E Class Info Mercedes

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Press Information
Contents Page March 2009

Short version
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

all-round safety, outstanding comfort and
fuel savings of up to 23 percent 2
At a glance: Technical highlights of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class 15
Long version
Model range
Offering added value and meeting individual customer requirements:
The new E-Class is in a class of its own 21
Design
New and familiar touches: the design idiom of an effortlessly superior character 28
Active safety
Warn, assist, act:
Over a dozen assistance systems to help prevent accidents 37
Passive safety
Preventive action and on-demand protection:
Exceptional occupant safety based on intelligent systems and designs 54
Interior
Travel and relax:
Mercedes business-class comfort 65
BlueEFFICIENCY
Energy management and reduction in emissions:
Package of measures for efficient environmental protection 87
Drive system
Less fuel and more driving pleasure:
Sophisticated engine technology reduces consumption and exhaust gas 93
emissions
Chassis and suspension

Drive in comfort and brake safely:
Chassis and suspension technology with selective control 113
Technical data 124
The descriptions and data contained in this press kit apply to the international model range of the
Mercedes-Benz brand. There may be variations from country to country.
Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Mercedes-Benz - A Daimler Brand
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Page 2
all-round safety, outstanding comfort and
fuel savings of up to 23 percent
The new E-Class from Mercedes-Benz represents the pacemaker when it
comes to safety, comfort and environmental compatibility in this market
segment. With its unique combination of driver assistance systems, this
saloon further consolidates the leading position of Mercedes-Benz in the
luxury class. Its features include a drowsiness detection system, Adaptive
Highbeam Assist and the proximity control system which is capable of
performing automatic emergency braking when there is acute danger of
a collision.
Mercedes-Benz has improved the already exemplary long-distance comfort

of the E-Class even further in the new saloon, principally through the use
of intelligent bodyshell technology with up to 30 percent greater rigidity,
further improved seats and a newly developed suspension whose shock
absorbers automatically adjust to the current driving situation. The
optional air suspension now works in combination with an electronic
damping system.
The outstanding safety and comfort of the E-Class are matched by its
environmental compatibility and economy: the four- and six-cylinder
engines are direct-injection units, and consume up to 23 percent less fuel
than before. The combined NEDC consumption of the new four-cylinder
CDI engines is just 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres, which corresponds to
139 grams of CO2 per kilometre. All the engines for the new E-Class meet
the EU5 emission standard, while the emissions from the E 350 BlueTEC
are already below the EU6 limits planned for 2014.
Along with the engines, the BlueEFFICIENCY package for the E-Class is in
large part responsible for the considerable fuel savings. Engineers from every
development department have worked together to optimise assemblies and
components, to save fuel by means of reduced weight, a new form, improved
functioning or efficient energy management.

The work done in the wind tunnel was particularly successful, as the resulting Page 3
drag coefficient of only 0.25 makes the new E-Class the world’s most aerody-
namically efficient luxury saloon. It betters the already good Cd figure of the pre-
ceding model by another four percent, which represents a fuel saving of around
0.25 litres per 100 kilometres when driving at a motorway speed of 130 km/h.
One of the measures taken to improve the aerodynamics is the adoption of auto-
matically adjustable fan louvres which control the airflow to the engine com-
partment in line with the engine's cooling requirements.
Other BlueEFFICIENCY measures include newly developed tyres with up to

17 percent lower rolling resistance, energy-saving control of the alternator, fuel
pump, air conditioning compressor and power steering, and the ECO start/stop
function which switches the engine of the new E 200 CGI off when idling. Dis-
plays in the speedometer inform the driver how much fuel is being consumed
(per 100 kilometres), and when the next higher gear should be selected in order
to maintain an economical and environmentally conscious style of driving.
The range of engines available for the new E-Class comprises four, six and eight-
cylinder units with outputs from 100 kW/136 hp to 386 kW/525 hp. The four-
cylinder engines are newly developed direct-injection units, which develop a
higher output and torque than the comparable V6-engines of the preceding series
despite a smaller displacement. The strategy is to replace large, naturally aspi-
rated engines with turbocharged units which excel with advantages such as lower
weight, reduced internal friction and more economical operating characteristics.
Engines: new CDI four-cylinder units with fuel consumption of

5.3 litres and a CO2 emission of 139 grams per kilometre
With three completely newly developed four-cylinder engines, the E-Class also
remains one generation ahead where diesel technology is concerned. These
engines feature latest-generation common-rail direct injection, fast piezo injec-
tors, improved exhaust gas recirculation and an innovative twin turbocharger,
making for fast responsiveness and good performance characteristics. These
qualities are reflected in the figures: the E 250 CDI with 150 kW/204 hp and

500 newtonmetres develops a 25 percent higher torque than the previous V6 Page 4
diesel engine, but uses around 23 percent less fuel at only 5.3 litres per
100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption). This corresponds to 139 grams
of CO2 per kilometre.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine also powers the E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
with 100 kW/136 hp and the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with 125 kW/170 hp,
also with a fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
The top model in the new E-Class diesel range is the six-cylinder E 350 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY with an output of 170 kW/231 hp, which uses 0.5 litres less
fuel per 100 kilometres than the previous E 320 CDI. From autumn 2009 the V6
diesel will also be available as a BlueTEC model with the world’s best emission
control technology. The E 350 BlueTEC develops 155 kW/211 hp and meets the
EU6 exhaust emission standards planned for 2014. All the other engine variants
in the new E-Class meet the EU5 limits.
Petrol engines: 20 percent fuel saving thanks to direct injection
Mercedes-Benz equips the BlueEFFICIENCY models E 200 CGI and E 250 CGI
with the newly developed four-cylinder direct petrol injection engine with a
displacement of 1.8 litres, turbocharging and variable intake and exhaust cam-
shafts. The E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (135 kW/184 hp) is equipped with a
six-speed manual transmission and the ECO start/stop function as standard, and
consumes only 6.8 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC
consumption, provisional figure). This equates to 159 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
In the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (150 kW/204 hp), which has a five-speed
automatic transmission as standard, maximum torque is now 310 newtonmetres,
which represents an increase of more than 26 percent over the previous V6-
engine. At the same time the NEDC fuel consumption is reduced by over 20 per-
cent to 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres, equating to 174 grams of CO2 per kilometre
(provisional figures).

As before, the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY with direct petrol injection Page 5
(215 kW/292 hp) and the top-of-the-line E 500 (285 kW/388 hp) are included
in the range of engine variants in the new E-Class. By optimising details of their
design, it has been possible to reduce the fuel consumption of these V6/V8
models by up to 0.6 litres per 100 kilometres. For the ultimate in performance,
the E 63 AMG from Mercedes-AMG develops 386 kW/525 hp.
Mercedes-Benz equips the V6 and V8-models as standard with a seven-speed

automatic transmission, steering wheel selector lever and shift paddles.
Customers can also choose to combine the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the
E 350 V6 models, as well as the eight-cylinder E 500, with the latest-generation
Mercedes all-wheel drive which is more efficient, lighter and more compact than
the previous all-wheel drive technology. These advantages produce noticeably
better traction and fuel savings.
Safety: "Intelligent” partner thanks to unique combination of

assistance and protection systems
For more than 50 years, the saloons in the E-Class and their predecessors have
been acknowledged as trendsetters in the safety field. The new saloon continues
this tradition with an unrivalled combination of the very latest assistance and
protection system whose concept and development are based on what actually
happens during accidents. These technologies make the E-Class an "intelligent
partner" able to see, feel, react reflexively in critical situations and if necessary
act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their consequences. With this
concept, the new Mercedes model not only protects its own occupants, but also
contributes decisively to the greater safety of other road users.
The new E-Class is the first car in the world to be equipped with headlamps
which adapt to the traffic situation and respond automatically to avoid dazzling
other drivers. The optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a camera on the
windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead and to
control the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle. This

achieves the best possible road illumination in a given situation. The range of the Page 6
dipped headlamp beams can be extended from 65 to as much as 300 metres. If
the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam.
Mercedes-Benz offers this new system in a lighting package that includes

bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving
lights.
The Lane Tracking package for the new E-Class includes Blind Spot Assist
familiar from the S-Class, and as a new development, Lane Keeping Assist which
seeks to prevent the vehicle from leaving the road unintentionally. When the
system recognises that the car is drifting from its lane, the driver is prompted to
take countersteering action by brief but unmistakable vibrations of the steering
wheel. The images from the windscreen camera are also used by the new, option-
ally available Speed Limit Assist, which recognises speed limit signs as the car
passes them, then displays the relevant speed limit in the speedometer.
Night View Assist from the S-Class is now also available as an optional extra for
the new E-Class. Mercedes-Benz has improved this system with a special pedes-
trian detection function: as soon as Night View Assist Plus recognises pedestrians
ahead of the car, they are highlighted in the onboard display to provide a greatly
enhanced warning effect.
Detection of drowsiness based on 70 parameters as standard
Thanks to an innovative technology, the new E-Class is very sensitive to its

driver’s attention level, and warns him or her of drowsiness in good time. This
new ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, which is standard
equipment, is equipped with highly sensitive sensors that continuously monitor
more than 70 different parameters. Observing the driver’s steering behaviour has
proved to be a particularly strong indicator: several years of practical research by
Mercedes engineers have shown that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors
which they often correct very rapidly in characteristic ways. These corrections
are recognised by a highly sensitive steering angle sensor.

Automatic emergency braking when a collision is imminent Page 7
The well-proven, radar based assistance systems from the S-Class are now also
optionally available to E-Class customers. An enhanced long-range radar sensor
now has a range of 200 metres (previously 150 metres), and is able to monitor the
mid-distance so that dynamic events such as a vehicle ahead suddenly pulling out
to overtake can be detected even more effectively. The two wide-angle short-range
radar sensors, which have a range of around 30 metres, continue to be included
in the system.
The radar-supported systems are able to assist the driver with emergency
braking. Their sensors are linked to the Brake Assist PLUS system, which auto-
matically calculates the braking pressure to prevent a collision in critical situa-
tions. The driver is given an audible and visual warning at the same time. When
the brake pedal is pressed, the system immediately provides the calculated level
of braking assistance.
If the driver fails to respond to the warnings, the radar system first initiates par-
tial braking action. As a second stage, if there is still no driver response and a
collision is unavoidable, emergency braking is initiated. This can reduce the
severity of an impact considerably as the system can be regarded as a kind of
"electronic crumple zone".
Active Bonnet, seven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard
During the course of its development, the new E-Class was subjected to more than
150 high-speed crash tests. The crumple zone principle invented by Mercedes
safety pioneer Béla Barényi has been continuously improved by the engineers in
Sindelfingen. The front-end deformation zone of the E-Class acts on four inde-
pendent levels, and is even more effective than before. The increased use of extra-
high-strength steel alloys also helps to ensure that the bodyshell is able to with-
stand high impact forces. Around 72 percent of all the body panels are made from
these high-tech steels -- yet another unrivalled figure in passenger car develop-
ment.

With seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash- Page 8
responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments, the new
E-Class has even more extensive safety features than the preceding model.
Another new feature is the Active Bonnet, the latest development to result from
Mercedes-Benz's long-standing commitment to pedestrian protection. It is stan-
dard equipment in the new E-Class. In the event of an impact, a system of springs
raises the rear section of the bonnet by 50 millimetres in a fraction of a second,
thereby increasing the available deformation space. Thanks to the cleverly
designed mechanism, the driver is able to reset the Active Bonnet to its normal
position without having to visit a workshop.
Another standard feature is the preventive occupant protection system

PRE-SAFE®. In potentially hazardous situations this reflexively activates precau-
tionary protective measures for the vehicle occupants, so that the seat belts and
airbags are able to fulfil their protective function to the full during an impact.
Comfort: Further progress through adaptive shock absorbers

and improved air suspension
As well as being a trendsetter in the safety field, the E-Class has been setting the
standards for long-distance comfort in this vehicle class for several decades.
Bettering the already high level of the preceding series, Mercedes engineers have
achieved further advances with the new saloon -- especially where ride, seating
and climate comfort are concerned.
Standard equipment includes a further improved suspension with adaptive

shock absorbers. These automatically adapt to the current driving situation
by reducing the damping forces when driving normally, thereby noticeably im-
proving ride comfort. When taking bends at speed or during rapid evasive action,
the system switches to the maximum damping effect so that the saloon is stabi-
lised to best effect.

