The New Generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Published: 13th April 2006
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Diesel engines: noticeably more output from the four-cylinder engines
Six of the 10 engines in the new generation E-Class are new or further develop-ments. They provide up to 60 kW/82 hp more output and up to 70 Nm more torque. Nonetheless the fuel consumption figures remain on a par with the exemplary level of the outgoing models: one in three Mercedes models sporting an “E” on the model badge betters 35 mpg; the average fuel consumption of all body and drive variants in the line-up from the E 200 CDI to the E 500 is 31 mpg. As such, the E-Class will continue to build on one of its outstanding features: economy.
The Mercedes engineers have optimised the four-cylinder diesel engines in the E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI right down to the last detail. Over 90 components in the CDI engines are new or further developments. All these measures add up to a substantial advance in terms of output, torque and smoother running. While fuel consumption remains consistently low at just 44.8 mpg, the output of the E 200 CDI has been increased by 10 kW/14 hp to 100 kW/136 hp. Maximum torque has been increased from 270 to 340 Nm.
Balancer shafts in the crankcase, standard specification also on the E 200 CDI, provide the sort of smooth-running characteristics more readily associated with a six-cylinder engine.
The new E 220 CDI develops a maximum output of 125 kW/170 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm, around 14 and 18 percent respectively more than the outgoing model. Fuel consumption remains at the same low level of 44.8 mpg (Estate: 39.8 mpg). Meanwhile the new six-cylinder diesel engine in the E 320 CDI (165 kW/ 224 hp) now provides even more torque: peak torque has been increased from 510 to 540 Nm.
In the USA the E-Class in the guise of the E 320 CDI since 2004 is the first diesel model in the premium-class segment in the USA. From model year 2007 Mercedes-Benz intends to launch the first diesel production vehicle in the USA with the trailblazing BLUETEC technology, which will provide further remarkable reductions in nitrogen oxides emissions. The future E 320 BLUETEC will be the world’s cleanest diesel, using 20 to 40 percent less fuel than comparable petrol-engined vehicles. In Europe Mercedes-Benz plans to launch BLUETEC in a passenger car model by 2008.
Petrol engines: more powerful supercharged engine and new eight-cylinder engine
When it came to the petrol engines, the Mercedes engineers paid particular attention to the four and eight-cylinder variants. The four-cylinder engine in the E 200 KOMPRESSOR delivers 12.5 percent more output than before: 135 kW/184 hp. At the same time, maximum torque has been increased to 250 Nm.
From mid-2006, the E-Class engine range will be headed by the newly developed 5.5-litre eight-cylinder engine from the S-Class with an output of 285 kW/388 hp. Compared with the previous V8, the new engine delivers 26 percent more output. At 530 Nm the torque also comfortably exceeds the maximum for the preceding engine by around 15 percent. The new E 500 delivers the performance profile of a sports car: the Saloon accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the previous E 500.
The new E 63 AMG from the Mercedes-AMG stable is fitted with a naturally aspirated V8 engine delivering 378 kW/514 hp and maximum torque of 630 Nm. The E 63 AMG is the most powerful E-Class of all time.
DIRECT CONTROL: package for even more dynamic driving pleasure
The new generation of the successful Mercedes model series looks more dynamic, delivers more power and also offers even more agile handling. DIRECT CONTROL makes this possible: with this standard-fit package the Mercedes engineers have made remarkable progress in terms of handling dynamics, without compromising the combination of safety and long-distance comfort, the consistent hallmark of the E-Class Saloon and Estate.
Increasing the direct steering by around 10 percent makes the E-Class more responsive to steering movements. Nonetheless the E-Class continues to reassure drivers with its superb handling safety and stability. Newly developed spring link bearings also support lateral forces more effectively when cornering and enhance the neutral cornering characteristics of the Saloon and Estate still more. The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models also come with rebound buffer springs, which effectively limit body roll when cornering. The DIRECT CONTROL package also includes a new gearshift linkage system for the six-speed manual transmission for high gearshifting comfort and precision.
The ADAPTIVE BRAKE system is taken from the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and provides new safety and comfort features thanks to the electronic control of the hydraulic dual-circuit brakes. An automatic tyre pressure loss warning system also forms part of the extended standard equipment on the E-Class.
Mercedes Benz E-Class
Our Mercedes Benz E-Class Guide lists the full specification of the current UK E-Class range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £27,802 - £69,097
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 50
We have road tested the Mercedes Benz E-Class, to read our in-depth car review:
Mercedes Benz E-Class Review - Feb 2005
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
