Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG:
high-performance car with dream figures
• Powerful AMG supercharged V8 engine with an output of 350 kW/476 hp
• AMG sports suspension with air springs and level control
• Dynamic appearance thanks to AMG bodystyling and 18-inch twin-spoke wheels
June 9, 2004, Beijing
T hese are the new dream figures in the sporty Mercedes E-Class segment. With a maximum output of 350 kW/476 hp, a peak torque of 700 Nm and a loading volume of up to 1950 litres, the new Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Estate has a starring role as a dynamic and practical jack-of-all-trades. The E 55 AMG is also available as a sporty four-door Saloon version.
34 percent more output and 32 percent more torque
These imposing figures are rooted in the majestic torque of the supercharged eight-cylinder engine. The AMG engine delivers 560 Nm of torque to the crankshaft as low down as 1500 rpm, and this grows to 650 Nm only 500 rpm later. The peak torque of 700 Nm is available anywhere between 2650 and 4500 rpm. The E 55 AMG thus develops 34 percent more power and 32 percent more torque than the outgoing model with its naturally aspirated V8 engine (260 kW/354 hp and 530 Nm).
This withering power leaves its rivals trailing in its wake, whilst also propelling the four-door model to some extraordinary performance figures: 4.7 seconds is all it takes for the Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Saloon to reach the 100 km/h mark (Estate 4.7 seconds), on the way to a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). NEDC combined fuel consumption stands at 12.9 litres per 100 km for the Saloon (Estate 13.6 litres per 100 km ).
AMG SPEEDSHIFT and Formula-1-style gearshift on the steering wheel
The E 55 AMG is equipped with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission which adapts itself to the driving style - be it dynamic or more laid-back. In manual mode ("M"), the driver can change gear using the buttons on the steering wheel, rather like in a Formula-1 car. The right-hand button behind the steering wheel spoke is pressed to shift up a gear, the left-hand button to change down. When the rated engine speed is reached the transmission automatically shifts into the next gear up, and when the car comes to a halt first gear is selected. The gear engaged is always shown clearly for the driver on the display in the AMG instrument cluster. If "M" mode is selected, the driver can draw on the immense pulling power of the V8 supercharged engine as automatic downshifts are prevented, even at full load.
Further technical specialities such as active downshifting, the optimum gear function, torque converter lock-up from first gear and faster, more responsive gear changes make for a direct driving experience.
AIRMATIC DC semi-active suspension tuned to AMG specifications
The AMG semi-active sports suspension AIRMATIC DC with Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) is equipped with new spring struts with lower air volume. The damping and springs use microprocessors to adapt instantaneously to the driving style. To this end, data is processed relating to the steering and yaw angle of the body, longitudinal and transverse acceleration, vehicle level and driving style. The desired suspension setting can also be selected manually, with three options for a sportier or more laid-back driving style.
The valuable experience gained over 35 years at the sharp end of car racing was a key component in the development of a power transmission system which features a larger cardan shaft, new steel rear axle with reinforced wheel location elements and drive shafts, and spring links with a highly robust welded steel structure. The rear axle differential has cooling fins to lower the oil temperature by as much as 20 degrees Celsius.
18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design
Excellent roadholding is assured thanks to wide-profile tyres (245/40 R 18 at the front and 265/35 R 18 at the rear) fitted on 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design. Whilst the alluring, sterling-silver-painted wheels (eight inches wide at the front, nine inches wide at the rear) are certainly a stylistic highlight, they also ensure effective brake cooling under heavy loads.
Characteristic AMG bodystyling and AMG sports exhaust system
Just one look is sufficient to identify the new E 55 AMG as a member of the dynamic AMG family. The new high-performance Estate features bi-xenon headlamps and AMG bodystyling as standard, including a striking front apron with large air dams, integrated fog lamps with clear-glass design, prominently contoured side skirts and a new rear apron with a black facing. The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin oval tailpipes accentuates the sportiness of this model even further. "V8 KOMPRESSOR" lettering on the front wings confirms the sheer potency of the powerplant beneath the bonnet.