A version with dynamic damping characteristics and a lowered suspension is Page 9
available as an optional alternative to the standard suspension (standard for the
AVANTGARDE line).
The air suspension system optionally available for the V6 models (standard in
the E 500/E 500 4MATIC) has for the first time been combined with an electroni-
cally controlled damping system which processes various sensor signals and con-
trols each wheel independently. In this way Mercedes specialists have achieved
significantly better ride comfort while improving handling safety and agility at
the same time. The driver is able to select either Comfort or Sport mode at the
touch of a button.
Well-proven seat technology with a new design
When it came to developing the seats for the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz chose
a new, enhanced version of a well-established Mercedes concept, namely padded
seat piping -- a sophisticated and demanding upholstery technique that is only
used by Mercedes-Benz. This involves the insertion of an additional foam filling
under the fabric or leather cover, and gives an immediate feeling of comfort and
well-being when sitting in the car. There are different versions of this padded seat
piping: in the basic model and AVANTGARDE line the upholstery has horizontal
piping, while the ELEGANCE line has longitudinal piping and is reminiscent of
the well-known and well-proven Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and 70s.
Active multicontour seats with massage function from the S-Class
The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes newly developed

multicontour seats with luxury head restraints and a two-stage massage function
in the backrest that has proven highly successful in the S-Class. Depending on
the steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, fast-acting piezo-
electric valves on the air chambers in the backrests vary their pressure and
volume to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support.

On request the E-Class is also available with a rear seat unit consisting of two Page 10
comfortable, single seats. This rear-seat comfort package includes seat heating,
leather upholstery, a centre console, comfort head restraints, roller blinds in the
rear doors, an electrically operated roller blind for the rear window, comfort sun
visors and a central module for the optional ski bag.
Individual climatisation modes at the touch of a button
Mercedes-Benz has developed a climate control system for the E-Class which not
only allows individual temperatures to be set in three zones – for the driver, front
passenger and rear passengers – but also offers different "climatisation modes". If
this optional multi-zone THERMOTRONIC system is specified, the occupants of
the new E-Class are able to select "Diffuse", "Medium" or "Focus" modes at the
touch of a button, and so adapt the air volume and distribution to their personal
preferences without sacrificing the convenience of automatic mode. In standard
trim the new E-Class is equipped with the two-zone THERMATIC automatic cli-
mate control system.
Design: Distinctive lines as an expression of effortless

superiority and status
In 1995 the E-Class was the first Mercedes model to appear with the widely
acclaimed twin-headlamp face – a highly symbolic design feature that still
characterises the identity of the E-Class. Nonetheless, the design idiom has
remained fluid -- even for this characteristic styling feature -- and has been
adapted to suit the very self-confident, more masculine overall appearance of the
saloon. The designers have now reinterpreted these four "eyes" as rectangles,
with a direct reference to the interesting geometrical shapes found in cubism.
They resemble precious gems that have been precisely set into the wings. In
the same way, the radiator grille with its three-dimensional chromed surround,
dynamic arrow-shape and more upright position underlines the status of the car
as the epitome of a business saloon.

A sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces is one of the hallmarks of Page 11
today’s Mercedes design. Large concave or convex surface areas are structured by
taut, clearly defined lines. This design concept has been perfected down to the
last detail in the new E-Class. The side contours become connecting features that
influence the entire body design, that is to say not just the side aspects but also
the front and rear-end styling.
At the rear, this harmonious flow culminates in a new feature: a graceful line that
follows the rear wheel arches and lends a clear shape to the imposing, muscular
contours of the rear wings. Here Mercedes aficionados will recognise styling
features reminiscent of the famous "Ponton Mercedes". Introduced in 1953, this
model underlined its self-assured character by means of similarly striking con-
tours. In addition to this symbolic role, the rear styling treatment is also a hall-
mark of the E-Class which well illustrates how tradition is made to harmonise
with the future in this model series.
Typical Mercedes attention to detail has also been lavished on the interior of the
new E-Class where the designers have ensured that every feature appeals in both
emotional and functional terms with its form, colour or material. The result is a
harmonious whole -- an atmosphere in which the car’s occupants immediately
feel safe and protected, and long journeys can be enjoyed without any feeling of
effort or stress. In short: typically E-Class; welcome home!

Model range: High-specification standard equipment and indi- Page 12
vidual variants
Individuality and variety have always been two of the outstanding attributes of
the E-Class. The new saloon not only provides Mercedes customers with a choice
of ten engines and three suspension variants, but also two design and equipment
lines, twelve wheel/tyre combinations in 16, 17, 18 or 19-inch size, twelve exte-
rior paint finishes and six different seat upholstery materials in up to five colour
combinations to suit their individual preferences. The choice of interior trim has
been doubled versus the preceding series, with the range now including high-
gloss exotic wood, open-pored wood and embossed or brushed aluminium trim.
Standard specifications already include 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a nine-spoke

design, eucalyptus wood or embossed aluminium trim (optional) and a four-spoke
multifunction steering wheel trimmed in fine nappa leather with chrome inserts.
Also included in the standard equipment is the Audio 20 CD infotainment
system with a twin receiver, CD-player, eight loudspeakers and a Bluetooth inter-
face for a mobile phone. The colour display (5.8-inch screen) in the centre of the
dashboard can be operated by the driver or front passenger, using the Controller
on the centre console.
The individualisation programme for the E-Class is based on two design and
equipment lines. The ELEGANCE line lives up to its name with a decidedly
elegant, classic appearance. This is in part due to additional features such as a
chrome-plated radiator grille with four silver-painted louvres, 16-inch light-alloy
wheels in a ten-twin-spoke design, burr walnut trim and stylish ambient lighting
with fibre optics that frame the dashboard and door panels.
In contrast the AVANTGARDE line shows the E-Class in a decidedly modern and
innovative light. This is ensured by additional standard features such as bi-xenon
headlamps with the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime driving lights, LED
technology for all the rear lights, 17-inch light-alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke
design, a special, lowered suspension setup, ambient lighting and the instrument
cluster in a sporty tubular design. This model variant can also be distinguished

by its different bumper design and a chrome-plated radiator grille with three Page 13
high-gloss, black louvres.
Equipment packages: extras for customers who want even more from
their E-Class
In addition to the design and equipment lines, the AMG sports package and the
Exclusive package offer customers even more scope for equipping the new
E-Class in line with their personal tastes. These packages contain high-quality
features, most of which are not available separately. In the AMG sports package
they include AMG-design bumpers and side skirts, sports seats with enhanced
lateral support, contrasting decorative stitching on the seats and armrests, a
three-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddles, a black roof lining, a
lowered sports suspension, perforated brake discs featuring callipers with the
Mercedes logo and AMG-design 18-inch light-alloy wheels.
The Exclusive package includes a wood/leather steering wheel, the roof lining,
pillar trim and sun visors in Alcantara, the seat upholstery, armrests and door
panels in nappa leather, a high-quality dashboard finish with decorative stitching
and velour floor mats.

Market position: with ten million models sold over a period of Page 14
sixty years, the E-Class is the world's most successful business
saloon
The new E-Class Saloon is the successor to a Mercedes model that has been suc-
cessful throughout the world, achieving sales of more than 1.3 million units since
2002. In Germany, more than 40 percent of all saloons in this market segment
have the "E" in their model designation, and in many western European countries
this Mercedes model series is the number one in the luxury class.
Since 1947, when the Model 170 V was introduced as the direct forerunner of the
E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has produced more than ten million saloons in this vehi-
cle category. This makes the E-Class the world’s most successful business saloon
by far.
Contacts:
Wolfgang Zanker, Tel.: +49 711-17-75847, wolfgang.zanker@daimler.com
Frank Bracke, Tel.: +49 711 17-75852, frank.bracke@daimler.com
More information from Mercedes-Benz is available online at:

www.media.daimler.com

At a glance: Technical highlights of the new Page 15
Mercedes-Benz E-Class*
Cornering lights: This function of the bi-xenon headlamps and Optional
the Intelligent Light System provides more safety at junctions (standard for AVANT-
and when driving slowly on tight bends. GARDE version)
ADAPTIVE BRAKE: This Mercedes brake system offers assis- Standard

tance functions, such as a HOLD function and Hill Start Assist,
for even greater safety and comfort.
Adaptive front airbags: The front airbags deploy in two stages, Standard
depending on accident severity.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist: This system adjusts the range of the Optional
headlamps in accordance with the distance to oncoming vehi-
cles/vehicles travelling ahead.
Adaptive brake lights: Flashing brake lights warn vehicles be- Standard
hind in an emergency braking situation.
AIRMATIC: This air-suspension system works in conjunction Optional for the V6

with an electronically controlled damping system. models; standard for
the E 500
Active multicontour seats: Depending on the steering angle, Optional

lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, the pressure and volume
of the air chambers in the side bolsters of the backrests are var-
ied to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral
support. In addition, the seats feature luxury head restraints and
a massage function.
Active Light System: The Intelligent Light System's bi-xenon Optional

headlamps follow the driver's steering movements. (standard for AVANT-
GARDE version)
Active Bonnet: In the event of an accident, the rear of the bonnet Standard
is raised by 50 millimetres in order to reduce the risk of injury to
pedestrians.
Ambient lighting: Fibre-optics behind the trim elements on Standard for the ELE-
the dashboard and door panels as well as lights in the footwells GANCE and AVANT-
create a pleasant interior lighting ambience at night. GARDE versions
ATTENTION ASSIST: This Mercedes system detects driver Standard

drowsiness and gives a warning.

Page 16
Motorway mode: From 90 km/h the entire width of the car- Optional
riageway is illuminated, improving the driver’s range of vision by (standard for
around 50 metres. AVANTGARDE
version)
Bi-xenon headlamps: Gas-discharge lamps for low and high Optional
beam improve safety at night. (standard for AVANT-
GARDE version)
BlueTEC: This highly effective exhaust-gas aftertreatment using Standard for

an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalytic converter and E 350 BlueTEC
AdBlue® injection allows the vehicle to comply with the rigorous
EU6 emissions standard.
Bluetooth interface: The mobile phone is wirelessly linked to Standard

the hands-free system.
Brake Assist PLUS: This system uses radar sensors to recognise Optional, as part of
an impending head-to-tail collision, calculates the necessary DISTRONIC PLUS
degree of braking assistance and makes it available immediately
the driver presses the brake pedal.
COMAND APS: The navigation data are stored on a hard disc. Optional
Further functions include the Music Register and voice control.
Controller: The principal control for the infotainment system is Standard

mounted on the transmission tunnel.
Digital radio: A DAB tuner (Digital Audio Broadcasting) and ad- Optional in combina-
ditional aerials make it possible to receive digital radio broad- tion with Audio 50 APS
casts. or COMAND APS
DIRECT CONTROL suspension: The shock absorbers adjust Standard

automatically to the current driving situation.
DIRECT SELECT: The seven-speed automatic transmission is Standard for the V6/V8
operated electronically by means of a lever on the steering models
column.
Direct-Steer system: The rack ratio varies in accordance with Optional; standard for
the steering angle in order to provide more agile handling and of- the V6/V8 models
fer greater comfort when parking or manoeuvring.
DISTRONIC PLUS: This radar-based proximity control system Optional

automatically maintains the E-Class at a set distance from the
vehicle in front, braking it to a standstill if necessary and
accelerating when the gap ahead is sufficiently large. If the
distance to the vehicle ahead decreases too quickly, the system
gives the driver visual and audible warnings.

Page 17
EASY-PACK boot box: Fitted in the boot under the parcel shelf, Optional
this box can be pulled out and loaded from above.
ECO start/stop function: In order to reduce fuel consumption, Standard for E 200 CGI
the engine switches off automatically when idling and restarts with manual transmis-
automatically when the driver operates the clutch. sion
Enhanced fog lamps: This function (part of the Intelligent Light Optional
System) works by pivoting the outer headlamp outwards to im- (standard for
prove illumination of the edge of the road. AVANTGARDE
version)
ESP®: This safety system is able to reduce the risk of skidding Standard
and warns of pressure loss in the tyres.
Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen automatically Standard

switches the headlamps on when darkness falls.
Rear Seat Entertainment System: The rear faces of the front Optional
head restraints are equipped with eight-inch displays linked to
a DVD player.
Speed Limit Assist: A camera fitted behind the windscreen Optional

detects speed limit signs. The relevant limit is then displayed in
the instrument cluster.
Belt force limiters: This technology reduces the force exerted by Standard for the front
the belt strap on the seat occupant during a crash. and outer rear seats
Belt tensioners: Any slack in the seat belt strap is instantly Standard for the front
taken up during a crash to reduce the forward movement of the and outer rear seats
occupants caused by the impact.
Intelligent Light System: This innovative headlamp technology Optional

provides five lighting functions which are activated depending (standard for
on the driving and weather conditions (also see Cornering lights, AVANTGARDE
Country mode, Motorway mode, Active Light System and version)
Enhanced fog lamps).
KEYLESS-GO: The doors and boot lid can be opened without a Optional
key. The engine is started at the touch of a button.

