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Mercedes-Benz AG has issued the following press release:
Mercedes-Benz E-class 4MATIC
With the arrival of six 4MATIC models, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is set to become even more versatile and interesting from this autumn. The Stuttgart-based automotive brand combines the permanent four-wheel drive system in both saloon and estate versions with the powerful six and eight-cylinder engines. Thanks to its intelligent interaction with the Electronic Stability Program ESP’ and the 4ETS traction control system, 4MATIC helps the driver to cope with critical situations in a safe and confident manner. Depending on the engine version, the ex-works price for the new E-Class 4MATIC models lies between 42,456 and 62,408 Euro. A further new arrival to the E-Class range is the E 500 Estate model with its powerful V8 petrol engine, with an output of 225 kW/306 hp.
Apart from the interplay between ESP’ and 4ETS, the new E-Class four-wheel drive models feature yet another special technical feature: the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC’) braking system, which Mercedes-Benz was the first company to offer as a standard feature. Thanks to the variable brake force distribution on each wheel it is even safer when driving through bends and, thanks to its extreme dynamism and precision, also reinforces the performance of the Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program ESP’ and 4MATIC systems. The brake impulses have become more sensitive and even faster.
The E-Class 4MATIC Estate models are fitted as standard with an automatic load-dependent pneumatic self-levelling suspension system. The spring travel on the rear axle remains the same regardless of the load situation, thus ensuring maximum ride comfort at all times. — BMW X5 all-wheel drive system.
Perfect interaction with DISTRONIC and AIRMATIC DC
The Mercedes engineers have also perfected the way the system works together with the DISTRONIC intelligent cruise control (optional extra) and have managed to create a comfortable speed control system that functions at any speed over seven km/h. Thus, even in critical road conditions, it is possible to drive downhill in a relaxed fashion.
The fully supporting air suspension system AIRMATIC DC, which constantly adjusts the shock absorber force and spring rate on both front and rear axles to the prevailing driving conditions, is also available as an option for the six-cylinder models with 4MATIC. In the case of the E 500, it forms part of the car’s standard specification. By simply pressing a button, the driver can raise the 4MATIC model by 35 millimetres. All 4MATIC versions of the E-Class are fitted as standard with five-speed automatic transmission and speed-sensitive power steering. — BMW 5 Series estate variants.
New E 500 Estate with 7G-TRONIC and air suspension as standard
The new top-of-the-range E-Class Estate is the E 500. This smooth and powerful eight-cylinder engine produces 225 kW/306 hp and, reaching its maximum torque of 460 Newtonmetres at a mere 2700 rpm, holds this constant up to 4250 rpm. The luxury estate thus achieves the performance of a sports car: acceleration from nought to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, interim spurt from 60 to 120 km/h in 6.2 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically restricted to 250 km/h. In the EUDC cycle, the E 500 Estate shows a consumption of 11.6 litres of premium fuel per 100 kilometres (overall consumption). — BMW's 2003 model developments.
Like the E 500 Saloon, the new V8 E-Class Estate is characterised by its attractive standard specification, which meets all expectations of comfort: seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, AIRMATIC DC air suspension, four-zone automatic climate control and speed-sensitive power steering are just a few of the standard features of the luxury Estate, which will be available from the end of 2003.
