2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Press Release

Premiere for two-stage belt force limiters and new crash sensors Mercedes-Benz has further optimised occupant safety with newly developed, intelligent restraint systems which adapt to the current occupant and accident situation. In addition to adaptive front airbags the new E-Class is for the first time equipped with two-stage belt force limiters and automatic weight classification for the front passenger. In combination with additional crash sensors these systems provide occupant protection which is even more precise and adapted to the specific accident situation. Sidebags for the front seat occupants, large windowbags, high-performance belt tensioners, automatic child seat recognition and a rollover sensor are further components of the standard safety features. Compared to the preceding model the body structure of the new E-.Class has even larger deformation zones at the front end. They ensure an even better energy absorption during an accident, allowing the passenger cell to remain substantially undamaged even during a severe impact. The new Mercedes saloon has passed the most stringent worldwide safety tests. The proportion of high-strength alloys, which provide maximum safety with minimum weight, has been virtually doubled in the new Mercedes saloon. The bonnet, front wings, boot lid and front-end/rear-end modules are made of aluminium. Second-generation CDI engines with twin balancer shafts for the first time Five different engines will initially be available for the new E-Class saloons – three petrol engines with six and eight cylinders and an output range from 130 kW/177 hp to 225 kW/306 hp, and two CDI engines with four and five cylinders, respectively, and an output of 110 kW/150 hp to 130 kW/177 hp. The fuel consumption of the new E-Class has been reduced by up to 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres compared with the preceding model. The maximum torque of the diesel engines has been increased by up to eight percent, reaching a new peak of 425 Newton metres in the E 270 CDI. The direct-injection diesel units are second-generation CDI engines which feature a number of trailblazing technical innovations. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has equipped the four-cylinder engine of the E 220 CDI with twin balancer shafts, achieving a significant improvement in noise and vibration comfort. At a later date the range of engines for the E-Class will be extended by a new, supercharged four-cylinder petrol unit and further CDI engines with four, six and eight cylinders.