Page 18
Child seat recognition: A transponder system automatically Optional
recognises whether a rear-facing child seat is installed, and deac-
tivates the front passenger airbag if this is the case.
Kneebag: In the event of a crash, an additional airbag reduces Standard

the forward movement of the driver caused by the impact.
THERMATIC automatic climate control: This improved system Standard

controls two temperature zones and offers numerous adjust-
ments for individual passenger comfort.
Luxury individual seats: This seating for the rear passengers Optional
comprises two luxury individual seats, a folding armrest, seat
heating, luxury head restraints, a stowage box and cupholders.
THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control: This Optional

system provides three-zone climate control, and allows individual
climatisation modes to be set.
Radiator louvres: This newly developed feature allows the sup- Standard for the four-
ply of cooling air to be regulated in accordance with the driving cylinder models and
situation and thus improves the vehicle's aerodynamics. E 350 CGI
Media Interface: This universal interface allows portable audio Optional

devices to be connected to and controlled by the infotainment
system of the E-Class.
Multifunction steering wheel: The radio, telephone, navigation Standard

system, display and other devices can be controlled from the
steering wheel.
Nightview Assist Plus: The dashboard display shows a realistic Optional

greyscale image from an infrared camera which monitors the
situation ahead of the E-Class. The display has a highlight func-
tion to draw attention to pedestrians.
Country mode: This function of the Intelligent Light System re- Optional
places the previous low-beam headlamps and provides broader (standard for
and brighter illumination of the opposite road verge. AVANTGARDE
version)
LINGUATRONIC: The voice control system operates the radio, Optional; standard in
CD/DVD-player, CD/DVD-changer, navigation system and tele- combination with Au-
phone. dio 50 APS with 6-disc
DVD changer and with
COMAND APS
Memory function: Three memory settings are stored for both Optional
the driver's and the front passenger seat. The settings for the
steering wheel and exterior mirrors are also stored.

Multicontour seats: Inflatable air chambers enable the seat Optional Page 19
contours and seat cushion length to be adjusted to the individual
occupant.
NECK-PRO head restraints: Crash-responsive head restraints Standard

support the heads of the driver and front passenger at an early
stage during a rear-end collision, reducing the risk of a whiplash
injury.
Panoramic sliding roof: A large glass surface extends from the Optional
windscreen to the rear window. The front section slides to the
rear at the touch of a button. The roof closes automatically in the
event of rain.
Parking guidance: Ultrasonic sensors measure the length of Optional

parking spaces as the car drives past; the cockpit display pro-
vides a schematic representation of the recommended parking
manoeuvre.
PARKTRONIC: Ultrasonic sensors assist the driver when Optional

parking.
PRE-SAFE®: Anticipatory safety measures are taken to protect Standard

the occupants if an accident risk is detected.
PRE-SAFE® Brake: If there is imminent danger of a head-to-tail Optional, as part of

collision, this system brakes the E-Class automatically if the DISTRONIC PLUS
driver fails to react.
Reversing camera: As soon as reverse gear is selected, the Optional

dashboard display shows the image from a camera covering the
area immediately to the rear of the E-Class.
Sidebags: These airbags reduce the risk of injury in a collision Standard for driver
from the side. and front passenger;
optional for rear-seat
occupants
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission: The world's Standard for the

only automatic car transmission with seven ratios is combined V6 and V8 models
with the V6 engines and the V8.
Sound system: A multi-channel system with innovative digital Optional

technology, an output of 610 watts and 14 loudspeakers provides
surround-sound for every seat.
Lane Keeping Assist: A windscreen camera detects the road Optional

markings and is able to recognise if the car is departing from its
lane unintentionally.

Blind Spot Assist: This radar-based system warns the driver of Optional Page 20
the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot of the exterior mirror
when changing lane.
Fuel consumption display: A display in the instrument cluster Standard

shows the current fuel consumption (extrapolated into litres per
100 km) and tells the driver when to shift to a higher gear.
Windowbags: This large airbag extends from the A- to the Standard

C-pillar like a curtain in a crash from the side.
*Selection

Model range Page 21
Offering added value and meeting individual

customer requirements: The new E-Class is
in a class of its own
• Position: The best-established and most successful business
saloon
• Model range: Five diesels, five petrol models and three all-wheel-
drive models
• Individuality: Choice of two design and equipment lines as well as
Sport package and Exclusive package
• Optional extras: Safety and comfort technology available in
package form
With the launch of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is continuing a success story
which is without parallel in the luxury-class car segment: Since 1947, when the
Model 170 V was introduced as the direct forerunner of the E-Class, the Stuttgart-
based automaker has produced more than ten million saloons in this vehicle
category. In 2002 alone, some 1.3 million drivers chose the E-Class, whose
market share of up to 40 percent makes it the top seller in this market segment
in Germany and many other countries in Western Europe.
But as well as being by far the best-established and most successful business
saloon, the E-Class is the "heart" of the Mercedes brand -- it is the typical
Mercedes-Benz. No other model reflects the core values of the brand as precisely
as the E-Class: safety, comfort, environmental compatibility, design, quality and
individuality.
The new E-Class represents another major advance by Mercedes-Benz in all these
fields as the saloon marks the series-production debut of a series of innovative
technical features which cannot be found in any other car in this vehicle category
-- from the drowsiness detection system to automatic emergency braking when an

accident is imminent, from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet with Page 22
its reversible actuation mechanism, from the air suspension with electronically
controlled damping to the trend-setting BlueTEC exhaust aftertreatment system.
Mercedes-Benz is also offering the saloon as a specially protected E-Guard model.

This is mainly distinguishable from the standard model by a network of intelli-
gently conceived protective features of special steel, which are invisibly inte-
grated beneath the otherwise identical body. This protective cocoon also includes
all-round polycarbonate glazing. Accordingly the new E-Guard Saloon offers its
occupants effective protection against the increasing worldwide risk of criminal
attack in the street. With this new Guard model, Mercedes-Benz is continuing its
eight decades of expertise in the design and production of special protection
vehicles.
Along with innovation, individuality has always been one of the outstanding
characteristics of the E-Class. And the new saloon is no exception: For example,
the model range comprises ten engines, two drive concepts and three suspension
variants. Further scope for individual configuration exists in the choice of two
design and equipment lines, twelve wheel/tyre combinations in 16, 17, 18 or
19-inch size, twelve exterior paint finishes and six different seat upholstery
materials in up to five colour combinations. The choice of interior trim has been
doubled versus the preceding series, with the range now including high-gloss
exotic wood, open-pored wood and aluminium.
The standard-equipment version is complemented by two design and equipment

lines which form the basis for the individualisation of the E-Class. These lines
emphasise the outstanding characteristics of the new Mercedes model and offer
drivers scope for adjusting the car's appearance and equipment in line with their
personal tastes and lifestyle.

Standard equipment: Safety and comfort features expanded significantly Page 23
As well as incorporating the perennial core values of the E-Class, such as comfort,
safety and style, the standard-equipment version includes the following items as
standard:
• Adaptive airbags for driver and front passenger

• Adaptive brake lights, flashing
• Active Bonnet with reversible actuation mechanism
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Connector for external audio device
• Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
• Selector lever for automatic transmission on steering wheel (V6 and V8 models)
• Audio 20 CD radio with twin tuner, CD player and eight loudspeakers
• Controller
• Brake Assist
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with Hold function and Hill Start Assist
• Direct-Steer system (V6 and V8 models)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) with acceleration skid control (ASR)
• DIRECT CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping control
• Colour display in dashboard
• Five-speed automatic transmission (E 250 CDI and E 250 CGI)
• Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for outer rear seats
• Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for driver and front passenger
• Ventilated glove compartment
• Remote boot lid unlocking
• LED rear lights
• ISOFIX child-seat attachment points
• THERMATIC automatic climate control with combined activated charcoal filter
• THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control (E 500 and E 500 4MATIC)
• Kneebag for driver
• NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints
• Light-alloy wheels
• AIRMATIC air suspension (E 500 and E 500 4MATIC)

• ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system Page 24
• Multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather with chrome inserts
• PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection
• Tyre pressure loss warning system
• Shift/selector lever in nappa leather
• Windscreen wipers with intermittent setting and rain sensor
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Sidebags for driver and front passenger
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission (V6 and V8 models)
• Daytime driving lights
• Bluetooth hands free system for telephone
• Cruise control
• Front seats electrically adjustable for height, inclination and backrest angle
• Green-tinted windows all round
• Windowbags
• Central locking with crash sensor
• High-gloss eucalyptus wood trim elements
AVANTGARDE: A contemporary character with its own front design
In AVANTGARDE guise, the E-Class has a distinctly contemporary and innova-

tive look as a result of additional appointments and equipment, such as...
• 17-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels

• Ambient lighting
• Bi-xenon headlamps with Intelligent Light System
• Waistline trim strip in polished stainless steel
• 245/45 R 17 wide-base tyres
• Chrome trim strips on sides and rear bumper
• Sporty front bumper
• Automatically dimming interior mirror
• Special interior colours: chestnut brown and natural beige with black roof lining
• Instrument cluster in bright silver with sporty tubular design
• LED daytime driving lights

• Combined fabric/ARTICO man-made leather upholstery Page 25
• Headlamp cleaning system
• Seats with padded horizontal piping
• Sporty, lowered suspension set-up
• Chromed radiator grille with three louvres painted in high-gloss black
• All-LED tail lights
• Trim elements in black high-gloss ash wood (optional: brushed aluminium)
ELEGANCE: A stylish presence with extensive use of chrome
The ELEGANCE line (standard for E 500 and E 500 4MATIC) lives up to its name
by emphasising the elegant, classic character of the E-Class -- with the following
additions to the standard equipment, for example:
• 16-inch ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels

• Ambient lighting
• Wide-base tyres: 225/55 R 16 or 245/R 17 (for V8 models)
• Chrome trim strips on front bumper, sides and rear bumper
• Front bumper with black air intake and chrome trim strips
• Automatically dimming interior mirror
• Chromed radiator grille with four louvres painted in silver
• Seats with longitudinal piping pattern
• Trim elements in brown high-gloss burr walnut wood
AMG sports package: Exclusivity on 18-inch wheels
In addition to the design and equipment lines, the AMG sports package offers
customers further scope for equipping the new E-Class in line with their personal
tastes while adding emphasis to the dynamic character of the saloon. The package
contains high-quality features, most of which are not available separately.
For example:
• 18-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels

• Wide-base tyres: 245/40 R 18 (front) and 265/35 R 18 (rear)

• Larger brake discs Page 26
• Nappa leather three-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddles
• Floor mats with AMG lettering
• Perforated brake discs and brake callipers featuring the Mercedes logo
• Shift paddles on steering wheel (if automatic transmission is fitted)
• Black fabric roof lining
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with M programme
(V6 and V8 models)
• Lowered sports suspension
• Brushed stainless steel sports pedals with black rubber studs
• Front sports seats in DINAMICA microfibre and ARTICO man-made leather
• AMG front and rear aprons and side skirts
Exclusive package: Sheer indulgence for drivers
For particularly discerning drivers, Mercedes-Benz has put together the

Exclusive package which includes:
• Velour floor mats in appointments colour with nubuck border

• Wood steering wheel
• Roof lining, sun visors and pillar trim in Alcantara
• High-quality dashboard finish with decorative stitching
• Seat upholstery, armrests and door panels in nappa leather
Equipment packages: Combinations of safety and comfort technology
No other car offers such a comprehensive and intelligently matched array of

advanced driver assistance systems as the new E-Class. To allow drivers to enjoy
the benefits of these technologies to the full, Mercedes-Benz offers certain inno-
vative features as optional packages. This approach ensures that the systems
operate perfectly together and complement each other's functionality:
• The Lane Tracking package contains newly developed features which

support the driver by helping to prevent accidental lane departure and
aiding safe lane changing: Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

Page 27
• The principal systems which Mercedes-Benz offers in the Driving Assistance
package are designed to make an active contribution to avoiding head-to-tail
collisions: the radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system,
Brake Assist PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® Brake automatic braking system.
This package also includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
• Mercedes-Benz has put together the Light package for drivers who are often
on the road at night. Along with bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light
System and LED daytime driving lights this package includes the new
Adaptive Highbeam Assist function.
• The new E-Class offers comfort-conscious customers the Active Multicon-

tour Seat package, containing the newly developed multicontour seats with
massage and dynamic function. Mercedes-Benz offers the multicontour seats
with adjustable seat cushion length and side bolster support in the Multicon-
tour Seat package.
• The Rear Comfort package includes leather-upholstered luxury individual

rear seats for the rear passengers, luxury head restraints, roller sunblinds
integrated in the rear doors and an electrically operated roller blind on the
interior of the rear window.
• The Memory package offers electrically adjustable seats with 4-way lumbar
supports for the driver and front passenger as well as a memory function for
the seats, exterior mirrors and steering column.
• The Mirror package consists of automatically dimming interior and exterior

mirrors as well as electrically folding exterior mirrors.
• The Sun Protection package contains an electrically operated roller sunblind

for the rear window, manually operated roller sunblinds in the rear doors and
luxury, two-part folding sun visors for the driver and front passenger.
• The KEYLESS-GO package consists of the KEYLESS-GO automatic vehicle

unlocking functionality and remote boot closing.
• The Anti-Theft Protection package contains the anti-theft alarm system with
interior monitoring and tow-away protection.

