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
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.
While as of late, some of you may spend your time worrying about trivial things, such as the fact that the value of what you once considered to be a well diversified portfolio has since evaporated into seemingly thin air, the truth of the matter is that for some, the word recession simply isn’t part of their vocabulary. Of course, it may have something to do with the fact that the money that you thought you once had somehow managed to migrate into their pockets, but let’s forget about that, shall we? For this group of recession-proof individuals, it’s time to shop, because let’s be honest – what else is there to do after running your multi-billion dollar corporation into the ground and taking a lucrative compensation package?
To you, my greedy elitist friends, may I present the Maybach Zeppelin – a reincarnation of the classic Maybach Zeppelin that’s set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March. It’s features are abundant. Built on either the Maybach 57 S or the long-wheelbase 62 S, the Maybach Zeppelin is the most powerful Maybach built. In both lengths, the Zeppelin is powered by a 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine, which now delivers 471 kW/640 hp (an additional 28 hp) and a peak torque of 1000 Newton metres.
Outside, features include a unique two-tone paint scheme in “Rocky Mountains light brown” and “Taiga black” (other colors are available as well), while inside, a “California beige” leather interior is present accented by “Stromboli black” elements and piano lacquer finish on the trim. But what makes the Maybach Zeppelin truly revolutionary is the addition of something that up until now we’ve only seen in the finest of restrooms – an air freshener. Wait a second, let me take that back. It’s not an air freshener, it’s a “perfume atomiser.” Yes, ladies and gentlemen, a perfume atomiser. I’ll let the press release take it from here:
“Customers are also able to opt for an especially refined equipment detail that is exclusive to the Maybach Zeppelin – an imaginatively designed, extremely high-quality perfume atomiser, the only one of its kind in the world. It easily eclipses all previous efforts to produce something similar, both in terms of its visual appeal and its operation. Its sophisticated technology and premium fragrances, which can be individually chosen, create a unique aromatic experience in the Maybach Zeppelin’s interior at the push of a button – stimulating the senses of the occupants not with an overpowering perfume but with a soft, delicate scent.
The system’s core component is an internally illuminated Plexiglass sphere on the rear centre console, into which Maybach Zeppelin owners can insert a vial of their preferred fragrance. A regulator pump then directs a gentle flow of air into the Plexiglass sphere, fanning the vial’s perfume molecules into the vehicle interior.”
If that’s not the pinnacle of pure frivolity, I don’t know what is.
Thankfully, the Maybach Zeppelin is a relative bargain in relation to the tens of millions shelled out in compensation to the various ex-executives across this great land of ours. Coming in at €406,000 for the Maybach 57 Zeppelin and €473,200 for the Maybach 62 Zeppelin, each of these former CEO’s can still rest easy knowing there’s still plenty of cash left over for 20,000 sq. ft. beach cottages, NY penthouses overlooking Central Park and high priced hookers.
For more info regarding the Maybach Zeppelin, keep reading for photos (click to enlarge) and the official press release.
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.
They’re being called “leaked photos,” but judging by the number of publications that ran this story nearly instantaneously, I’d surmise they’re more of a viral marketing attempt by the ingenious marketing minds at Daimler. Whatever they are, the first photos of the forthcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class are here, and the new model looks pretty much exactly as we expected it to.
Concept FASCINATION headlights up front; a relatively bland, and I hate to say it, somewhat Japanese-inspired rear end. Will it get better with time? Of course. But as for initial impressions, i’d expect the 2010 Mercedes E-Class’ rear styling will be anything but adored.
To see the photos and judge for yourself, keep scrolling to view the trio.
We’re not in Hustler territory yet, but we’re easily in Maxim land, as the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has revealed itself in all but the tiniest of body cladding. Why we need to wait until next year for the model’s official unveiling is a mystery, as renderings, spy photos and the Concept FASCINATION study have revealed both its outward and inner appearance in remarkably clear detail, but alas, we do, and as such, you still have a fair amount of time to wait until the E-Class makes its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
In the meantime, keep scrolling for a pair of spy photos highlighting the 2010 Mercedes E-Class, both of which enlarge when you click them. Then, to kill a few more minutes of your Tuesday morning workday, head over to GlobalMotors.net, where you can find the nearly nude 2010 Mercedes E-Class gallery in its entirety.
Enjoy ladies and gentlemen.