Mercedes-Benz New V6 Engines

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

More versatile and valuable than ever

• 27 engine and body variants to choose from
• Four new six-cylinder engines
• New powerful V8 diesel engine
• E 320 CDI with permanent 4MATIC four-wheel drive in future

Never before in its history has the model programme for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class been as versatile, attractive, and dynamic as it is today. The programme now offers 27 engine and body variants to choose from, including 15 saloon versions and 12 estate models. There are also five completely new engines ?????????????????????????????????????? two CDI six-cylinder units, two V6 petrol engines and, beginning in the autumn of 2005, a V8 diesel that is one of the world's most powerful engines in its class. Mercedes-Benz has also expanded its range of four-wheel drive vehicles in the E-Class series to include the new E 280 4MATIC and the E 350 4MATIC. These will be joined in future by the E 320 CDI 4MATIC, which is powered by a new V6 diesel engine.

The E-Class has been on the market since March 2002 (estate: since March 2003) and is the global and European market leader in its segment.

Among other things, the high-end standard features in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class include an electronic climate control system, a radio/CD stereo system, six-speed standard transmission, light alloy wheels and crash-active NECK-PRO headrests. The E 320 CDI and E 350 ?????????????????????????????????????? both of which are fitted with six-cylinder engines ?????????????????????????????????????? come with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission and parameter steering as well. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the E 420 CDI and E 500 V8 models with AIRMATIC pneumatic suspension, a four-zone electronic climate control system and the ELEGANCE equipment line.

Mercedes customers can further opt for a new Sport Package to reinforce the dynamic character of the E-Class and personalise their saloon or estate to an even greater extent than before. The Sport Package contains valuable equipment features that are not available individually, including glossy 18-inch light alloy wheels in ten-twin-spoke design, 245/40 R 18 (front) and 265/35 R 18 (rear) broad tyres, silver brake callipers and perforated brake disks, and oval stainless steel exhaust pipe covers. The rear bumper and side skirts come in the sporty design of the AVANTGARDE line.

The interior has been upgraded with features such as a four-spoke sports steering wheel with integrated buttons for operating the automatic transmission, stainless steel pedals with black rubber coverings, front seats with anthracite-coloured leather upholstery, and contrast trim seams in the central area. The Sport Package also includes a sport-tuned chassis, a direct steering system with a speed-based parameter function, and special mufflers that produce a sporty sound.

Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI:
Perfect combination of driving dynamics and comfort

• 165 kW/224 hp available for saloon and estate
• 510 Nm at 1600 rpm and up
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission as standard

165 kW/224 hp, 510 Nm maximum torque, and fuel consumption of only 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres ?????????????????????????????????????? these are the impressive performance figures for the E 320 CDI's new six-cylinder diesel engine, one of the most powerful in its class. The new engine, which replaces the straight five and six-cylinder units previously used, provides up to 38 per cent greater output and torque, thereby ensuring faster acceleration, more powerful sprints, and a higher maximum speed. The E 320 CDI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds (saloon) and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h (saloon).

The vehicle's maximum torque of 510 Nm is made available at an engine speed as low as 1,600 rpm and is constantly maintained up to 2,800 rpm. Thus the new V6 offers unparalleled torque for its displacement class. What's more, the engine's combination with the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission guarantees optimal exploitation of its impressive power output and torque potential in all driving situations.

The materials employed in the vehicle, its design, and its fuel injection and engine control systems are all state-of-the-art. Mercedes-Benz has also developed the world's first aluminium crankcase with grey cast-iron cylinder sleeves for use in a diesel engine of this displacement and performance class. This design made a significant contribution to the six-cylinder engine's low weight of only around 208 kilograms (DIN). As such, the new engine is only slightly heavier than the previous five-cylinder unit. Its weight-to-power ratio, on the other hand, has increased by more than 20 per cent to 0.79 kW/kg ?????????????????????????????????????? a key factor in the perfect diesel agility the new engine provides.

Fuel injection at 1,600 bar with innovative piezo injectors

Mercedes engineers have made even further advances in fuel economy and exhaust-emission reduction with a third-generation common-rail direct injection system that uses innovative piezo injectors and achieves a higher injection pressure of 1,600 bar.

A high-performance electronic control unit monitors all engine functions ?????????????????????????????????????? from the quick-start pre-heating unit to the automatic start feature and operation of the high-pressure pump. In addition, the VNT (variable nozzle turbine) supercharger with electrically adjustable guide blades, the exhaust gas recirculation system with control valve, and the air intake throttle are all controlled on the basis of constantly updated vehicle measurement data and in accordance with the situation at hand.

Thanks to this precise engine control system, the V6 unit's nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions are below the strict limits set by the EU 4 guideline. Two oxidation-type catalytic converters handle the conversion of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. In order to further reduce particulate emissions, Mercedes-Benz is fitting the new E 320 CDI with particulate filters as standard equipment in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI

*Combined. Maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI 4MATIC:
First Mercedes-Benz diesel passenger car with permanent four-wheel drive

• First diesel passenger car from Mercedes-Benz with 4MATIC
• From zero to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds with 165 kW/224 hp
• Permanent four-wheel drive combined with ESP and 4ETS

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is offering a diesel passenger car with permanent four-wheel drive ?????????????????????????????????????? the new E 320 CDI 4MATIC. The powerful, high-torque six-cylinder is a perfect match for the 4MATIC and also ensures a top performance in the saloon and the estate. The E 320 CDI 4MATIC accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 7.4 seconds (saloon) and has a top speed of 244 km/h (saloon).