Design Page 28
New and familiar touches: the design idiom of an

effortlessly superior character
• Twin-headlamp face: surprising new take on a hallmark E-Class theme
• Rear wings: reminiscence to the "three-box-body Mercedes" of 1953
• Interior: premium quality for relaxation and wellbeing
• Trim elements: luxurious range of fine woods and aluminium
The new E-Class points the way ahead. An executive saloon whose design posi-
tively exudes status. New lines make the car appear even more effortlessly supe-
rior and imposing than before, lending it added masculinity. A strong yet familiar
character that clearly originates from good stock. The identity features are un-
equivocal: the louvre structure of the radiator grille is classic Mercedes, while
the twin-headlamp face has been a characteristic E-Class hallmark for 14 years
now.
Nevertheless, even with these familiar styling elements, the design idiom re-
mains vibrant and fits in perfectly with the Saloon's more striking appearance:
housed in a three-dimensionally shaped chrome frame, the radiator grille radiates
presence by virtue of its dynamic V-shape and is also far more steeply raked than
previously, allowing the new E-Class to emphasise its status without being brash;
understatement is and will remain the style of this model series.
Once again the E-Class is seen "with new eyes": the headlamps – previously al-
ways oval in shape -- have been given a more progressive slant by the Mercedes
designers, drawing inspiration from cubism and its beguiling geometric forms. As
a consequence, they look like gemstones that have been cut from the car's wings
with unerring precision. The result is an all-new look – surprising yet unmistak-
able. Classic E-Class.
Like the headlamps, the bumper blends perfectly into the car's body, completing
the harmonious overall impression of the front section – as if the design were cast

from a single mould. The dynamic lines that flow outwards, the distinctively Page 29
shaped spoiler edges in the lower area and the bumper's broad air intake empha-
sise the Saloon's effortlessly superior aura, making it appear even wider and
more athletic than before.
As always, these and other styling elements also enhance the profile of each of
the individual lines, helping to accentuate their unique character. Hence the
AVANTGARDE line features a front bumper with a sporty design, which looks
wider and more athletic than that of the ELEGANCE line on account of the large
lower air intake boasting a black painted grille with diamond-shaped perforations
typical of a sports car. This impression is reinforced by the LED daytime driving
lights, which are integrated in an attractively styled crossmember; these lights
are standard equipment for the AVANTGARDE model, as is the Intelligent Light
System with bi-xenon headlamps.
Another feature which makes for clear demarcation between each of the lines is
the chromed radiator grille: the grille at the front of the AVANTGARDE model
sports a unique look on account of its three high-gloss black louvres, while the
design used for the ELEGANCE line stands out by virtue of its four louvres
painted in metallic silver. The standard model as a radiator grille with three
louvres in stone grey.
Design philosophy: effortless superiority, forwards thrust and sensuality
The slick interplay between lines and surfaces is a key trademark of contempo-
rary Mercedes design. Large, concave or convex surfaces are given structure by
taut, clearly defined lines. These lines emerge from the surfaces organically be-
fore flowing back into them equally seamlessly. They play with light and shade
effectively, creating a range of contrasts whilst also making the body appear
longer.
Perhaps the most alluring aspect of this design is its clarity and tranquillity.
The focus is on the essentials: the pureness of the forms. There are no needless
flourishes, no over-exaggerated trims, no formal over-indulgences. Instead, there

is an overriding feeling of serenity, suggesting inner strength and effortless Page 30
superiority.
The Mercedes designers have perfected this design concept right down to the last
detail for the new E-Class. The lines of the side section become linking elements
which influence the entire body design. In other words, the front and rear as well
as the flanks. By way of example, the character line emerges from the muscular
form of the front bumper and, from here, rises continuously rearwards to empha-
sise the dynamic wedge shape of the body. Above this on each side runs the
shoulder line, formed by the bonnet's joint, which lends the headlamp structure
and spans the entire flank, culminating at the luggage compartment, where it
gives the appearance of supporting the C-pillar.
Sitting proudly atop the tranquil surfaces and dynamic lines of the side sections,
the roof emerges from the A-pillars – which themselves sweep majestically into
the wings – and rises smoothly rearwards to lend the Saloon an even greater
sense of forwards thrust. The message is unambiguous: this Saloon was designed
to forge ahead.
Rear wings: a long-standing tradition still very much alive
The captivating lines of the side section culminate in a new styling element at the
rear end, symbolising a further attribute of Mercedes design: a blend of tradition
and innovation, of continuity and progress.
The E-Class model tradition stretching back more than six decades is mirrored in
the design of the rear wings: the powerful line which spans the rear wheel arch
and gives the physical, muscular form of the rear wing a distinctive contour harks
back to the famous "Ponton" (three-box-body) Mercedes. This precursor to the
E-Class from 1953 boasted a similarly expressive anatomy, lending it a robust
character – a symbolic feature and hallmark of the E-Class. And living proof of
how this model series draws together the past and the future in perfect harmony.
Keeping a long-standing tradition very much alive.

Like the shoulder line and character line, the striking line contour of the rear Page 31
wing performs an integrating function, bringing together the side section and the
rear end, since the line running above the rear wheel arch abuts the tail light
which, for its part, is drawn deeply into the car's flank and continues the flow of
the line seamlessly at the rear end. The result is a harmonious overall picture –
a composition of high aesthetic quality.
Rear end: power and passion
Like the front end, the rear section of the new E-Class emphasises the breadth of
the body, thus lending it powerful shape. The taut, well-defined edge of the boot
lid, the chromed handle and the bumper covering integrated perfectly into the
body are the key elements that create this stylistic impression of width.
The tail lights with their classic Mercedes horizontal look really catch the eye –
especially in the case of the light clusters specified as standard for the AVANT-
GARDE model, featuring LEDs for all the tail-light and indicator functions. A spe-
cial technique is used make the LED units, which are activated in darkness, stand
out from the hazily illuminated background so that they appear to be hovering in
the reflector. The tail lights therefore produce a classic night design which makes
the new E-Class unmistakable when viewed from the rear in darkness.
Interior: hallmark Mercedes luxury
Displaying the attention to detail for which Mercedes is renowned, the designers
have made each individual element of the interior a beautiful piece in its own
right. A piece whose form, colour and material arouse the senses and, moreover,
a piece that does its job perfectly. This stylish symbiosis of technology and aes-
thetics never ceases to captivate, ensuring that the emotions experienced during
the first encounter are just as vivid as those felt during the second, third, fourth…
The designers have gone to great lengths to mirror the design idiom of the exte-
rior in the interior and, in so doing, create holistic harmony. By way of example,
the wide look of the body design is reflected in the horizontally oriented lines of

the dashboard, emphasising the pleasant feeling of spaciousness on board the Page 32
E-Class.
This overriding impression of width is predominantly down to the distinctive fine-

wood or refined aluminium trim and the precisely integrated ventilation outlets.
Thanks to the seamless continuation of form and material between the dashboard
and the door panels, the trim elements cocoon the driver and front passenger, giv-
ing them a feeling of reassurance. There is no doubt that that interior of the
E-Class is a space designed to promote wellbeing -- an exclusively appointed
home in which two aspects matter above all: comfort and relaxation.
As well as being based on an elaborate composition of beguiling forms, fine mate-

rials and attractive colours, the high-quality interior of the E-Class is character-
ised by a further key design element: light. The interior of the ELEGANCE and
AVANTGARDE models features discreet yet effective lighting: thin optical fibres
located behind the trim elements on the dashboard and above the door centre
panels create a harmonious band of light running around the inside of the car,
ensuring that the feeling of high quality and interior space can be experienced at
night as well as during the day.
In this sense, the new E-Class fulfils a desire expressed by many people – for se-
curity, enjoyment and aesthetics – that has lead to the development of a new life-
style in recent years: a new living and motoring culture. The aim is to achieve
tranquillity and wellbeing. And to delight in the finer things in life which offer
both exceptional comfort and outstanding practicality.

Materials: nature in its purest form Page 33
This "welcome-home" feeling is achieved primarily thanks to the use of materials

of natural origin -- wood and leather. There are a total of four handcrafted wood
trims to choose from for the new Mercedes Saloon:
• Standard appointments High-sheen eucalyptus
• ELEGANCE High-sheen burr walnut in brown or optional

open-pore ash in brown
• AVANTGARDE High-sheen ash in black
The new, open-pore finish makes the wood trim appear extremely authentic,
bringing a piece of practically unaltered nature into the interior of the E-Class.
Those who attach greater importance to sportiness and modernity can opt for
high-quality aluminium in place of fine wood. In the standard model, Mer-
cedes-Benz offers the metal with an embossed surface, while the AVANTGARDE
line features the option of aluminium trim elements with a brushed surface.
The wood or aluminium appointments in the E-Class Saloon are made all the
more lavish, since the large trim elements on the dashboard and the door linings
are accompanied by a second trim level which further enhances the front section
of the centre console and the armrests in the doors. In addition to this, the con-
trols for the automatic climate control system fitted as standard in the ELEGANCE
and AVANTGARDE models are embedded in fine wood.
Leather is the second natural material used to enhance the feeling of wellbeing on
board. Even the standard version of the new E-Class features a multifunction
steering wheel and a shift/selector lever trimmed in fine nappa leather. Leather
seats are available as optional extras and, if the Exclusive package is ordered, the
seats, armrests and door centre panels are trimmed in fine nappa leather.

Centre console: large stowage compartments and soft handrest Page 34
If the E-Class is ordered with the seven-speed automatic transmission and DI-
RECT SELECT gearshift on the steering column, the shift/selector lever usually
found on the centre console is replaced by a closable stowage compartment with
a wood-trimmed sliding cover or a double cup holder suitable for various cups,
cans or bottles with a diameter of up to 82 millimetres. The control panel incur-
porating the controller and further buttons is located behind this. The soft
handrest, featuring indirect lighting in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE
models, makes the controller extremely easy to operate and also serves as an
opener for the spacious stowage compartment between the front seats, which
has a capacity of around five litres and, as an option, can house the mobile-phone
cradle.
Models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic

transmission feature an asymmetrically split armrest which protrudes further
forwards on the driver's side, serving as a practical handrest for operating the
controller. Behind this is the large stowage compartment, while a further com-
partment, which can optionally be used as a double cup holder, is concealed be-
neath the retractable cover on the right-hand side of the centre console.
Colour concept: feel-good factor as standard
Inside the new E-Class, the welcoming interior appointments are finished in
pleasant colours. The Mercedes designers have compiled a wide range of colours
and colour combinations for the various lines and materials:
• Standard appointments black or black/alpaca grey
• ELEGANCE black or reef grey/alpaca grey
• AVANTGARDE black or black/alpaca grey
• AMG Sports package black

If leather appointments are specified, the range of colours and colour combina- Page 35
tions available for personalising the interior is even wider:
• Standard appointments black or reef grey/alpaca grey
• ELEGANCE mocha brown/almond beige or

reef grey/alpaca grey or black
• AVANTGARDE black/almond beige or

black/chestnut brown or
black/natural beige or
black/alpaca grey or
black
Mercedes-Benz offers a choice of twelve different paint colours for the body of
the new E-Class.
Cockpit: sporty or elegant
Likewise, the instrument cluster reflects the different characters of the lines: the
standard model and the ELEGANCE line have circular instruments with chrome
surrounds, white illumination and a black background. In the AVANTGARDE
cockpit, meanwhile, the instruments feature a matt-silver painted background
and deep, slanting tubes, giving them a sporty, elegant aura. Fine chrome rings
on the faces underline the high-quality impression of both cockpit variants.
Control concept: a perfect blend of form and function
Fewer switches but more functions. A simple way of expressing the basic princi-
ple behind the controls in modern-day cars. The controller on the centre tunnel
in the new E-Class puts a whole range of functions at the driver's fingertips. It is
linked to the large colour display on the dashboard and allows operation of the
navigation system, car radio, telephone, DVD player and other components of the
infotainment system. For other functions, Mercedes-Benz has developed hotkeys
which are located alongside the controller, on the centre console and in the door

panels. The twelve-button multifunction steering wheel is another main protago- Page 36
nist of the sophisticated control and display concept (also see page 79).
Controllers, buttons, dials and displays are key interfaces between the driver and
the car. As well as being simple, precise and intuitive, they need to be a pleasure
to use and stir the emotions. This is why both looks and feel were top priorities
when the Mercedes designers came to design the controls for the new E-Class.
The exquisite integration of the switches and buttons into the interior design con-
cept was just as important as the pleasant feeling of touching the control surfaces
or the soft "click" heard when pressing the buttons.

