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High technology beneath the bonnet: first V6 with four-fold camshaft adjustment


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Hightech unter der Haube: Erster V6 mit vierfacher Nockenwellenverstellung

More output, higher torque, lower fuel consumption

Stuttgart - The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is becoming even more dynamic:

photo by daimlerchrysler, 11-2004from 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
2400 rpm. This means that the new E 350 betters the output of the previous six-cylinder model, the E 320, by more than 21 percent and the torque by eleven percent, while the fuel consumption is reduced by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Powerful acceleration and rapid sprints combined with fuel economy and a high level of comfort are also ensured by the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, which is standard equipment in the new E 350. From spring 2005 Mercedes-Benz will offer an optional new sports package for the Saloon and Estate, with numerous desirable design and technical features which are in many cases not available individually. No other V6 engine in this displacement class offers output and torque characteristics which are as uncompromisingly oriented towards dynamic performance and driving pleasure as the new six-cylinder powerplant by Mercedes-Benz. The 3498 cc engine develops an output of 200 kW/272 hp, producing an exemplary power-to-swept-volume ratio of 57 kW/78 hp per litre. Equally remarkable is the maximum torque of 350 Newton metres, which is available over a wide engine speed range from 2400 to 5000 rpm. These engine characteristics guarantee brisk acceleration and rapid intermediate sprints, while still allowing relaxed cruising in a high gear.

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 world’s 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 V6’s 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: Europe’s 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.



DaimlerChrysler Communications, November 2004

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