The Stuttgart-based brand High technology beneath the bonnet: first V6 with four-fold camshaft adjustment
Hightech unter der Haube: Erster V6 mit vierfacher Nockenwellenverstellung |
More output, higher torque, lower fuel consumptionStuttgart - The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is becoming even more dynamic:
from the end of 2004 both the Saloon and Estate
will be available with a newly developed six-cylinder engine which is among
the most powerful V6 units in its displacement class. It has an output of
200 kW/272 hp and delivers its maximum torque of 350 Newton metres from as
low as The new E 350 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and is therefore 0.8 seconds faster than the previous E 320. The acceleration time of the Estate model is 1.4 seconds faster than before, at 7.1 seconds. The maximum speed of both model variants is 250 km/h. The new six-cylinder unit also emphasises its up-to-date technology with an NEDC fuel consumption of 9.7 or 9.9 litres, respectively, per 100 kilometres. Despite its higher engine output, the Estate version of the E 350 consumes 0.7 litres less than the E 320, while the Saloon achieves a fuel saving of 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres. High technology beneath the bonnet: first V6 with four-fold camshaft adjustment The aluminium V6 engine, which Mercedes-Benz has also been offering in the CLS and SLK-Class since recently, distinguishes itself with a unique technology package. As a worldwide first for a V6 engine this includes variable camshaft adjustment on both the intake and exhaust sides. This technology increases both output and torque, while helping to reduce fuel consumption. The length of the intake manifold can also be varied according to the engine speed in order to achieve the best possible torque and output yield. This means that the new engine is able to deliver approx. 87 percent of its maximum torque of 350 Newton metres from a mere 1500 rpm. In addition the intake ducts are equipped with what are called tumble flaps, which improve the intake process and combustion of the fuel-air mixture. These flaps open under partial load and increase the turbulence of the mixture as it enters the combustion chambers. Depending on the engine speed, this achieves a fuel saving of up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres while also improving smoothness of operation. Seven gears as standard: V6 engine and 7G-TRONIC make a strong team The 7G-TRONIC transmission developed by Mercedes-Benz the worlds first seven-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars is standard equipment in the E 350. Owing to its intelligent shift control system, this transmission makes optimal use of the lively V6s potential in any driving situation, thereby contributing strongly to the exemplary performance and favourable fuel consumption. Mercedes-Benz also offers the new 3.5-litre V6 engine in conjunction with a five-speed automatic transmission for the 4MATIC variants in the E-Class. Dynamism at first sight: new sports package from spring 2005 Mercedes customers can also emphasise the dynamic character of the E-Class even more strongly than before, while equipping their Saloon or Estate model even more individually, by opting for a new sports pckage which will become available for the petrol models (except the E 240) from March 2005. At an attractive all-in price of 1276 to 2088 Euro (depending on the line and engine model) the sports package encompasses desirable features which are not available individually. These include high-sheen 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a ten-twin-spoke design, wide-base tyres in size 245/40 R 18 (front) and 265/35 R 18 (rear), silver-painted brake callipers and perforated brake discs at the front, and oval exhaust tailpipes of polished stainless steel. The rear bumper and side skirts are in the sporty design of the AVANTGARDE line. The interior is enhanced by a four-spoke sports steering wheel, for instance, with integral gearshift paddles for the automatic transmission, stainless steel pedals and a footrest with black rubber studs, and front seats with anthracite-coloured leather upholstery on the centre panels. The new equipment package also includes a sporty suspension configuration, more direct, speed-dependent steering and special rear silencers producing a throaty exhaust note. "E" for Exceptional: Europes Number 1 in its class The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been on the road to success since March 2002 (Estate: March 2003), and has so far captured the enthusiasm of more than 700,000 male and female motorists. This means that for the same period, the unit sales figures are around three percent above those of the previous series for the Saloon model, and around 46 percent higher for the Estate model. Accordingly the E-Class continues to assert its leading European and worldwide position in this market segment. In addition to Germany, the largest sales markets in Europe are Italy, France and Great Britain. Around 18 percent of Saloon models and eight percent of Estate models are exported to the USA. The worldwide proportion of model variants equipped with a six-cylinder engine is approx. 44 percent (preceding model: 33 percent). More than 45 percent of all E-Class Saloon models leaving the assembly lines are in the ELEGANCE line, while approx. 40 percent are accounted for by the AVANTGARDE line. More than half the Mercedes customers buying an Estate model (52 percent) choose the AVANTGARDE line, while just under 31 percent of all E-Class Estate models bear the ELEGANCE emblem.
|