Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Motoring Channel Staff - 12/January/2008

Detroit, America – After an embarrassing leak, Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the wraps off its all-new E-Class saloon.

Making its debut at one of the year's first (and biggest) motor shows, the E-Class was unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit where it was met with mixed responses.

Due to be launched in Australia mid-way through 2009, the all-new model will be filled with new technologies and some hand-me-downs from the S-Class.

Technology

Things like the Lane Safety package and Blind Spot Assist system will inform dozy drivers of what's going on around them by vibrating the steering wheel or making beeping sounds. 

Along with the usual high-end safety measures such as seven airbags as standard, the new E-Class will also feature the new Speed Limit Assist system.

The Speed Limit Assist system can identify speed limit signs and display them on the speedometer for up-to-the-mile legal limits.

Boasting a range of micro cameras dotted around the vehicle, the new E-Class can be optioned with Night View Assist, essentially infra-red night vision, and there's also a camera to detect the oncoming flow of traffic and adjust the headlights accordingly.

There's also a retuned version of the radar-based cruise control that has even greater range and sensitivity.

If that wasn't enough, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class also has a number of interior probes that comprise the Attention Assist System. 

Basically it can detect if you're drowsy or if your attention is waning, and will provide a warning. The new E-Class is a car that cares.

Design

While the design is a step forward, and almost rids Mercedes-Benz of its circular headlight design theme, there are aspects of the new vehicle that have polarised opinion since the first images were leaked last year.

We've described the new Mercedes E-Class design as "moderately positive" in the past, but it's perhaps the tail end styling cues that have been the focus of criticism.

The brake lights in particular look dated already, which is not a good sign prior to the car's public release. They take up a large portion of the rear end and have a dull, uninspired design (which could explain why there's only a couple of official media images of the car's rump).

The rest of the vehicle is attractive however.

Changing the previous E-Class's 'double bubble' headlights with a more angular design has worked well. Mercedes says that this particular design idiom has remained fluent for decades, but now has a more masculine appearance.

According to the Mercedes-Benz press release, "The designers have now reinterpreted these four 'eyes' as rectangles, with a direct reference to the interesting geometrical shapes found in cubism."

The front of the new E-Class looks good due in large part to the new headlight and LED fog light designs, as the grille hasn't been changed much.

Viewed from side-on, the E-Class has strong ties to the previous model, except towards the rear where there's an unneeded curve line above the wheel arch.

Mercedes has spruced up the interior of the new E-Class, including the option to order two individual rear seats instead of the family-friendly 3-seater rear bench.

Furthermore there's the active multi-contour seat package which features a massage function, not dissimilar to the system found in the Lexus LS600hL.

Engines

Mercedes-Benz will offer the new E-Class with a range of engines from ultra-green to completely black, outputting between 100kW to 386kW.

The most efficient models in the range, and predicted to be the best-sellers in Europe, are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine developing 100 and 125 kilowatts of power in the E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI respectively. 

Both these models use a claimed 5.3 litres of fuel per 100km, which is remarkable for a vehicle of this size.

There is also the E 250 CDI model, which is powered by a turbo diesel that outputs 150kW (204hp) and 500Nm of torque. This engine is said to be a generation ahead of its rivals in terms of efficiency with an average fuel consumption of 5.3L/100km and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

The range-topping diesel engine in the Mercedes E-Class range is the E 350 CDI that cranks out 170kW (231hp).

Petrol engines have also been tweaked to improve efficiency by 20% across the range, and the entry-level E 200 CGI features a 135kW engine that uses just 6.8L/100km thanks to the ECOstart/stop function fitted as standard.

Other engine options include the 150kW (204hp) E 250 CGI model and the V6-powered E 350 CGI which outputs 215kW (292hp).

The range-topping petrol model is the E 500 which outputs 285kW (388hp) and along with the E 350 CGI model can be optioned with an updated all-wheel drive system that is lighter and more effective according to Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed the existence of the all-conquering E 63 AMG model, which is powered by a very thirsty 6.3-litre V8 engine that cranks out 386kW (525hp) for heart-stopping acceleration.

Mercedes says the new model will be on sale in Europe from March, and will come to Australia half-way through 2009.

Related Links:
- Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss (2009)
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Leaked (2010)
- Mercedes-Benz @ Paris 2008 (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz SL350 (2009)
- Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside Concept (2008)
- Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT (2007)
- Mercedes-Benz F 700 Concept (2007)
- Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz New C-Class (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster (2007)
- Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG (2008)
- Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive (concept)