Active safety Page 37
Warn, assist, act:

over a dozen assistance systems to help prevent
accidents
• ATTENTION ASSIST: drowsiness detection as standard
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist: ideal light in every driving situation
• Lane Tracking package: assistance systems to keep the car safely on
track and ensure safe overtaking
• Speed Limit Assist: speed limit in force displayed in the cockpit
• DISTRONIC PLUS: radar-based proximity control and Brake Assist
• PRE-SAFE® Brake: autonomous emergency braking if there is an acute
risk of an accident
• Aerodynamics: best drag coefficient in this vehicle class
Having achieved major advances in the field of occupant protection,

Mercedes-Benz is focussing more than ever on preventing traffic accidents and
reducing accident severity as part of its commitment to road safety. To this end,
the E-Class is equipped with tried-and-trusted technology in the shape of ABS,
ESP® and Brake Assist as well as around a dozen new or modified driver assis-
tance systems which are specially configured to help prevent frequent causes of
accidents such as being too close to the vehicle in front, dangerous lane changes,
excessive speed, drowsiness, darkness and lane departure.
This combination of safety technologies, which is unique in the world, make the
E-Class part of the "thinking" process – a car that is capable of seeing clearly,
reacting instinctively and acting autonomously thanks to radar, cameras and
sensors.
ATTENTION ASSIST, fitted as standard, even enables the new Mercedes Saloon
to "feel": the system's highly sensitive sensors monitor the driver's behaviour
and, based primarily on the steering wheel movements, detect when the driver is
becoming drowsy. With this system, Mercedes-Benz is making a further contribu-

tion towards preventing accidents as, according to studies, around a quarter of all Page 38
serious road accidents are caused by drowsy drivers – making drowsiness an
even bigger cause of accidents than drink-driving.
The ATTENTION ASSIST system newly developed by Mercedes-Benz records over

70 parameters which are then assessed for the purpose of drowsiness detection.
This continuous monitoring is crucial for detecting the floating transition from
awakeness to drowsiness and for giving the driver plenty of warning.
Based on this wealth of data, ATTENTION ASSIST calculates an individual driver

profile during the first few minutes of every trip. This profile is then compared
with the current sensor data and the prevailing driving situation by the car's elec-
tronic control unit. In addition to the vehicle speed, lateral acceleration and longi-
tudinal acceleration, the Mercedes system also detects use of the turn indicators
and pedals as well as certain control inputs and external influences such as side
winds or road unevenness, for example.
Steering behaviour a key indicator of drowsiness
Four years of development and testing work on the ATTENTION ASSIST system
revealed steering behaviour to be an extremely meaningful indicator of drowsi-
ness. In the tests involving over 670 drivers, the Mercedes scientists determined
that drowsy drivers have trouble steering a precise course in their lane, making
minor steering errors that are often corrected quickly and abruptly. This effect
occurs at an early stage when drowsiness kicks in – often before the dangerous
situation in which the driver falls asleep momentarily.
If the system detects drowsiness, it emits an audible warning signal and flashes
up an unequivocal message on the display in the instrument cluster: "ATTEN-
TION ASSIST. Break!"
ATTENTION ASSIST is fitted as standard in the new E-Class; it is active at speeds

of between 80 and 180 km/h.

Light package: optimum light distribution in every driving situation Page 39
Driving a car at night will be even safer in future. Mercedes-Benz is unveiling an

innovative system which adjusts the range of the headlamps automatically based
on the distance to oncoming vehicles or moving vehicles in front of the car with
their lights on. The system, called Adaptive Highbeam Assist, always selects the
optimum headlamp range, allowing the driver to see the course of the road, pe-
destrians or danger spots at an earlier stage than would otherwise be possible.
Mercedes-Benz offers this new development as part of an optional package which

also includes bi-xenon headlamps, the Intelligent Light System and LED daytime
driving lights. In contrast to conventional systems, which merely switch between
low beam and high beam, Adaptive Highbeam Assist controls the light distribu-
tion as the driving situation allows. The low-beam range can therefore be in-
creased from around 65 to up to 300 metres – without dazzling other motorists. If
the system detects oncoming vehicles or vehicles in front, it adapts the headlamp
range continuously, based on the distance to these vehicles, so that the cone of
light emitted by the headlamps ends before it reaches these vehicles. In addition,
Adaptive Highbeam Assist takes into account the steering angle in order to dim
the headlamps on tight bends. If the road ahead is clear, the system switches to
high beam with a minimum of fuss.
Realistic tests confirm that motorists who use Adaptive Highbeam Assist are
safer on the road in the dark: dummies placed at the side of the road to simulate
pedestrians were detected from a distance of around 260 metres – around 150
metres earlier than is the case when conventional low beam is used – despite the
presence of oncoming traffic. The new Mercedes assistance system therefore of-
fers more than double the safety at night. What's more, it relieves driver stress as
there is no longer any need to repeatedly flick the stalk on the steering wheel. So
the driver can concentrate more on actually driving the car.
This innovative Mercedes technology is based on a camera, located on the inside

of the windscreen, which monitors the traffic situation in front of the car. Thanks
to an intelligent image-processing algorithm, the camera is able to detect other

vehicles and the distance to them. The range of the variable-control bi-xenon Page 40
headlamps is set based on these findings and adapted continuously depending on
the distance to the vehicle in front or the oncoming traffic. The system operates at
lightning speed, sending new data to the headlamps every 40 milliseconds.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist is ready to act at speeds above 55 km/h and operates
autonomously once the driver has moved the rotary light switch to the "Auto"
position and selected high beam using the multifunction stalk on the steering
wheel.
Intelligent Light System with five light functions
As well as Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the Light package for the new E-Class in-
cludes the Intelligent Light System, whose five light functions are designed spe-
cifically for typical driving situations or weather conditions:
• Country mode
• Motorway mode
• Enhanced fog lamps
• Active light function
• Cornering light function
Low beam is replaced by country mode, which illuminates the driver's-side edge
of the road more brightly and widely than before. In the dark, this enables the
driver to appraise the situation more effectively and respond more rapidly when
other road users cross their path.
At speeds above 90 km/h, motorway mode is activated automatically, increasing

the driver's range of vision by up to 60 percent. This lighting function is activated
in two stages: the Intelligent Light System first increases the output of the
bi-xenon bulbs from 35 to 38 watts, thereby increasing the light intensity and
providing noticeably better illumination of the road ahead and the side verges.
The second stage is triggered at 110 km/h, when the beam of the bi-xenon mod-
ule on the driver’s side is elevated slightly. Motorway mode has a range of around

120 metres, and the driver is able to see about 50 metres further at the centre of Page 41
this cone of light than is the case with conventional low-beam headlamps.
With the enhanced fog lamps, Mercedes-Benz improves driver orientation when
visibility is poor. The new lighting function is activated at speeds below 70 km/h,
as soon as the rear fog lamp is switched on. The variable headlamp technology in-
corporated in the Intelligent Light System makes it possible to pivot the bi-xenon
headlamp on the driver’s side outwards by eight degrees, while lowering the
beam of light at the same time. This adjustment illuminates the inner half of the
road more brightly and reduces the degree of glare from light reflected back by
the fog.
The Intelligent Light System, part of the Light package, also includes the active
light and cornering light functions. These are switched on automatically: depend-
ing on the steering angle, yaw rate and vehicle speed, the active light function
pivots the headlamps sideways by up to 15 degrees almost instantaneously,
thereby greatly enhancing illumination of the road. On an extended bend with a
radius of 190 metres, this system enables the driver to see 25 metres further than
is possible with conventional low-beam headlamps. This function operates in both
low-beam and high-beam mode.
The cornering light function improves safety at crossroads, at T-junctions and

on tight bends. It is activated automatically when the driver turns the steering
wheel at a speed below 70 km/h. The headlamps then illuminate the area diago-
nally in front of the vehicle for a distance of around 30 metres, with a coverage
angle of up to 65 degrees.
Standard features on the distinctive twin-headlamp face of the new E-Class in-
clude halogen headlamps. For low beam, the Mercedes engineers have developed
a sophisticated projection system, which is housed in the two larger lamps. The
inner headlamps, based on reflection technology, provide the high beam and
serve as sidelights. Headlamp Assist, which switches on the headlamps auto-
matically when it is raining, at dusk/dawn, in the dark and when entering a
tunnel, is likewise specified as standard for the new E-Class.

Daytime driving lights: with LEDs as standard for the AVANTGARDE model Page 42
When it comes to road safety, being seen is as just as important as seeing – and
not just at night. This is why the standard equipment package for the new E-Class
includes daytime driving lights which switch on automatically when the engine
is started. They are deactivated when the driver switches on low beam. E-Class
AVANTGARDE models and models equipped with the Light package or
Night View Assist PLUS feature daytime driving lights based on a total of
14 elegantly arranged LEDs which boast a very high light output but have a very
low energy consumption of just ten watts. These are dimmed when low beam is
switched on.
Mercedes-Benz also specifies LEDs as standard for the tail, brake and rear fog
lights. One of the advantages of LEDs is their quick response, meaning that
drivers behind can be warned earlier when the brakes are applied in the event of
danger. Like many modern Mercedes passenger cars, the new E-Class is fitted
with adaptive brake lights, which flash four times as fast as the hazard warning
lights during an emergency stop and, therefore, provide an extremely effective
warning for drivers behind if a head-to-tail collision is imminent.
The combination of directly and indirectly emitting LEDs used for the tail lights
ensures that the red sections of the tail lights, which are drawn deeply into the
car's flanks, are illuminated homogeneously, while the indirectly emitting LEDs
serve as background lighting and lend this light design its characteristic appear-
ance. LEDs are also used for the indicators on the AVANTGARDE model or on
models featuring the optional Light package or the Night View Assist PLUS
system. The new E-Class can feature a total of up to 354 LEDs, depending on
the level of equipment specified.

Night View Assist PLUS with new function for highlighting pedestrians on Page 43
the display
Mercedes-Benz has modified the familiar Night View Assist system from the
S-Class to include a special pedestrian-detection function. Hence the new name
Night View Assist PLUS. As soon as the system detects pedestrians up to
90 metres ahead of the E-Class, they are highlighted by means of a frame with
easily visible corners.
Night View Assist PLUS uses infrared technology to improve the driver's range
of vision in the dark and when there is oncoming traffic: two separate headlamps
illuminate the road with invisible and, therefore, non-reflective infrared light. A
windscreen-mounted camera designed to pick up precisely this type of light
records what happens in front of the car and sends the image to a display on the
dashboard. The clear, needle-sharp greyscale image that appears here shows
the scene in front of the car, allowing the driver to see pedestrians, cyclists or
obstacles on the road at an early stage.
Lane Tracking package: a steering wheel that vibrates when the car leaves
its lane unintentionally
The Lane Tracking package newly developed for the E-Class (available as an op-
tional extra) incorporates two assistance systems which help the driver stay in
lane and change lanes safely: Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
The new Lane Keeping Assist system is based on a camera on the inside of the
windscreen, which can detect road markings by evaluating the difference in con-
trast between the road surface and the markings. Based on this information, an
electronic control unit determines the position of the E-Class and detects when
the Saloon leaves its lane on the left or right.
Unlike conventional systems of this type, the Mercedes assistance system also
assesses the driver's actions and, in so doing, can reliably ascertain whether the
car has left its lane intentionally or unintentionally. There is therefore no warning

if, for example, the driver accelerates before overtaking or joining a motorway, Page 44
brakes heavily, or steers into a bend.
If Lane Keeping Assist detects that the E-Class is leaving its lane unintentionally,
however, it activates an electric motor in the steering wheel, causing the steering
wheel to vibrate briefly three times – a discreet yet highly effective way of
prompting the driver to countersteer. The timing of the warning depends on the
width of the road and the type of lane markings. If the car crosses over a continu-
ous white line on the road, as opposed to a broken white line, the system emits its
warning earlier. Lane Keeping Assist operates at speeds of between 60 and 250
km/h – as soon as the system has detected a lane marking.
Warning symbol in the exterior mirror if a dangerous lane change is at-

tempted
The second Mercedes system in the Lane Tracking package, Blind Spot Assist,
helps drivers to change lanes safely. It uses short-range radar sensors housed on
both sides of the rear bumper to monitor the areas directly to the side of and be-
hind the car. This process enables them to see if there is another vehicle in the
adjacent lane – in the blind spot. In such situations at speeds above 30 km/h, the
system informs the driver by illuminating a red warning triangle in the glass of
the exterior mirror. If the driver fails to see this warning and indicates to change
lanes, the warning triangle starts to flash and a warning signal sounds.
Speed Limit Assist: speed limit displayed in the instrument cluster
The newly developed Speed Limit Assist system (optional extra) reminds drivers
of the speed limit currently in force by displaying it in the instrument cluster –
a further contribution towards preventing accidents.
The image recorded by the windscreen-mounted camera, which monitors the area
in front of the car on a permanent basis, is scanned for round surfaces only by an
electronic control unit. These surfaces are then highlighted. In the next step, an
algorithm filters out all objects that are round but do not resemble traffic signs.