Thanks to the third generation of common-rail direct injection, the newly developed six-cylinder diesel engine is an outstanding performer in terms of its improved fuel economy and even lower exhaust gas emissions ?????????????????????????????????????? and drivers will be able to hear that the engine runs more smoothly. Even at 1,600 rpm, the V6 engine delivers a maximum torque of 510 Nm, the highest value in its displacement class. The six-cylinder??????????????????????????????????????s torque remains constant up to 2,800 rpm. Also exemplary is the E 320 CDI 4MATIC??????????????????????????????????????s fuel consumption: 7.9 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres (the saloon??????????????????????????????????????s combined consumption).

In combination with the ESP???????????????????? electronic stability program and the 4ETS electronic traction system, the permanent four-wheel drive system works to assist drivers in coping safely and confidently with critical situations. The E-Class 4MATIC models deliver greater traction and a more dynamic performance under adverse weather conditions such as ice and snow, on wet roads, and also when drivers are starting, accelerating and cruising on poor road surfaces.

At the same time, 4ETS ensures typical Mercedes standards of driving comfort. This is because the system operates without conventional differential locks, which can detract from the comfort and handling of other four-wheel-drive cars. With 4ETS, the spinning wheels are braked in a targeted manner and the drive torque is transferred to the wheels with good traction. This is how the electronic traction control system achieves the same effect as three differential locks. A single-step transfer case transfers the engine??????????????????????????????????????s torque to the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio.

Mercedes-Benz E 320 CDI 4MATIC

*Combined. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz E 420 CDI:
Powerful performer with 231 kW/314 hp

• Newly developed V8 engine with twin turbochargers
• 730 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm
• Seven-speed automatic and AIRMATIC as standard

Beginning in autumn of this year, Mercedes-Benz will be putting one of the world??????????????????????????????????????s most powerful diesel engines for passenger cars into series production of the E-Class. In contrast to its predecessor eight-cylinder diesel, this engine offers 20 per cent higher output and 30 per cent more torque. The figures: 231 kW/314 hp, and 730 Nm of torque at 2,200 rpm.

With its robust torque, the E 420 CDI accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in only 6.1 seconds and can sprint from 60 to 120 km/h in third gear in just 5.4 seconds. The combined fuel consumption is 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres.

In addition to an aluminium crankcase, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and electronic intake-air throttle, the third-generation common-rail direct injection is an impressive technological highlight of the new Mercedes eight-cylinder. By using piezo injectors, the fuel injection can be more quickly and precisely adjusted to individual load and torque conditions than was possible with the solenoid valves previously used. That has a positive effect on emissions and fuel consumption and contributes to a quieter engine.

The Mercedes engineers focused especially intensively on the airflow upstream and downstream of the turbochargers. Using computational fluid dynamics and simulations, they succeeded in reducing the inherent pressure losses in the charge-air lines, thus achieving a long-term improvement in the engine??????????????????????????????????????s air supply. Compared to the predecessor CDI eight-cylinder from Mercedes-Benz, the pressure loss in the charge-air lines was reduced by up to 60 per cent. That means an increase of up to 15 per cent in the air mass that can flow into the engine. The V8 uses this air to generate power and torque. And the improved charge-air cooling enhances this effect: The new CDI eight-cylinder??????????????????????????????????????s air/water intercooler is integrated with two water coolers into a special low-temperature circuit, where the charge air is cooled by up to 120 degrees Celsius. This increases the air density at full load by up to 25 per cent.

Thanks to specially designed hollow areas in the intake lines, the air volume upstream from the turbochargers is increased, and torque is boosted by about 15 per cent in the lower engine speed range.

The new Mercedes-Benz eight-cylinder diesel comes with two oxidising catalytic converters and a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard, which ensures reliable compliance with the stringent EU4 exhaust emission limits. The particulate filter works without additives and is regenerated while the vehicle is running by means of adjustments to specific engine functions as needed, for example by doubling secondary fuel injection.

A seven-speed automatic transmission and AIRMATIC suspension are also standard equipment in the new top diesel model from Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz E 420 CDI saloon

*Combined. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz E 280:
A six-cylinder for discerning customers

• Exemplary torque characteristics in a very smooth-running engine
• Top speed of 250 km/h and fuel consumption of 9.3 litres
• High-tech engine with fourfold camshaft adjustment

No other engine in this displacement class can match this new six-cylinder petrol engine in terms of its output and torque characteristics, which have been specifically designed for dynamic performance and enjoyment. Mercedes-Benz is offering the engine in two output levels for the E-Class: in the E 350 and the new E 280.

From 2,996 cm3 of displacement, the E 280??????????????????????????????????????s engine generates 170 kW/231 hp and delivers a maximum torque of 300 Nm from 2,400 rpm. Drivers can take advantage of this torque at a wide range of engine speeds up to 5,000 rpm. The E 280 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h (saloon). The combined fuel consumption is 9.3 to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The aluminium V6 engine excels with a unique package of technical features. For the first time in a V6 engine it has variable intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment, which increases the output and torque while contributing to fuel economy.

The length of the intake manifold can be varied according to the engine speed to achieve the best possible torque and output.

The intake module is equipped with flaps that open or close depending on engine load and speed: At low engine speeds, the flaps are closed, which causes pressure waves to form in the long intake manifolds. These waves support the intake process and improve torque optimisation.

The inlet ports are equipped with so-called tumble flaps that improve the intake process and the combustion of the fuel-air mixture.

These flaps are electro-pneumatically operated. They swivel open under partial loads in order to increase the flow turbulence in the combustion chambers. This leads to a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and also ensures that the engine runs quietly. The tumble flaps are controlled and operated in accordance with the driving situation on the basis of the stored characteristics.

The E 280 comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, which is available as an option, works very well in tandem with the V6 engine and also provides for more powerful acceleration, faster sprints, and lower fuel consumption.

Mercedes-Benz E 280

*Combined. Maximum speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.