World Records For Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI
Published: 13th May 2005
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 100,000 miles at an average speed of 224.823 km/h
- Record distance equal to four times around the world
- Extreme endurance test for the Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI, 30 days of relentless, round-the-clock punishment
- Proof of the outstanding performance of the diesel particulate filter
- World-record run under constant FIA* supervision
The new Mercedes V6 CDI diesel engine, set to replace the existing five and six-cylinder in-line engines from summer 2005, has marked the start of its career with a string of world records. Fitted in three standard-production E 320 CDI models, the 224 hp powerplant covered the 100,000 km, 50,000 and 100,000 miles respectively in world-record time** - and without any technical problems. Other class records for diesel vehicles add to the impressive record-breaking achievement on the high-speed circuit in Laredo, Texas. Despite the extreme stresses, the maintenance-free diesel particulate filter held up magnificently over the entire record distance without any deterioration in performance - further testimony to the reliability and durability of this exhaust technology.
Mercedes-Benz set three cars at once on course for a record at the high-speed circuit in Laredo, Texas; all three successfully covered the record distance, thereby providing proof of the reliability of the E-Class three times over. To do so each of the three candidates did no fewer than 20,000 laps. Adding up the distances covered by all three cars gives an impressive total of 300,000 miles (482,802 km) - one-and-a-quarter times the distance from the Earth to the Moon. In addition to the vast distance and dramatic variations in climatic conditions, the vehicles' suspension, chassis and electronics were subjected to particularly severe and relentless punishment from the vibrations generated by the uneven road surface. The 30 days of torture also proved the durability of the exhaust system with its integrated diesel particulate filter. Indeed, this event was a world first in that it marked the first time that this filter technology had been subjected to such massive and continuous punishment. As established by numerous test series (conducted both in the lab and on the road), success of Mercedes-Benz in this endurance run confirms that volume-manufactured diesel particulate filters can also be relied on to function perfectly over high mileages in everyday use.
* The Paris-based FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is the governing body for world-record attempts in the automotive sector
** All records subject to confirmation by the FIA
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: £28,150 - £68,080
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 25
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 28th Nov 2008
