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Thursday, April 02, 2009
The new E-Class-ic from Mercedes
There is a device in fiction, I’m told, called pathetic fallacy, where nature reflects the mood of those within a scene.
So, for example, when Quint is about to be eaten in Jaws, the sea is rough, or when Arsenal lose to a last minute goal in Fever Pitch, it starts to rain, or when Caesar is stabbed 205 times, there’s an earthquake.
You get the picture. The weather lures the reader into the dark soul of the doomed protagonist.
Reading some of the latest stats to beset the car industry over Sunday toast and tea, the sun was suddenly occluded by cloud, hail fell and lightning let rip: so many new cars are stockpiled in Europe that production can afford to cease until 2010.
And what is taking place in Detroit or the Royal Portbury docks near Bristol eventually worms its way to our green and pleasant shores: manufacturers, like Toyota, are delaying product launches in Ireland this year.
Bucking the trend, I am pleased to announce, is Mercedes, which is going ahead with the new E Class range in June. Billed as a car of unparalleled quality, the new EClass is seen by many as being the benchmark in its class in terms of luxury, safety, comfort and environmental compatibility.
In appearance, it is significantly different from the current model. Striking is its powerful wedgeshaped profile, muscular rear section, modern styling and impressive detailing reflected in its distinctive V-shaped face with new twin-lens headlight design.
Front daytime running lights set below the bumper line add a sporting touch. Comfort and interior refinement are central to the E-Class experience with every detail conveying that sense of security that has been a feature of the E-Class for many years.
Long-distance comfort has been improved even further thanks to intelligent body-shell technology that increases rigidity by up to 30 percent. Seating too has been improved and a new suspension fitted with shock absorbers that automatically adjust to driving conditions. Safety remains a major element.
Standard features include the very latest assistance and protection systems.
One such item is Attention Assist, a drowsiness detection system that uses feedback from over 70 sensors to monitor behaviour and alert the driver when the need to take a break becomes evident.
Other items include lights that dim automatically to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, proximity control, parking guidance and reversing camera, improved pedestrian protection plus the full array of driver and passenger airbags.
With a drag coefficient of only 0.25, the new EClass is the world's most aerodynamically efficient luxury saloon.
All models consume less fuel, with consumption down by up to 20% and emissions that fall within strict Euro 5 guidelines.
Twelve models make up the new E-Class range six diesels and six petrol of which eight have BlueEfficiency credentials.
Diesel units are the E 200CDI, E 220CDI, E 250 CDI and E 350 CDI all with Blue Efficiency E 350 Blue Tec and E 350 CDI 4Matic. Petrol units are the E 200 CGI, E 250 CGI, E 350 CGI, all with Blue Efficiency, E 350 4Matic, E 500 and E 500 4Matic.
First to arrive in Ireland will be the E 220CDI which is due for launch in June.
Following in September will be the E 200CDI the first E-Class to have a 200CDI engine the E 250CDI and the E 200 Kompressor.
All new E-Class models come in a choice of three design and equipment lines that include higher-spec Elegance and Avantgarde versions.
Though final figures have yet to be agreed, Mercedes-Benz Sales Manager Ciaran Allen confirms that the new E-Class will be ‘aggressively priced’ when matched against its rivals.
To this, Mercedes-Benz also adds the results of a recent independent study in which the new E-Class is predicted to retain its value better than any other car in its segment.
In their report, German research institute Bahr & Fess forecasted that the new EClass €250 CDi would be worth 62.5% of its current value in three years.
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