E-Class range gets bigger

MERCEDES-BENZ’S TWO NEW ADDITIONS OFFER MORE DRIVING PLEASURE

Mercedes-Benz has added two additional derivatives to its E-Class range – the E 250 and E 400 4matic models. Merc’s stylish new executive sedan was recently launched in the E 200, E 220 d and E 350 d guises. The new E 400 4matic has a six-cylinder petrol engine which delivers 245 kW of power with a torque figure of 480 Nm.

It also boasts 4matic all-wheel drive – the first time MercedesBenz is offering that technology in the South African E-Class range.

Merc lists the key benefits of 4matic all-wheel drive as dynamic and safe handling, traction and stability on slippery surfaces, plus improved efficiency and reduced friction.

The suspension on the new E-Class offers agile driving pleasure on twisting roads, plus the highest level of ride comfort in this segment. Three suspensions with selective damping are available.

Alternatively the new E-Class can be equipped with multi-chamber air suspension all round – the only car in its segment to offer this option.

Three chambers of different size in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle make it possible to control how stiffly the suspension reacts.

In this way, the occupants enjoy soft basic suspension, and the secure feeling of good handling stability as the speed increases.

The multi-chamber air suspension features all-round self-levelling for excellent ride comfort even with the vehicle loaded.

It controls the ride height automatically depending on the speed and reduces fuel consumption on the motorway, for example, by lowering the vehicle.

When driving on rough roads or access roads, the ground clearance can be increased at the push of a button.

The air suspension is augmented by a continuously operative, electronically controlled adaptive damping system.

The damping at each individual wheel is adjusted automatically to suit the current driving situation and the condition of the road.

A switch in the cockpit enables the driver to select from four modes: “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport +”.

All engines for the new E-Class are equipped with the ECO start/ stop function.

The petrol engines meet the requirements of the EU 6 emissions standard, while the new OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine is already configured with future RDE limits in mind.

All models are equipped as standard with the new 9G tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.

It enables fast gear changes and allows low engine revs, which has a particularly beneficial effect on efficiency and noise levels.

The E-Class also offers new assistance and safety systems.

Active Brake Assist is fitted as standard. It is able to warn the driver of impending collisions, provide optimum support with emergency braking and, if necessary, will autonomously apply the brakes.

In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can detect pedestrians crossing the danger zone ahead of the vehicle. Likewise included as standard are attention assist with adjustable sensitivity, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness.

As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the E-Class comes standard with a PremiumDrive 6-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.