, such as when driving on twisting country roads, i.e. at medium speed and with medium steering angles.
In other driving situations, meanwhile, the system offers the same advantages as the proven speed-sensitive power steering system and even goes one step further in some cases. For instance, the new Mercedes steering can be even more indirectly configured in the central position than previous steering systems, giving the driver an exceptionally assured steering feel when driving at high speed as well as improving straight-ahead driving and directional stability. When driving slowly or parking, the new technology combines with the speed-sensitive power steering to provide even more comfort than before because the direct ratio further reduces the steering effort required.
A further highlight is the power steering pump featuring an electrically controlled solenoid valve which controls a bypass opening and, as a result, allows metering of the oil quantity in line with requirements. This setup reduces the pressure and oil quantity when driving straight ahead – the power steering pump operates with a substantially reduced output and, consequently, helps to save fuel.
As previously, the E-Class is equipped with an individually adjustable steering column with a height adjustment range of +/- 25 millimetres and a reach adjustment range of 25 millimetres – meaning that, in this regard, the new E‑Class offers far more adjustability than other saloons in this market segment. A fully electrically adjustable steering wheel is included if the optional Memory package is ordered. To greatly enhance occupant safety, the steering column has been designed to collapse telescopically when hit by the driver with a certain degree of force in the event of a frontal collision. The extended deformation path, which is up to 100 millimetres longer, reduces the forces exerted on the driver’s upper body if a collision occurs.
Rear axle: multi-link independent suspension modified in several key areas
Mercedes’ multi-link independent suspension, which has proven itself time and again over a period spanning more than 25 years, has been further modified for use in the new E-Class in order to meet more stringent requirements in terms of comfort and agility. Modifications include the axle carrier’s front cross-bar, which now has a larger support base at the connecting points with the car’s body. As a consequence, the forces that can be transferred into the passenger cell are reduced: a comfort benefit that is particularly noticeable when driving over expansion joints running across the road, for example.
In keeping with the lightweight-design concept at the heart of the new E-Class, wheel location components such as struts, hub carriers and the metal sections of the elastomer bearings are largely made of aluminium. The rear-axle subframe is made of high-strength steel.
AVANTGARDE chassis with lowered body
As well as the standard-fit DIRECT CONTROL suspension with steel springs and amplitude-dependent damping system, Mercedes-Benz offers sports-tuned suspension with reinforced anti-roll bars and 17-inch light-alloy wheels for the AVANTGARDE line. If this suspension system, also available as an optional extra for the other model variants, is specified, the body is lowered by 15 millimetres.
If the AMG Sports package is ordered, the AVANTGARDE chassis is also equipped with 18-inch wheels, larger brakes and perforated front brake discs.
Air suspension: available in combination with continuously adaptive damping system for the first time
The new E-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature a combination of AIRMATIC air suspension and an electronically controlled damping system that adapts the damper characteristics with continuously variable control – individually for each wheel. This air suspension setup is available as an option for the V6‑powered E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models and for the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC and E 350 4MATIC models; it is fitted as standard for the E 500/E 500 4MATIC models.
A total of seven sensors monitor the driving situation and the position of the body, sending their information to an electronic control unit, which also processes information concerning road speed, steering wheel angle, braking torque and engine torque, using this data to calculate the optimum shock-absorber characteristics. The system adjusts the damping force for each wheel individually, depending on the current road conditions and driving situation. When driving normally, soft damping settings are also selected if the road surface is poor. This mode offers the E-Class occupants maximum comfort without impairing the outstanding directional stability, road adhesion or handling safety. As the driving style becomes more dynamic, the shock-absorber settings are adapted continuously and therefore meet the driver’s need for enhanced agility.