Finally, a comparison with stored patterns eliminates all but those objects which Page 45
the system is programmed to detect: round traffic signs indicating the speed
limit. The symbols are sent to the cockpit display, where they remain visible
until the speed restriction is lifted or changed. The driver therefore remains fully
aware of the current speed limit, enabling them to adjust the car's speed accord-
ingly.
Thanks to the huge strides forward made in computer-based image-processing

technology, Speed Limit Assist is able to work in real time, analysing the images
within a fraction of a second so as to provide the driver with the required infor-
mation practically instantaneously. Plus it makes no difference whether the
speed-limit sign is at the side of the road or on a gantry above the road. The sys-
tem is therefore able to react to variable speed limits (often indicated on gantries)
as well as temporarily erected speed-limit signs, for example at road works.
Some of the speed-limit signs in Europe – for example those seen when entering
or leaving towns in certain countries – are rectangular. In such cases, the assis-
tance system also scans the data stored on the navigation system's digital map to
check the plausibility of the camera image. The last speed limit detected disap-
pears from the display in the instrument cluster when the car enters a built-up
area, for example.
Driver Assistance package: radar systems to help prevent head-to-tail

collisions
DISTRONIC PLUS and Brake Assist PLUS (optional extras) – Mercedes assis-
tance systems based on sophisticated radar technology – are highly effective at
helping to prevent accidents. This is one of the findings of an analysis carried out
by Mercedes-Benz based on representative accident-research data. This technol-
ogy can prevent a fifth of all head-to-tail crashes in Germany alone. On motor-
ways, the accident rate can be reduced by as much as around 36 percent.
Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the radar technology for the new E-Class.
The systems are part of the optionally available Driver Assistance package, which
also includes the Lane Tracking package.

DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control operates at speeds of between Page 46
0 and 200 km/h: it keeps the car a set distance behind the vehicle in front,
applies the brakes as required and can even bring the car to a complete halt,
depending on the traffic situation. If the gap to the vehicle in front narrows too
quickly, the system gives the driver an audible warning and, as soon as this first
warning signal sounds, automatically calculates the brake pressure required to
prevent a collision in this situation. This technology helps the driver to gauge the
level of risk and, in combination with Brake Assist PLUS, makes the calculated
brake boosting force available instantly, even if the driver does not press the
brake pedal forcefully enough. Brake Assist PLUS allows controlled, targeted
braking and, if necessary, increases the braking force right up to the point at
which an emergency stop is performed, depending on the road speed and the
distance to the vehicle in front.
Long-range radar with increased range and medium-range detection

capability
When a potential accident situation is recognised, assistance is provided courtesy

of two short-range radar sensors behind the front bumper and a long-range radar
in the radiator grille. Mercedes-Benz has further enhanced the performance capa-
bility of these sensors: the new E-Class features a new long-range radar sensor
with a range of 200 metres instead of 150 metres as previously. In addition, the
sensor now also boasts medium-range detection capability, allowing monitoring
of the area up to around 60 metres ahead of the car with a 60-degree beam width.
This new technology enables even more accurate monitoring of the traffic situa-
tion and even better detection of dynamic events such as a car in front swerving
suddenly. The two wide-beam short-range radar sensors with an 80-degree beam
width and a range of around 30 metres are still employed.

Automatic emergency braking provides an "electronic crumple zone" Page 47
Accident research shows that drivers do not always react as quickly as is neces-
sary at critical moments – for example because they are distracted and therefore
do not recognise the immediate threat of a head-to-tail crash, or because they fail
to heed the warning signals given by an assistance system. The PRE-SAFE®
Brake, available as part of the optional Driver Assistance package, intervenes
in situations such as these by braking the car automatically.
It does so in two stages: around 1.6 seconds before the calculated impact point –
after three audible warning signals – the system initiates partial braking
autonomously and decelerates the car with around 40 percent of the maximum
braking power (approx four m/s²) as well as activating the reversible PRE-SAFE®
occupant protection systems as a precaution.
Designed to supplement the visual and audible warnings, autonomous partial

braking gives the driver a further, perceptible signal to act. If the driver then
brakes immediately, the maximum braking force is made available or, if the
driver swerves, the accident can be avoided at the last moment, depending on the
driving situation. If the driver fails to react, however, even after automatic partial
braking, the PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking power around
0.6 seconds before the now unavoidable collision. This emergency braking can
reduce the severity of the impact by a substantial margin.
Impact speed reduced by an average of 16 km/h
Realistic tests carried out by the Mercedes engineers have revealed that autono-
mous PRE-SAFE® braking reduces the impact speed by 16 km/h on average. The
system therefore acts like an "electronic crumple zone", offering the car occu-
pants even greater protection. The PRE-SAFE® Brake is active at speeds of be-
tween 30 and 200 km/h when moving vehicles are detected in front of the car.
The system also reacts if the car approaches a stationary queue of traffic, provid-
ing its speed is below 70 km/h.

Page 48
Approx. 2.6 s Approx. 1.6 s Approx. 0.6 s

before accident before accident before accident
Visual and audible After three audible If the driver still fails to
Collision warning warnings: automatic partial react: autonomous emergency
braking by PRE-SAFE® braking with maximum braking
Brake if driver fails to react power to reduce impact severity
* time-to-impact calculated by system if relative speed remains unchanged
Parking aid: ultrasonic measurement of parking spaces
A newly developed system that can help drivers to park safely works on the basis
of ultrasonic technology: sideways inclined sensors on the front bumper record
the length of a parking space as the car drives past it (at a speed of up to 35
km/h), and indicate on the display whether the space is large enough to park in.
After reverse gear has been engaged, instructions for safe parking appear on the
display in the instrument cluster.

The tried-and-trusted Mercedes PARKTRONIC system (optional extra), which Page 49
uses LEDs and audible signals to indicate the distance between the E-Class and
an obstacle or another vehicle when parking, is also activated during this parking
guidance to assist the driver. Mercedes-Benz offers a further parking and ma-
noeuvring aid in the shape of a reversing camera which films the area behind
the Saloon and sends the image to the display in the instrument cluster.

The driver assistance systems for the new E-Class at a glance: Page 50
ABS Standard: ensures that the E-Class remains steerable, even

when braking.
ESP® Standard: reduces the risk of skidding and stabilises the

car.
Brake Assist Standard: provides full braking power almost instantane-

ously in the event of an emergency stop.
Adaptive brake lights Standard: the brake lights flash to warn drivers behind if
the brakes are applied in an emergency.
ATTENTION ASSIST Standard: detects driver drowsiness by means of sensor

signals and warns the driver.
Intelligent Light System Optional: incorporates five light functions specially config-
ured for typical driving situations and weather conditions.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Optional: detects vehicles in front or oncoming vehicles

and, in each case, provides the optimum headlamp range.
Lane Keeping Assist Optional: detects the lane markings and warns the driver if
the car leaves its lane unintentionally.
Speed Limit Assist Optional: uses a camera to detect speed-limit signs and in-
dicates the current speed limit on the display.
Blind Spot Assist Optional: uses radar to monitor the areas to the side of and
behind the E-Class and warns the driver if there is a vehi-
cle in the blind spot.
DISTRONIC PLUS Optional: uses radar to automatically maintain a desired

distance between the E-Class and the vehicle in front and
warns the driver if the gap narrows rapidly.
Brake Assist PLUS Optional: uses radar to detect an imminent head-to-tail col-
(as part of DISTRONIC PLUS) lision and calculates the level of braking assistance re-
quired.
PRE-SAFE® Brake Optional: initiates partial or emergency braking automati-

(as part of DISTRONIC PLUS) cally if there is an acute risk of an accident and the driver
fails to react.
Parking aid Optional: ultrasonic sensors measure the length of parking

spaces as the car drives past; instructions for safe parking
appear on the display.

Aerodynamics: drag coefficient of 0.25 a new record in this vehicle category Page 51
Aerodynamics is becoming increasingly important as a development discipline

as, in addition to being crucial with respect to safety, an ideal airflow around the
vehicle has a major influence on fuel consumption (also see page 87) and noise
levels. Mercedes-Benz therefore made aerodynamics a top priority when develop-
ing the new E-Class, employing state-of-the-art development and testing processes
to further reduce aerodynamic drag, enhance active and perceptual safety, and
improve aeroacoustics.
And the result is impressive to say the least: with a drag coefficient (cd figure) of
0.25, the new E-Class is the world's most aerodynamic standard-production sa-
loon in this market segment, undercutting the already excellent figure achieved
by the outgoing model (0.26) by four percent. The effect of the larger front end
has been compensated for almost entirely, meaning that the cd x A figure for
aerodynamic drag (drag coefficient multiplied by drag area) has only risen very
slightly. The figures:
New E-Class Outgoing model
Drag coefficient (cd) 0.25 0.26
Drag area (A) m² 2.30 2.21
Aerodynamic drag cd x A 0.58 0.57

m²
As in the case of safety developments, computer simulations are playing an in-

creasingly key role when it comes to aerodynamics. Using a digital prototype,
which provides a virtual simulation of the car right down to the last detail, the
Mercedes engineers calculated the airflow around the Saloon very early on in the
development phase – long before the first real prototypes of the new E-Class had
been produced. This approach enabled them to use flow simulations to detect the
potential for improvements at an early stage, meaning that the Saloon already
displayed excellent aerodynamic characteristics when the subsequent "real" wind
tunnel tests began.

Aerodynamic calculations of this kind require computers with exceptional proc- Page 52
essing power: in the case of the flow analyses performed on the digital prototype
of the new E-Class, the computers had to crack differential equations comprising
some 30 million fluid elements. Around 36 hours of calculation time on 64 proc-
essors are required until, finally, a realistic speed and pressure field appears on
the computer monitor.
Hundreds of hours of wind tunnel work to optimise the details
Aerodynamic development involves a great deal of painstaking work and pa-

tience. The Mercedes engineers spent hundreds of hours in the wind tunnel,
aerodynamically optimising detail after detail whilst at the same time striking an
ideal compromise between form and function. Although each of the many indi-
vidual measures often only resulted in an improvement of a few thousandths,
their combined effects produced a highly impressive overall result, namely a
drag coefficient of 0.25.
The rear of a car affects the drag coefficient even more than the front section,
since the air swirl that can occur here acts like an invisible brake and increases
fuel consumption unnecessarily. One of the ways in which the Mercedes experts
prevent such air swirl is by incorporating a discreet, barely visible spoiler lip in
the central area of the boot lid. In addition to this, they equip the tail-light lenses
with special spoiler lips, which direct the airstream flowing along the car's flanks
a long way rearwards; were these small spoiler lips not included, the air would
flow inwards at the rear of the E-Class and create a vacuum, which would have a
negative impact on both aerodynamic drag and lift.
Further aerodynamically effective details displayed by the new E-Class include:
• Controllable fan shutter: allows the amount of cooling air to be limited as re-
quired, depending on the driving situation. Otherwise heavy pressure losses
would occur as the air made its way into the engine compartment (also see
page 87).

