Mercedes' new E-Class off to a good start

Mercedes-Benz expects sales of the new E-Class to receive a further boost in the coming months from the vehicle's introduction in key markets including the U.S. and China and the launch of the new station wagon in fall 2009.

The station wagon will celebrate its world premiere at this year's IAA in September. Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: "The fact that the E-Class sedan already became the global market leader in May demonstrates how well it is being received by our customers. The new coupe is also extremely popular, thanks to its dynamic design and the new generation of efficient engines."

"We are very delighted with this positive response because the E-Class has always been of great importance for Mercedes-Benz. It's an exemplary embodiment of the brand's basic attributes of safety, comfort, and quality. The new E-Class also sets the standards when it comes to economy in the upper-range segment."

The new E-Class models have outstanding fuel economy. The sedan's four- and six-cylinder engines have direct injection systems and consume far less fuel than their predecessors despite their greater output. This month also marked the sales release of two new four-cylinder engines, which combine higher fuel efficiency with the level of driving comfort that is typical of Mercedes-Benz.

The two new units round out the Mercedes-Benz engine range in the business class. The E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 136 hp consumes 5.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. And the new E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY with direct injection delivers 184 hp and consumes only 7.2 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.

The model program of the sporty coupe also includes two new four-cylinder engines that require significantly less fuel while offering a clear increase of output and torque. The E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY coupe consumes just 5.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers while emitting only 135 grams of CO2 per kilometer, which makes it one of the most economical automobiles in its class.

The special characteristics of the new E-Class include not only a high level of environmental friendliness, but also a unique combination of driver assistance systems. Approximately a dozen different assistance systems are available to customers, including new Mercedes-Benz developments such as Lane Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist, and Night View Assist.

These technologies make the E-Class a "thinking" partner that can not only see, feel, and respond to dangers by means of its "reflexes," but also act independently to prevent accidents or minimize their effects.

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Credits: JRC