Permanent four-wheel drive for Saloon and Estate

• 4MATIC available for six and eight-cylinder models
• Now in combination with Sensotronic Brake Control

Tokyo, October 22, 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.

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.

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

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.

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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