• Aerodynamically optimised light-alloy wheels: reduce airflow separation and Page 53
flow losses in the area of the wheels.
• Sealed joints between the bonnet and headlamps: ensure an even better air-
flow around the front section.
• Wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheels: improve the airflow around the
tyres and reduce lift.
• Cladding of the engine compartment and the underbody: optimises the flow
of cooling air from the engine compartment and prevents flow losses caused
by air blockage und swirl on the underbody.
Newly developed exterior mirror housing with triple benefits
The exterior mirrors on the new E-Class are yet another masterstroke on the part
of the aerodynamics engineers. Right from the start, their aim was to develop a
housing geometry that met specific requirements in three key areas: aerodynam-
ics, aeroacoustics and safety. And they succeeded in this aim. Aerodynamically
speaking, the shape of the mirror housings developed in the wind tunnel is so ef-
fective that the mirrors only account for around three percent of the body's total
aerodynamic drag. This result can also be heard – or rather not heard – as the ex-
terior mirrors have no effect on the body wind noise. During tests carried out in
the aeroacoustics wind tunnel, the Mercedes engineers recorded the same levels
on a test car without exterior mirrors as on the car fitted with the newly devel-
oped exterior mirrors.
Finally, the exterior mirrors also play a crucial role in terms of perceptual safety
as they improve the driver's visibility when driving in the rain. The mirror hous-
ings are designed so that any rainwater hitting them flows outwards in a narrow
groove running around the outside so that it can drip off at a precisely defined
point. As a consequence, the side windows remain largely clean, affording the
driver an unimpeded view of the exterior mirror and the outside. The A-pillars
likewise help to keep dirt away from the side windows as they feature special wa-
ter guides where the rainwater hitting the windscreen is collected before being
blown downwards and across the roof by the airflow.

Passive safety Page 54
Preventive action and on-demand protection: ex-

ceptional occupant safety based on intelligent
systems and designs
• Test programme: 150 crash tests and over 17,000 crash simulations
• PRE-SAFE®: even more comprehensive anticipatory occupant protection
• Body structure: larger front and rear crumple zones
• Restraint systems: seven airbags and four seat-belt tensioners as
standard
• Pedestrian protection: Active Bonnet with reversible actuator control
The pioneering work carried out by Béla Barényi enabled Mercedes-Benz to de-
velop the basic principles of passenger-car safety in the 1940s and 1950s. And
these principles still apply to this day. Barényi's ideas first came to fruition in the
"Ponton" (three-box body) Mercedes (model series W 120) around 56 years ago in
autumn 1953. This precursor to the E-Class was the world's first car to feature a
crash-stable floor assembly, which enhanced occupant safety in the event of a
frontal or side impact.
Model series W 111/112 with the distinctive tail fins provided the next milestone
in the field of safety technology. From 1959 onwards, these Saloons were the first
models into which Mercedes-Benz incorporated front and rear crumple zones. In
the event of an accident, these zones absorb energy in a predetermined manner
and distribute the impact forces, thus greatly reducing the forces exerted on the
occupants. The precursor to the E-Class from the 1960s, the "tail fin" Mercedes
(W 110), likewise featured this safety body.
Béla Barényi's successors at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindel-

fingen have continued to further develop the concepts devised by their mentor
based on the latest development and calculation methods and the use of state-of-
the-art bodyshell materials. Their level of dedication has reached a new pinnacle
with the new E-Class. During the course of its many years of development to date,

the Saloon has come through over 150 crash tests and, if the complex pedestrian Page 55
protection calculations are included, a total of more than 17,000 realistic crash
test simulations. The test programme included around 30 different crash tests,
which the Saloon had to pass in order to achieve the prescribed ratings and gain
world-wide approval, not to mention nine exceptionally demanding, in-house
impact tests, some of which go well beyond the statutory requirements. Only
cars that pass these tests receive the highest accolade in automotive safety: the
Mercedes star.
PRE-SAFE®: anticipatory system incorporating additional protective

measures
In the new E-Class, occupant protection actually begins in the phase leading up
to a possible accident. The Mercedes PRE-SAFE® invention activates protective
measures if there is a risk of an accident, allowing the seat belts and airbags to
deploy with maximum effect in the event of a collision. This multi-award-winning
technology is fitted as standard in the E-Class, where it offers even more func-
tions than previously.
The Mercedes PRE-SAFE® system takes its lead from nature in that it activates
protective measures as a precaution to protect the occupants and the car from an
imminent collision, just as living things react instinctively and search for cover
when they are in danger. PRE-SAFE® is able to recognise an impending accident
because it offers an intelligent synergy of active and passive safety features. It is
networked to Brake Assist and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), whose
sensors recognise potentially dangerous driving situations and then transmit this
information to the electronic control units within milliseconds. PRE-SAFE® also
uses these sensor data for anticipatory occupant protection.
What's more, the PRE-SAFE® protective measures are reversible: if the accident is
averted, the advance tensioning of the seat belts is halted automatically, and the
occupants are able to reset the positions of the seats and the sunroof. The antici-
patory occupant protection system is then ready for action again straightaway.

The new E-Class features even more measures aimed at preventing an imminent Page 56
accident than its predecessor:
• Whereas PRE-SAFE® previously responded to emergency or panic braking –

in other words when the driver hit the brake pedal reflexively – the system
in the new E-Class can also be activated if the optionally available
DISTRONIC PLUS system's short- and long-range radars have detected an
impending head-to-tail collision and a certain level of deceleration is exceeded
when braking. The occupants are prepared for the collision by tensioning of
the seat belts and repositioning of the optionally available, fully electrically
adjustable front-passenger seat, enabling the seat belts and airbags to be
activated and deployed with maximum effect.
• The newly developed active multicontour seat (optional, also see page 67)
ensures that the driver and front passenger are seated even more securely,
thereby limiting dangerous whiplash movements of the upper body in the
event of an accident. If the PRE-SAFE® control unit detects a critical driving
situation, it activates the air chambers in the seat cushions and backrests in-
stantaneously. These then envelope the seat occupants and lend them extra
support. Tests at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre have shown that this
PRE-SAFE® function and preventive belt tensioning increase the distance be-
tween the shoulder and the inner door lining by up to 40 millimetres at a lat-
eral acceleration of 0.6 g, enabling the sidebag to fulfil its protective function
even more effectively.

Page 57
PRE-SAFE® when braking in an PRE-SAFE® when there is a risk of
emergency skidding*
• Driver and front-passenger seat belts • Bolsters in the seat cushions and back-
are tensioned rests of the active multicontour front
seats** are inflated
• Electrically adjustable front-passenger • Side windows at the front and rear are
seat** is moved backwards or forwards closed
into the optimum position whilst the
cushion angle and backrest inclination
are also optimised
• Sunroof** is closed
*in addition to the emergency-braking measures; **optional extras
When installed in combination with the Driver Assistance package, which in-
cludes DISTRONIC PLUS and Brake Assist PLUS, PRE-SAFE® also uses the infor-
mation provided by the short-range radar sensors in the front bumper to tension
the front seat belts at the very last moment before an unavoidable collision, thus
reducing the forces exerted on the driver and front passenger during the crash.
This PRE-SAFE® function is literally the "ultima ratio" of anticipatory occupant

protection, since the accident occurs around 200 milliseconds later.
Analyses performed during crash tests show just how important and effective an-
ticipatory occupant protection can be. In the case of belt tensioning, for example,
the precautionary measures mean that the driver and front passenger are held in
their seats in the best possible position and so do not move forwards as much be-
fore the impact, thus reducing the load exerted on the head and neck area. These
tests showed that the head was subjected to around 30 per cent less stress, while
the Mercedes engineers recorded a reduction of around 40 per cent in the neck
area.

Front-end structure: crumple zone on four levels Page 58
Compared to the previous model series, the Mercedes engineers have enlarged
the deformation zones substantially in the front and rear sections as well as im-
proving the energy flows. The front crumple zone has four independently- acting
impact levels, meaning that the forces can be distributed over a wide area while
bypassing the passenger cell.
1) Sectional panels above the wheel arches form the upper side-member level.
From here, the impact forces are channelled into the A-pillars and, subse-
quently, into the roof frame.
2) An aluminium crossmember connects the forward-extended side members

and ensures that the forces are transferred to the side facing away from the
impact. The crossmember and the forward-extended side members form the
central impact level.
3) The subframe to which the engine, steering and front axle are attached also
serves as an impact level in the event of a frontal collision. It is made of high-
strength steel and, depending on the engine variant, has been connected to
the newly developed floor side members by means of special supporting
tubes. As a consequence, the subframe can deform in a predetermined man-
ner and absorb energy in the event of a crash on the one hand and channel
high impact forces straight into the vehicle floor on the other.
4) The side skirts have been extended forwards to support the wheel and pre-
vent it from entering the footwell in the event of an offset frontal collision.
In order to provide specifically targeted front-wheel support and location,
Mercedes-Benz has also developed special struts and additional energy-
absorbing elements for the wheel arches. The struts are arranged diagonally
and prevent the passenger cell from sinking in the event of an impact.
The firewall is a four-part construction. This design enables Mercedes engineers

to vary the material thickness according to the level of vulnerability in an acci-

dent. As the load acting on the firewall during a frontal crash is greatest in the Page 59
lower section, the sheet steel used here is almost twice as thick.
Materials: around 72 percent of all body parts made from high-strength steel
Key aspects of the safety concept at the heart of the new E-Class include intelli-
gent design and meticulous material selection. More so than ever before,
Mercedes-Benz has given preference to ultra-high-strength steel alloys because
they offer maximum strength whilst minimising weight and, therefore, are essen-
tial for meeting the strict safety and durability requirements.
Around 72 percent of all the bodyshell panels for the new E-Class are made from
these grades of steel – a new record in passenger-car development. These ultra-
high-strength, high-tech alloys, which boast three to four times the tensile
strength of conventional high-strength steel grades, account for around eight per-
cent of the weight. They are used at points where the material can be exposed to
exceptionally high stresses during an accident – as a material for the B-pillars
and the side roof frames to provide side impact protection, for example, or at the
rear to produce a robust crossmember.
If these sophisticated alloys were not used, far more material would be required
in order to meet the stringent safety requirements. The B-pillar is a perfect case
in point: the body components which have to absorb high forces and transfer
these into the body structure in the event of a side impact consist of sheet-metal
shells and an extensive reinforcement which reaches as far as the upper edge of
the belt deflector. One of the shells and the reinforcement are made from ultra-
high-strength, hot-formed steel. Were they made using conventional sheet steel,
however, the B-pillars would be more than a third heavier. In other words, the
ultra-high-strength, high-tech alloy enhances safety whilst also reducing weight.
Doors: sophisticated design for a high level of crash safety
The doors also predominantly consist of high-strength and ultra-high-strength

steel and, therefore, likewise enable the new E-Class to provide a even higher

level of crash safety than the outgoing model – by some considerable margin. The Page 60
inner door shells comprise steel blanks reinforced by additional sections in the
area of the frame and the waistline as well as at bumper height. Additional mem-
bers made from ultra-high-strength cold-formed steel, located in the lower area
between the doors' inner and outer shells, complement the design measures im-
plemented to enhance side-impact protection. Each of the rear doors houses two
of these diagonally arranged sectional panels.
On top of all this, the Mercedes engineers have devoted special attention to the
hinges by developing mounting areas with a high load-bearing capacity to create
a robust side-structure assembly that provides the occupants with effective pro-
tection in the event of a collision.
Aluminium bonnet, wings and boot lid
Finally, the intelligent material concept involved the specifically targeted use of
aluminium and plastic, both of which help to save weight above all. Aluminium is
used for the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf and various load-bearing
sections, for example, while the front end is a hybrid construction made from
sheet aluminium and fibreglass-reinforced plastic. The front single-section alu-
minium crash boxes are inserted into the side members and bolted to them at the
side. The other front-end components are likewise bolted together and can there-
fore be replaced cost-effectively following an accident. Glass fibre matting-
reinforced plastic has been used to produce the spare-wheel well.
Body torsional stiffness increased by over 30 percent
As well as being a major reason behind the high level of impact resistance, this
intelligently designed bodyshell enhances ride comfort or, to be more precise,
reduces noise and vibration. The Sindelfingen engineers paid particular attention
to the connecting points between the chassis and body, which have to withstand
extremely high loads. These were specifically reinforced to prevent road-induced
vibrations from being transferred to the body and so as not to spoil the driving
experience.

