Press Release
Exemplary traction and directional stability in adverse road conditions
The benefits of the 4MATIC system – its exemplary directional stability and perfect traction - become particularly apparent in unfavourable weather conditions such as rain, ice or snow. When pulling away, accelerating, taking bends at speed or on rough terrain, the system provides additional reserves of traction and helps the driver to control his or her vehicle with confidence. The permanent four-wheel drive system thus reinforces the already exemplary qualities of the E-Class and ensures the safety and superior performance that is so typical of Mercedes.
The standard of comfort also typical of Mercedes is achieved thanks to the new front axle and by the meticulous tuning of springs and dampers. Yet another benefit of 4MATIC to affect the car’s comfort is the fact that it does away with the conventional differential locks which, in other all-wheel drive passenger cars, are associated with reductions in comfort and an increased maintenance requirement. Instead of differential locks, the 4MATIC system uses the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS which automatically activates if one or more wheels loses grip - and brakes them individually. At the same time the drive torque on the wheels with good traction is increased. With the help of the fast brake impulses, the effect of three differential locks can thus be achieved.
At the heart of the 4MATIC system is a single-stage transfer box with an open central differential that balances out the speed between the axles. It is linked directly with the automatic transmission and, together with the engine, torque converter and front axle transmission, forms a complete drive unit. The front axle transmission is located next to the newly constructed engine oil sump. Between the transfer box and the front-axle transmission, an articulated shaft is responsible for the actual power transmission.
Modifications to front axle and bodywork
In order to accommodate the 4MATIC system, both the body structure and the front axle of the E-Class have had to be extensively modified.
- Compared with the saloons and estates with rear wheel-drive, it was necessary to reinforce both the foot well and the front bulkhead area to provide the extra space needed by the larger axle.
- In the area of the tunnel, it was necessary to replace sections of steel in order to give access for the drive shaft through to the front axle.
- The bracket for the longitudinal member had to be modified to accommodate the rear welding point for the integral support.
- On the front axle, the fixing points for the torsion bar stabilisers, steering and front engine mounting were changed. Instead of the four-link front axle with front-located rack-and-pinion steering, the 4MATIC models feature a double-wishbone axle with rack-and-pinion steering positioned in the rear.
In order to increase the ground clearance, the body structure of the E-Class 4MATIC models has been raised by ten millimetres.
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).
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.
