Permanent four-wheel drive for Saloon and Estate

• 4MATIC available for six and eight-cylinder models

• Now in combination with Sensotronic Brake Control

• New E 500 Estate with 225 kW/306 hp V8 engine

• Particulate filter for the four-cylinder models E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI

Frankfurt/Main, Sep 09, 2003 - From autumn this year three 4MATIC models will make the Mercedes-Benz E-Class even more versatile and interesting, as permanent four-wheel drive is being combined with the powerful six and eight-cylinder petrol engines in both Saloon and Estate models. By interacting intelligently with the standard Electronic Stability Program ESP® and the traction control system 4ETS, 4MATIC helps the driver to manage critical situations safely and confidently. Another addition to the E-Class range is the E 500 Estate with a powerful 225 kW/306 hp V8 petrol engine.

In addition to the interaction between ESP® and 4ETS the new four-wheel drive models in the E-Class feature another technical highlight - Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) – which first entered series production at Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to variable brake force distribution at each wheel this provides more safety when braking on bends, while increasing the efficiency of Brake Assist, the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and 4MATIC by virtue of its dynamic intervention and precision. Braking impulses become even more sensitive and rapid.

All 4MATIC variants in the E-Class are equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, speed-sensitive power steering and load-dependent level control. The vehicle level is controlled by air bellows, the spring travel at the rear axle remaining constant under any load conditions to ensure maximum ride comfort.

Perfect interaction with DISTRONIC and AIRMATIC DC
Mercedes engineers have also perfected a combination with the active cruise control system DISTRONIC (optional), creating a comfortable speed control system which is already usable from seven km/h. This enables downhill gradients to be negotiated with confidence even in critical road surface conditions, for example. The fully supporting air suspension system AIRMATIC DC, which constantly adapts the shock absorber forces and spring rate to the current driving situation, is optionally available for the six-cylinder models with 4MATIC. It is standard equipment in the E 500.

The new 4-MATIC models in the E-Class and their major technical data:

*NEDC overall consumption

Exemplary traction and handling stability on poor road surfaces
4MATIC particularly shows its strengths under unfavourable weather conditions such as rain, ice or snow by ensuring exemplary handling stability and outstanding traction. When moving off, accelerating, taking bends at speed or driving on difficult terrain the system provides additional traction reserves and helps the driver to control the vehicle with confidence. In this way the permanent four-wheel drive system enhances the already exemplary handling characteristics of the E-Class and offers the safety and imperturbability typical of a Mercedes even under extraordinary driving conditions.

The high level of comfort equally typical of the brand is ensured by the new front axle and carefully configured spring and damper configurations. Another comfort-enhancing benefit of 4MATIC is the lack of conventional differential locks, which are replaced by the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS. This automatically intervenes if one or more wheels lose their adhesion by applying individual brake pressure. This simultaneously increases the torque at the wheels which still have good traction. Thanks to the rapidity of the braking impulses this achieves the effect of three differential locks.

New E 500 Estate with 7G-TRONIC and air suspension as standard
The E 500 is the new top-of-the-range Estate variant in the E-Class. Its smooth, powerful eight-cylinder engine has an output of 225 kW/306 hp and generates its maximum torque of 460 Newton metres from a mere 2700 rpm, maintaining this up to 4250 rpm. Accordingly this luxury Estate exhibits the performance of a sports car, accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and sprinting from 60 to 120 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. The E 500 Estate has a fuel consumption of 11.6 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres (NEDC overall consumption).

Like the E 500 Saloon the new V8 E-Class Estate features an attractive package of standard appointments that meets every comfort requirement: 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, AIRMATIC DC air suspension, four-zone climate control and speed-sensitive power steering are just some of the standard comfort features of this luxury estate, which becomes available at the end of 2003.

Newly-developed particulate filter system for the E 200 CDI and E 220 CDI
From October Mercedes-Benz will offer a particulate filter for the four-cylinder diesel models in the E-Class. This means that these diesel models will already meet the stringent EU-4 emission limits for the year 2005, and Mercedes customers newly registering an E 200 CDI or E 220 CDI with a particulate filter will enjoy tax advantages in Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands.