The driver can pre-program the principal vehicle characteristics at the push of a button on the dashboard. There are two modes to choose from: “Comfort” or “Sport”. In Sport mode, the hydraulic forces of the shock absorbers are increased so as to allow even better directional stability and road adhesion at high speeds as well as reduce understeer at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Newly developed McPherson struts
The Mercedes engineers have newly developed or modified many key aspects of the air suspension system. One particular highlight is the wheel-locating McPherson air suspension strut on the front axle, which combines the shock absorber, air bellows and air reservoir. The air bellows is much larger than on the outgoing model and has been further optimised using a new material. The special shape of the air bellows made it possible to use a McPherson air suspension strut in a luxury saloon for the first time.
Likewise, the experts paid special attention to the head bearings for the new air suspension struts, which have to transfer all the forces and, therefore, need to be capable of withstanding extremely high loads in both the compression and rebound stages. These requirements are fulfilled by an extremely rigid, diecast-aluminium flange that supports the bearing. It is the result of painstaking computer simulations and calculations of the complex interplay between the spring strut and the body. Its special design ensures ten times greater stiffness at the point where forces are applied in the air suspension strut area compared to the outgoing model. As a consequence, the newly developed spring strut bearings are one of the main reasons behind the exemplary vibration characteristics at the front of the car. Incidentally, the same benefits are achieved even if steel suspension is fitted.
Brakes: with Hill-Start assist and brake drying function
With the ADAPTIVE BRAKE, the new E-Class offers an innovative braking system incorporating additional assistance functions for even greater comfort and safety. One example of this is the practical HOLD function: after the E-Class has been braked to a standstill, briefly pressing the brake pedal a little further is all that is required to activate this function. The car is then held by the brakes, even if the driver’s foot comes off the brake pedal. In this way, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE prevents the car from rolling forwards when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in stop‑and-go traffic and from rolling backwards when facing up a slope. The HOLD function is deactivated automatically when the car moves off.
If the driver’s foot moves abruptly from the accelerator to the brake pedal before an emergency stop, the brake system increases the pressure in the brake lines and brings the pads into contact with the brake discs so that maximum braking power is available as soon as the driver hits the brake pedal. This priming of the brakes allows the system to assist the standard-fit Brake Assist system.
The ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances safety in the wet by sending brief braking pulses at regular intervals to remove the film of moisture from the brake discs, allowing the brakes to work to full effect. This automatic brake drying function is always activated when the windscreen wipers on the E-Class have been operating for a certain time; the driver never even notices these precisely metered brake pulses.
Finally, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE assists the driver with hill starts. If the sensors detect that the Saloon is stopped on an uphill slope, a hill-start-assist function is activated automatically, maintaining a constant brake pressure for a brief period to prevent the E-Class from rolling backwards. The driver therefore has enough time to move their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator without having to use the foot-operated parking brake.
Even more effective brake discs and brake booster
Large front and rear brake discsprovide an ideal technical basis for ensuring safe and reliable deceleration in any driving situation. The front and rear discs measure up to 344 millimetres and 320 millimetres in diameter respectively, depending on the engine version.
For brake cooling, the Mercedes engineers have developed two-section aluminium cover plates which have been tested in the wind tunnel and ensure that, whilst driving, the cool air flows from the underbody into the wheel arches and, ultimately, to the brake discs.
Further technical highlights in the new E-Class include the pedals. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz has used a steel and plastic hybrid design for the pedal support, which reduces weight and takes up less space than the previously used technology. The brake pedal, made from two shells that are welded together, is attached in this support. The shell design likewise helps to reduce weight and also ensures high torsional stiffness and bending strength.
Control systems: electronics for safe motorin
When it comes to active safety systems too, the E-Class features an array of state-of-the-art technology as standard, including anti-lock brakes, acceleration skid control, Brake Assist and the Electronic Stability Program. For ESP®, Mercedes‑Benz has developed control logicthat offers the driver even more effective assistance in critical cornering situations: precisely measured brake pulses sent to up to three wheels cause a moderate reduction in the car’s speed and help it to turn into the bend.
