Advanced Power: two new E-Class models with pioneering drive systems

Mercedes-Benz is wasting no time in implementing the Road to the Future which it presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and is now offering two new E-Class models to pave the way for a new generation of particularly economical and environmentally friendly diesel and petrol vehicles. Trailblazing BLUETEC technology makes the new E 300 BLUETEC the world's cleanest diesel in its class, while retaining legendary attributes of the CDI engine such as high torque, economy and operating range. At the same time Mercedes-Benz is extending its range of models with the new E 350 CGI, which features second-generation direct petrol injection. This model likewise excels with a favourable fuel consumption and a high performance. Compared to the E 350, the fuel consumption of the innovative V6 engine of the E 350 CGI is lower by around ten percent per hundred kilometres. And with 215 kW/292 hp this unit also makes 20 hp more output available. With these new E-Class models, Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its aim to offer customers superior, luxurious and safe automobiles with the highest level of environmental compatibility, both now and in the future.

At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Mercedes-Benz presented 19 innovative models as part of its "Road to the Future" agenda - a unique and varied range of new, particularly economical and clean models with intelligent drive technologies. In this long-term development strategy for the future, Mercedes-Benz has the declared aim of offering economical and environmentally friendly vehicles without compromising on safety, comfort or driving enjoyment. The focus of this development process is primarily on optimised internal combustion engines.

Just a few weeks after this announcement, Mercedes-Benz is now offering the first new E-Class models to make this ambitious goal a practical reality, while providing an impressive day-to-day experience for all.

E 300 BLUETEC - the cleanest and most economical executive-class diesel

Pole position on the Mercedes-Benz Roadto the Future is taken by the new E 300 BLUETEC. Following the successful launch of the world’s first BLUETEC passenger car in the USA - the E 320 BLUETEC, which is selling very briskly and has been voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007" - Mercedes-Benz is now also offering BLUETEC technology for the world’s cleanest diesel in Europe as well. With immediate effect, the new E 300 BLUETEC is available here as the cleanest and most economical diesel in the executive class.

BLUETEC is a concept based on a number of coordinated technical measures. First of all, in-engine measures minimise the untreated emissions. An oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter then ensure effective exhaust gas aftertreatment. The nitrogen oxides are subsequently reduced by BLUETEC technology using a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter. The package as a whole results in exemplary levels for all exhaust gas constituents. BLUETEC technology significantly undercuts the Nox limits of the EU5 standard, and even has the potential to meet the future EU6 standard.

In Europe Mercedes-Benz is offering the new E 300 BLUETEC in parallel with the E 320 CDI, which continues in the range. The slightly lower peak output of the new BLUETEC model - 155 kW/211 hp rather than 165 kW/ 224 hp - results from the measures taken to lower emissions and improve fuel consumption. These improvements include the use of special piezo-electric injectors, a lower compression ratio and specific fine-tuning of the turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. The powerful torque of 540 Nm at 1600 - 2400 rpm remains unchanged, and guarantees superior performance with a low fuel consumption and low emissions. The combined consumption of the E 300 BLUETEC according to the NEDC is 7.2 to 7.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres.

E 350 CGI with second-generation direct petrol injection

In parallel with the E 300 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is expanding its model range with the E 350 CGI, which features an ultra-modern direct-injection petrol engine with a spray-guided combustion process. This unit, the world’s first V6 petrol engine with this innovative combustion system and piezo-electric injection, was introduced in the CLS 350 CGI in spring 2006 and is now also available for the Saloon and Estate in the high-volume E-Class.

Compared to the E 350, which remains in the range, the 215 kW/292 hp V-engine develops 20 hp more output and 15 newton metres more torque (365 Nm) while consuming ten percent less fuel. On an NEDC average the E 350 CGI Saloon, which accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, consumes just 8.7 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres. In both model variants the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The E-Class as a technological trendsetter

The E-Class sets new technical standards, and also features a comprehensive range of safety equipment which includes PRE-SAFE®, the Intelligent Light System, NECK-PRO head restraints and adaptive brake lights. This makes the E-Class the safest car in its class. Agility and driving enjoyment is assured by the DIRECT CONTROL package with a direct steering ratio and a new suspension setup.