The particulate filter system developed by Mercedes-Benz regenerates itself without the use of additives and therefore remains effective over a very high operating mileage. Filter regeneration is carried out by the appropriate adaptation of different engine functions such as fuel injection, intake air throttling, exhaust gas recirculation and charge pressure control. This allows the exhaust temperature to be specifically raised for controlled combustion of the soot particles deposited in the filter.

E 55 AMG Estate

High-performance Estate with dream statistics

• Powerful AMG supercharged V8 engine with 350 kW/476 hp of output
• AMG sports suspension with air suspension and level control
• Dynamic appearance thanks to AMG bodystyling and 18-inch twin-spoke wheels
• AMG sports seats upholstered in luxurious nappa/nubuck leather

476/700/1950 – these are the new dream statistics in the sporty Mercedes Estate segment. With a maximum output of 350 kW/476 hp, a maximum torque of 700 Newton metres 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 exceptional status of this new AMG high-performance estate is immediately obvious when one looks under the bonnet or opens the tailgate. Thanks to supercharging the eight-cylinder AMG engine develops an output of 350 kW/476 hp at 6100 rpm from a displacement of 5.5 litres, as well as an outstanding torque of 700 Newton metres at between 2650 and 4500 rpm. Depending on the position of the rear seats the load capacity varies between 690 and 1950 litres (VDA measuring method). No other series-production estate boasts as much output and torque or offers such a large, flexible interior as the new E 55 AMG Estate.

34 percent more output and 32 percent more torque
The new E 55 AMG Estate has 34 percent more output and 32 percent more torque than the preceding model with a naturally aspirated V8 engine (260 kW/354 hp and 530 Newton metres). The performance figures are at sports car level: the Estate accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds (predecessor: 5.9 sec), while the maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Dynamic driving enjoyment and the greatest possible comfort are guaranteed by the five-speed automatic transmission with AMG SPEEDSHIFT, steering wheel gearshifting and a manual driving program. More rapid gear changes, active downshifting when braking and torque converter lockup after first gear provide extremely agile handling.

Unique high-tech innovations in the braking system and suspension
Technological exclusivity is the order of the day for the braking system and suspension of the E 55 AMG Estate. Large, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs ensure outstanding deceleration figures and fade-resistance. In conjunction with the electrohydraulic braking system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) this makes for optimal driving safety. The AMG sports suspension AIRMATIC DC with an adaptive damping system (ADS II) features new spring struts with a reduced air volume and more powerful stabilisers. The springs and dampers instantly adapt themselves to the current style of driving by microprocessor control, and the driver is able to select the required configuration in three stages from comfort-oriented to sporty/stiff at the touch of a button. Whatever the load carried, the rear axle with its standard level control system guarantees an identical suspension travel at all times – providing the ideal conditions for maximum ride comfort.

Characteristic AMG bodystyling and an AMG sports exhaust system
Just one look is sufficient to identify the new E 55 AMG Estate as a member of the dynamic AMG family. The new high-performance Estate features AMG bodystyling as standard, including the striking front apron with large air dams, prominently contoured side skirts and the new rear apron with a black facing. The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin oval tailpipes and the attractive 18" AMG twin-spoke wheels with mixed tyres accentuate the sportiness of this model even further.

The interior is characterised by an atmosphere of exclusivity: electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, seat heating and a memory function are included in the unusually generous standard appointments of the E 55 AMG Estate, as are the luxurious nappa/nubuck leather upholstery in three different colour combinations, the ergonomic AMG sport steering wheel with gear-shift buttons and the AMG instrument cluster.

EASY-PACK: practicality and variability to a new level of perfection
The term EASY-PACK also stands for intelligent load compartment management in the new Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Estate. The practicality, variability and safety of the up to 1950-litre large load compartment meet even the most demanding standards. The standard appointments include a 1/3 to 2/3 division in the folding, adjustable rear seat backrests, a stowage box behind the rear seat backrests, an additional loading floor with subdivided compartments, an automatic load compartment cover and a tailgate that stays open in any position during the last third of its travel. Available options include an electrohydraulic power unit for the tailgate and load compartment floor, a folding backrest for the front passenger seat and the EASDY-PACK load-securing kit for the secure stowage of luggage.

Although New-Cars.com checks with auto manufacturers and their representatives to confirm the accuracy of the data, it makes no guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.

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