ESP® vehicle/trailer stabilisation, which is activated if the E-Class is equipped with a trailer coupling, detects dangerous oscillating movements of the trailer and restabilises it automatically by sending precisely measured brake pulses to the front wheels of the towing vehicle. If the danger is even more acute, the system applies the brakes to reduce the car’s speed automatically as well as reducing the engine torque before the precisely measured brake pulses are sent to the wheels to stabilise the trailer.
As an option, Mercedes-Benz can equip the new E-Class with a swivelling trailer coupling featuring a ball head that does not need to be fitted and removed every time it is used. Together with the socket, it swivels forwards underneath the body and cannot be seen when not in use. The E-Class has a maximum towing capacity of up to 2100 kilograms (braked) – a new record in this vehicle category.
The Electronic Stability Program also monitors the tyre inflation pressure and, if one of the tyres loses pressure suddenly, warns the driver. To do this, the system continuously compares the wheel speeds, which are dependent on the road speed, the vehicle load and the tyre inflation pressure. In addition, the control unit also analyses other dynamic handling-related ESP®sensor signals such as lateral acceleration, yaw rate and wheel torques in order to diagnose pressure loss in a tyre. Hence the system can detect discrepancies and indicate the information on a central display for the driver.
In order to ensure continued mobility in the event of a flat tyre, Mercedes-Benz offers the option of run-flat tyres. These are available in 245/45 R 17 format and feature self-supporting sidewalls, enabling Mercedes customers to continue driving for up to 50 kilometres at 80 km/h, depending on the vehicle load.
Wheels and tyres: 16-inch light-alloy wheels as standard
The range of wheels and tyres for the new E-Class offers a wealth of personalisation options for the Saloon. Mercedes customers have a choice of twelve wheel and tyre combinations in 16-, 17- or 18-inch format. The four-cylinder E 200 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY, E 220 CDIBlueEFFICIENCY and E 200 CGIBlueEFFICIENCY models are equipped with 16-inch nine-spoke light-alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance 205/60 R 16 tyres as standard. Thanks to a special forging technique, the weight of the wheels has been reduced by a total of 9.6 kilograms.
For the E 250 CDI, E 350 CDI, E 350 BlueTEC, E 250 CGIand E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models, Mercedes fits 225/55 R 16 tyres and 7.5 J x 16 light-alloy wheels as standard. The top-of-the-range E 500 model is shod with 18-inch light-alloy wheels and 245/45 R 17 tyres ex factory.
For the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, and for the AMGSports package, the Mercedes designers have selected special wheels and tyre sizes as standard equipment:
ELEGANCE:
ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in
7.5 J x 16 format, tyre size 225/55 R 16
AVANTGARDE
five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in
8 J x 17 format, tyre size 245/45 R 17
AMG Sports package:
five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
front: 8.5 J x 18 format with 245/40 R 18 tyres
rear: 9 J x 18 format with 265/35 R 18 tyres
“Welcome home. The new E-Class.” That is the marketing campaign that has been chosen to represent the launch of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. If you haven’t already guessed, it’s meant to highlight the fact that when inside the 2010 E-Class, one feels a sense of comfort and safety comparable to that of his own home. Accenting the “Welcome home” message will be other will be other witty catchphrases, including “Arrive as though you’ve never been away” and “The new Efficiency-Class: 204 hp, from 5.3 litres/100 km.”
According to Anders Sundt Jensen, Vice President Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The communicative focus is on design, safety and comfort of the new E-Class. These are addressed by the claim ‘ Welcome home’, which communicates this feeling across all channels. The highest standards with respect to design, safety, comfort and efficiency are aspects that have high importance all over the world. This enables us to use the campaign in more than 100 countries, ensuring that the new model will be uniformly positioned and communicated.”
As for where you can expect to see the new E-Class campaign, planned media outlets that will display the “Welcome home” theme include television, newspapers, magazines, billboards and websites, while a series of official Mercedes webspecials complete the advertising blitzkrieg.
