Press Release
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4MATIC Introduced
4MATIC permanent four-wheel drive and E 500 Estate
- Six-cylinder models E 240 and E 320 now available with 4MATIC option
- 4MATIC now for the first time in conjunction with Sensotronic Brake Control
- New E 500 Estate with 225 kW/306 hp V8 engine
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.
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.
The new E-Class 4MATIC models together with their key technical data and prices in overview:
