The E-Class:
A new era in luxury saloons
• Series-production premiere for numerous trailblazing innovations
• SBC electrohydraulic brake system in large-scale production for the first time
• Intelligent protection systems for exemplary occupant safety
• Fuel consumption reduced by up to 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres
• The world's most successful saloon in its class
June 9, 2004, Beijing
With numerous technical innovations, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sets new standards in the areas of vehicle safety, comfort and handling dynamics. And now, the new Mercedes-Benz saloon is available in China .
As with its successful predecessor, Mercedes-Benz continues to demonstrate its worldwide technological leadership with the new E-Class. This saloon redefines the standards in the automotive luxury class and assumes an exemplary position in all major engineering disciplines. Trailblazing innovations offered by no other automobile brand are entering series production with the new E-Class, or are available in this vehicle class for the first time.
One example of the technological exclusivity at the highest level is the electrohydraulic braking system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC), developed specially by Mercedes-Benz, which is standard equipment in the new E-Class.
New, dynamic reinterpretation of typical design characteristics
The design of the new E-Class continues the elegant lines of the preceding series and emphasises the dynamic character of the saloon more than ever. The striking twin headlamps, with which the E-Class first made its mark in 1995 to initiate a design trend, have been redesigned and slightly angled back, characterising the progressive, dynamic appearance of the front-end. The same message is conveyed by the side view: typical E-Class, but with a new, unmistakable sportiness and elegance.
Newly developed air suspension combines comfort with sportiness
The new E-Class shows its dynamic character with outstanding agility, sportscarlike handling and superb cornering. A newly developed four-link front suspension 4 and a multi-link independent rear suspension mainly of aluminium create the technical conditions for this. At the same time the standard-fitted electrohydraulically controlled braking system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) ensure maximum handling safety and help the driver to cope better with emergency situations. SBC celebrated its world premiere in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class a few months ago, and is now entering large-scale production for the first time in the new E-Class.
Premiere for two-stage belt force limiters and new crash sensors
Mercedes-Benz has further optimised occupant safety with newly developed, intelligent restraint systems that adapt to the current occupant and accident situation. In addition to adaptive front airbags the new E-Class is for the first time equipped with two-stage belt force limiters and automatic weight classification for the front passenger. In combination with additional crash sensors these systems provide occupant protection which is even more precise and adapted to the specific accident situation. Sidebags for the front seat occupants, large 5 windowbags, high-performance belt tensioners, automatic child seat recognition and a rollover sensor are further components of the standard safety features.
Compared to the preceding model the body structure of the new E-Class has even larger deformation zones at the front end. They ensure an even better energy absorption during an accident, allowing the passenger cell to remain substantially undamaged even during a severe impact. The new Mercedes saloon has passed the most stringent worldwide safety tests. The proportion of high strength alloys, which provide maximum safety with minimum weight, has been virtually doubled in the new Mercedes saloon. The bonnet, front wings, boot lid and front-end/rear-end modules are made of aluminium.
Superlative climatic comfort with the new four-zone THERMOTRONIC
With enormous attention to detail and the utmost precision, Mercedes designers have developed a comfortable interior for the new E-Class whose choice of highquality materials ensures typical Mercedes quality and value impression.
Outstanding long-distance comfort is assured by the standard automatic climate control, newly developed seats and state-of-the-art driver support systems. As an optional extra, Mercedes-Benz will install the efficient four-zone air THERMOTRONIC climate control, whose microprocessor individually determines and controls the temperature for the driver and front passenger, as well as the passengers on the outer rear seats.
Average worldwide market share of 36 percent in 2003
he E-Class posted a new record in the past year, with sales of over 305,000 passenger cars. In 2003, the sedan consolidated its leading position in the upper-range segment (market share in 2003: 36 percent) by boosting unit sales 42 percent to 253,700 passenger cars.