For more info on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class market launch campaign, keep reading for the official press release.
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 CGI off 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 CGI and E 250 CGI are 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 CDI and 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.
Now that the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has made its world debut, it’s time for some special variants of the model, starting with the special protection Guard model. Although on the surface it looks virtually identical to a traditional E-Class sedan, the E-Class Guard boasts a wealth of “intelligently conceived protective features.” Highlights include a passenger cell constructed of high-strength steels and aramide components, all-around polycarbonate glazing, an optional emergency alarm system and optional underbody armour. As a result, the Mercedes E-Class Guard meets the protection class of VR4 (formerly B4) – enough to withstand handgun bullets of up to .44 Magnum in caliber. With the optional underbody armor, the entire underfloor area of the passenger cell is resistant to attack with a DM51 hand-grenade.
Of course, despite the added protection, there’s no comfort or loss of features when compared to a standard E-Class. Interior dimensions remain unchanged, offering ample seating for five, while a special Level II version of the AIRMATIC air suspension system ensures superb performance even with the model’s added weight.
If you’re interested, the E-Guard is available in three engine variants (E350, E500 and E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY), in your choice of the basic ELEGANCE line or the AVANTGARDE line. Pricing for the Guard special protection package comes in at EUR 45,000 (German list excl. VAT), with ordering set to commence this April.
For more info regarding the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Guard, keep scrolling for photos (click to enlarge) and the official press release.
Mercedes announced yesterday that for those of you considering the purchase of the new 2010 E-Class, also available for ordering is the AMG sports pictured before you. Features of the package include an AMG front apron with large cooling air intakes, AMG side skirts, an AMG rear apron, new tailpipes, 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels and DIRECT CONTROL suspension lowered by 15 millimeters. Inside, front sport seats composed of DINAMICA microfibre and ARTICO man-made leather, floor mats with AMG lettering, sports pedals, an AMG sports steering wheel and DIRECT SELECT shift paddles are also present.
Depending on which model you’re interested in equipping it with (it’s available for all engine variants and equipment lines of the new Mercedes E-Class), the AMG sports package costs between EUR 2915 and EUR 4046 (including 19% VAT). As already noted, it’s available immediately, and will debut simultaneously along with the new E-Class when it makes its market launch in March of this year.
For more info describing the new AMG sports package for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, keep scrolling for photos (click any to enlarge) along with the full press release.
You’ve seen the high resolution glossy press photos of the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but if you’re anything like me, you’d much rather judge a new model’s design based on how it looks in the real world. No professional photographers packing Canon EOS 1DS Mark III’s; no studio lighting; but rather ordinary, run-of-the-mill photos of a model that’s covered with a healthy dose of dirt. And today, that’s exactly the look at the 2010 Mercedes E-Class we’re bringing you.
From a design standpoint, I personally like the model. It’s growing on me, at least for the most part. The portions of the new E-Class that I could do without are two elements of the rear. I can’t say I hate them, but I certainly don’t favor the bland taillights. Compare them to whatever Japanese model you like, but I feel like the designers could have done significantly better here. The second portion of the rear end that’s bothered me since it was first evident in the spy shots is the arch above the rear wheel, and the fact it flows straight back to the rear taillight. Yes, I understand the contour was modeled after the “Ponton Mercedes,” but from my vantage point it just doesn’t work in this application. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either.
Will either of these be enough to dissuade potential E-Class customers to purchase the model? I doubt it. Overall I think most would agree the new-generation E-Class is an improvement over the old. I will say, however, that for those that weren’t already considering the purchase of an E-Class, I don’t think the new design is remarkable enough to draw customers into the Mercedes fold either, which I think was the case with the new C-Class.
Time will tell, but in the meantime, you can check out the photos and draw your own 2010 Mercedes E-Class design opinions for yourself (click any photo to enlarge). And to André of CWWCarDesign.com, many thanks for the tip my good sir; we sincerely appreciate it.