2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36
The E-Class lost its top position in the upper middle class last year. With innovative safety systems and over 2,000 new parts, the new generation should rise again to become the lead vehicle.
By Thomas Flehmer
In the past few years, Mercedes had to struggle with quality problems and the associated negative headlines. The new generation of the E-Class should now bring about the trend reversal. While the leading position among business sedans could be maintained in Western Europe, the top position in the home country was surrendered to the Audi A6. Reason enough for the engine builder from Stuttgart to introduce a facelift on the market four years after the debut with at least one million vehicles sold. “The most powerful E-Class of all time will be available from June 10,” promises Mercedes spokesman Johannes Reifenrath.
Ten engines to choose from
Mercedes interprets strength in many ways. “There is a choice of ten engines, six of which we have newly or further developed,” says Michael Krämer, Head of Development for the E, C and CLS classes. Up to 26 percent more power was supplied to the units. The E 500 we tested received 60 kW / 82 PS more and now has 285 kW / 388 PS and an extremely powerful torque of 530 Nm, which is available between 2800 and 4800 revolutions. 5.3 seconds for the sprint to 100 km / h document the strength.
In this way, overtaking maneuvers by the eight-cylinder engine - whether on the motorway or country road - easily turn into trips without breaking a sweat. The power can be felt on the one hand, on the other hand the vehicle remains in every position and you feel more like you're on the couch than on the road. Thanks to new bearings for the spring links, which allow a high level of lateral dynamics, as well as greater driving stability and more direct steering, the body hardly wobbles. A relaxed journey despite fast speeds is inevitable, because the comfort in the interior has not been reduced. The changes during the facelift were limited to design features.
Pre-Safe works preventively
But the Stuttgart-based company shows much more strength in the area of security. Here was really padded. “We have the safest car in the segment,” says Krämer. As the fourth brand model after the S, R and M-Class, the E-Class received the preventive Pre-Safe system as standard, which activates protective measures for the occupants in the event of an impending accident.
The seat belt and airbag work together optimally, and the windows are closed within a few milliseconds. The Neck-Pro headrests can be pushed forward just as quickly to minimize the risk of whiplash. Flashing brake lights on the outside warn the following drivers of the danger. Fortunately, the systems were not activated during the test drives, but simply relying on these systems ensures a certain feel-good factor when driving.
Five light functions
There is also the Intelligent Light System that is making its debut worldwide in the E-Class. The bi-xenon headlights adapt to the respective driving and weather situations and choose from five different light functions: The motorway light switches on from a speed of 90 km / h and shines up to 120 meters. The driver can now see up to 50 meters further compared to the conventional light. The headlights adapt to the road or in fog without dazzling oncoming traffic.
The engineers have further developed the active cornering lights that have been available since spring 2003. As the fifth component of the Intelligent Light System, the E-Class also has the cornering light, which increases safety at intersections or when cornering. Pedestrians can now be better recognized. An adaptive braking system based on a hydraulic dual-circuit brake ensures additional safety.
Hardly changed on the outside
While over 2000 parts were added or expanded around the mobile, the exterior remained almost untouched. The kink in the middle of the bumper takes some getting used to for some loyal customers. However, Mercedes is only continuing the line that has already been followed from the SL to the S class.
The E-Class also shows its strength in terms of economy. The average consumption of the total of 29 different models from the entry-level E 200 CDI to the E 63 AMG is given by Mercedes with nine liters, the 500 should be content with 11.5 liters. But this value can only be maintained if the desire to accelerate can be curbed. And that was only the case in the area around Munich when there was heavy traffic.
Bluetec motors from 2008
By 2008 at the latest, the Bluetec engines should also come to Europe so that the E-Class will not only be the most powerful, but also the cleanest class in the segment. Diesel should consume 20 to 40 percent less fuel.
One of the last strengths of Mercedes is when it comes to price. Despite many innovations, the price remains the same. The entry-level model E 200 CDI is available from 36,434 euros, the E 500 is for sale from 62,582 euros. In view of the strengths of the new generation, regaining market leadership in the segment is only a matter of time - for sure.
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