A reliable indicator of the excellent cumulative effect of these measures is the Page 61
body's static torsional stiffness, which has been increased by over 30 percent
compared to the outgoing model.
Passenger cell: custom-designed panels and robust load-bearing sections
The passenger cell of the new E-Class is a robust structure which is virtually im-
mune to deformation and keeps the passengers' survival space intact, even at
high impact speeds, regardless of whether the collision is head-on, from the rear
or from the side, or whether the vehicle rolls over. The use of high-strength steel
and thicker panels plays as important a role here as the installation of additional
load-bearing members.
The main floor assembly consists of custom-designed sheet-metal plates that

either undergo flexible rolling or are welded together by laser beam and subse-
quently shaped. Flexible in this sense means that the high-strength steel can be
processed in such a way that areas with different steel thicknesses can be pro-
duced within a single component. The middle blank forms the tunnel – the actual
backbone of the passenger cell. Here the thickness of the custom-designed panels
varies between 0.7 and 1.1 millimetres, or between 1.55 and 2.0 millimetres in
the case of the additionally fitted tunnel reinforcements, depending on the
stresses and loads to which they are exposed.
Other new features which are equally crucial for both occupant protection and the
rigidity of the bodyshell include the continuous floor side members, the insides
of which are further reinforced with additional sections. Their front sections con-
nect to the side members, thereby lengthening the load-bearing paths along
which forces can be distributed in the event of an impact. At the rear, the floor
side members extend as far as the crossmember beneath the rear seat unit to sta-
bilise the entire floor structure.
The Mercedes engineers have also incorporated sturdy aluminium transverse sec-
tions – known as transmission tunnel braces – into the floor assembly. One is
located beneath the transmission, and is designed to direct forces to the side of

the vehicle facing away from the impact in the event of a side-on collision. The Page 62
second forms a connection between the two side members. It likewise braces the
floor assembly and is able to channel impact forces into the floor structure at an
early stage following a side-on collision.
Rear-end structure that has come through the toughest of crash tests
Multi-piece side members and a robust, flexible crossmember made from ultra-
high-strength steel form the key components of the rear-end structure. The rear
side members are continuous, closed box sections with carefully graduated mate-
rial thicknesses. These are able to absorb high forces, thereby making a decisive
contribution to occupant safety in the event of a rear impact. The bolt-on flexible
crossmember is manufactured using a flexible rolling process which likewise
allows the material thickness to be varied as required. Accordingly, the material
thickness on the outside of the crossmember – where impact loads are highest –
is greater than on the inside. The new E-Class therefore also meets the world’s
most stringent crash regulations where rear impact protection is concerned, for
example the 80-km/h test in the US.
As is usual at Mercedes-Benz, the fuel tank is located in a protected position

beneath the rear seats, in other words in front of the rear axle and, therefore,
outside of the impact zone.
Restraint systems: seven airbags as standard
With seven airbags fitted as standard, not to mention four seat-belt tensioners,
belt-force limiters and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver
and front passenger, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of
safety equipment than its predecessor. The airbags, which can deploy in a matter
of milliseconds in the event of an accident, include two adaptive airbags (for the
driver and front passenger), a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-
seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A-pillar to the
C-pillar during a side impact.

In addition, rear sidebags can be ordered as optional extras, giving the new Page 63
E-Class at total of up to nine airbags for occupant protection.
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and belt-force limiters are
fitted as standard for the driver, the front passenger and the occupants of the
outer rear seats.
The occupant restraint system for the new E-Class at a glance:
Front seats Rear seats
Automatic seat belts • •

with height adjustment Height adjustment for the
outer seats
Seat-belt tensioners • •
For the outer seats
Belt-force limiters • •
For the outer seats
Head restraints • •
With NECK-PRO function
Front airbags, two-stage •
Sidebags • Optional
Windowbags • •
Kneebag •
On the driver's side
NECK-PRO is the name Mercedes-Benz has given to a crash-responsive head re-

straint whose development, like that of PRE-SAFE® and other Mercedes innova-
tions, is based on analyses of real accidents. NECK-PRO is an effective means of
reducing the risk of whiplash injuries during a rear-end collision. If the sensor
system detects a rear-end collision with a defined impact severity, it releases pre-
tensioned springs inside the head restraints, causing the head restraints to move
forward by about 40 millimetres and upwards by 30 millimetres within a matter
of milliseconds. This setup ensures that the heads of the driver and front passen-
ger are protected at an early stage.

Pedestrian protection: extensive raft of measures including Active Bonnet Page 64
The protection of those road users who are most at risk has always been a top
priority during the development of Mercedes passenger cars. Smooth-surfaced
bodies, energy-absorbing bumpers, flush-mounted door handles, laminated-glass
windscreens, folding exterior mirrors and recessed windscreen wipers are pedes-
trian-protection measures that have been features of Mercedes models for many
years. But, as ever, another top priority for the safety engineers is accident pre-
vention. So systems such as Brake Assist, the cornering light function and Night
View Assist PLUS play crucial roles. Fitting Brake Assist as standard alone has
reduced the rate of serious accidents involving collisions between pedestrians
and Mercedes passenger cars by 13 percent. The additional protective measures
Mercedes-Benz has introduced for the new E-Class are based on these high stan-
dards. Top of the bill is a newly developed Active Bonnet, which enlarges the de-
formation area, reducing the risk of injury to pedestrians. This system, fitted as
standard, includes three impact sensors in the front section as well as special
bonnet hinges pretensioned and arrested by powerful springs. Upon impact with
a pedestrian, the sensors send information to the electronic control unit which, in
turn, activates two solenoids in the hinges instantaneously. These solenoids re-
lease the arresters so that the rear section of the bonnet is pushed upwards by
50 millimetres by means of spring force. It all takes just a fraction of a second.
As well as being extremely fast, the newly developed Active Bonnet technology
has a further crucial benefit in that it is reversible. If the bonnet is released in an-
other type of collision, for example, Mercedes customers can reset it to its original
position and, therefore, reactivate the system themselves, allowing them to con-
tinue driving. In addition to this, the Mercedes engineers have increased the
deformation space between the bonnet and the assemblies beneath it by raising
the Saloon's exterior contours and lowering the engine, shock absorber towers,
reservoirs and control units. Like all the latest Mercedes models, the front
bumper on the new E-Class incorporates a flush spoiler lip with a bracing func-
tion, which provides a pedestrian with uniform cushioning at an early stage in a
collision.

Interior Page 65
Travel and relax:

Mercedes business-class comfort
• Size: new dimensions in spaciousness
• Seats: new comfort experience based on proven Mercedes philosophy
• Climate control: new THERMOTRONIC with individual climate styles
• Cockpit: a masterpiece of precision and clarity
• Control concept: controller and large colour display as standard
• Infotainment: COMAND APS with even more functions
Welcome home. The slogan for the new E-Class can be taken literally. Just by get-
ting in and closing the door, you find yourself in a totally different world. Noise,
stress and the rush of everyday life remain locked outside, replaced by an over-
riding feeling of comfort and relaxation. Elegant forms, fine materials, attractive
colours, comfortable seats and exquisitely designed details create an atmosphere
in which you immediately feel at home.
One of the key aspects the Mercedes engineers focussed on to create this excep-
tional level of comfort was the new dimensional concept for the body and the in-
terior, which differs from that of the outgoing model in many respects and thus
allowed a new form of "spatial planning". More space equals more comfort was
the principle the product planners applied to design a body that is 16 millimetres
longer, 10 millimetres lower and 32 millimetres wider than previously. Measured
against the outgoing E-Class model, the wheelbase length has been increased by
20 millimetres to 2874 millimetres, which is a major factor behind the enhanced
ride comfort and interior spaciousness. This is highlighted for example by the
seat reference point, effectively the distance between the front and rear seats,
which is crucial in determining the space in which the occupants are able to
move: it measures 848 millimetres (outgoing model: 838 millimetres) and is
therefore on a par with the level which, not so many years ago, was the standard
for top-end luxury cars.

The occupants also benefit from the new dimensions of the E-Class when it comes Page 66
to shoulder room and elbow width. Here the new Saloon impresses by offering
up to 51 millimetres more (rear elbow width) than its predecessor, largely down
to the wider body (+ 32 millimetres) and the wider track (front + 23 millimetres,
rear + 49 millimetres). The effective headroom for the driver and front passenger
has been increased by ten millimetres compared to the previous E-Class and now
stands at 1048 millimetres; rear headroom is now 972 millimetres – an increase
of eleven millimetres.
The main dimensions* of the new E-Class compared to those of the previous
model:
New E-Class Previous Difference

model
Vehicle length 4868 4852 + 16
Vehicle width 1854 1822 + 32
Vehicle height 1464 1474 - 10
Wheelbase 2874 2854 + 20
Track, front/rear 1600/1619 1577/1570 + 23/+ 49
Seat reference point 848 838 + 10
Effective headroom, 1048/1038 972/961 + 10/+11

front/rear
Shoulder room, front/rear 1467/1446 1432/1424 + 35/ + 22
Elbow width, front/rear 1490/1505 1454/1454 + 36/ + 51
Boot capacity** 540 l 540 l --
*figures in millimetres; **in accordance with VDA measuring method

When it came to "spatial planning" of the boot, the Mercedes experts focussed on Page 67
the everyday qualities drivers expect from an executive saloon. Hence the key
criteria for the boot design were sufficient space for safely stowing four people's
luggage, practical variability when using the luggage compartment and excellent
functionality for stowing large and small items. As well as being evident in the
bare figures, the impressive end result can above all be seen when it comes to
everyday practicality. Compared to the predecessor model, the length of the lug-
gage compartment has been increased by 33 millimetres to 1177 millimetres,
while the height has risen by 14 millimetres to 468 millimetres. The smallest
luggage compartment width between the wheel arches has been extended by
24 millimetres and now measures 1000 millimetres. Furthermore, the boot open-
ing, important for loading, has also been widened – by eleven millimetres to 500
millimetres.
In practice, these dimensions mean that there is now space for two jumbo suit-
cases side by side on the flat load-compartment floor or for four golf bags (includ-
ing clubs). The overall boot capacity of 540 litres (as per the VDA measuring
method) has been maintained despite the far more extensive basic equipment
package for the new E-Class. There are 78 litres of stowage space available in the
compartment beneath the luggage-compartment floor. And the optionally avail-
able folding rear-seat backrests allow Mercedes customers to increase the load-
carrying capacity depending on the transport task in hand as well as producing a
practically flat load bay. Standard-fit load-securing rings enable items of luggage
to be secured in place.
For fast and easy stowage of smaller items, Mercedes-Benz equips the load com-
partment of the new E-Class with a robust bag hook and stowage nets on the load
compartment side panelling. One new addition is the optional EASY-PACK load-
compartment box, which attaches below the parcel shelf. From here, the box
measuring around 530 millimetres in width can be pulled forwards and loaded
with ease as it unfurls downwards and has variable settings. The box has a
maximum capacity of 55 litres and can carry up to ten kilograms.

Wide choice of seats for business-class travel and wellbeing Page 68
Many aspects of the multicontour seat for the new E-Class have been further
enhanced, prompting "Aktion Gesunder Rücken" (a German organisation that
promotes back health) to award the seat its coveted seal of approval. Multicontour
means that the occupants are able to adapt the contours of the seat to suit their
anatomy or personal preferences. This is made possible by inflatable air cham-
bers beneath the seat padding. A new method for adjusting the side bolsters al-
lows the backrest width to be adjusted continuously variably by up to 45 millime-
tres on each side – in other words by a total of up to 90 millimetres. In the outgo-
ing model, the maximum adjustment range was just 50 millimetres.
Another plus point of the new multicontour seat is the function for pneumatically
adjusting the seat cushion length. The front air cushion increases the seat cush-
ion length by up to 50 millimetres at the push of a button, allowing occupants to
relax their legs and ensuring good blood circulation.
The likewise new active multicontour seat offers the same comfort functions
and more than lives up to its name: fast piezo valves at the air chambers vary the
inflation pressure and volume of the air chambers in the backrest side bolsters
depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and road speed so as to offer
the driver and the front passenger even better support. This active function re-
lieves strain on the musculature and enhances well-being. Plus it improves safety
as the fast piezo valves allow the active multicontour seats to be integrated into
the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system (also see page 54): if the
PRE-SAFE® control unit detects a critical driving situation, it activates the air
chambers in the backrests almost instantaneously. These then envelope the seat
occupants and provide them with support, limiting the dangerous whiplash move-
ments of the upper body in the event of accident.
To ensure a relaxed and fatigue-free ride, the Mercedes engineers have developed
another special feature, available in conjunction with the active multicontour
seat, in the shape of a massage cushion in the backrest. It consists of seven air
chambers that are inflated and deflated cyclically so that the passengers feel a

pleasant rolling movement across their entire back area. This movement stimu- Page 69
lates the musculature, boosts circulation and counteracts premature fatigue. The
massage mat operates independently of the contour and lumbar settings.
Further features of the active multicontour seat include a luxury head restraint
with moving side bolsters, which also incorporates crash-responsive NECK-PRO
technology (see page 61).
Active multicontour seat: Luxury head restraint

massage mat, luxury head with NECK-PRO function
restraint and optimum lat-
eral support in every driv-
ing situation
Air cushion in the side
bolsters with dynamic
handling function
Massage cushion in
the backrest
Ventilators in the seat cush-
ion and backrest for active
ventilation*
Pneumatic seat cushion
length adjustment
*optional extra
Filled seat piping for a new comfort experience right from the off
For the E-Class, the Mercedes experts have further enhanced the quality of a
tried-and-trusted Mercedes concept: filled seat piping. This is a special form of
upholstery in which an additional layer of foam is inserted under the fabric or
leather cover. The soft upholstery makes the occupants feel comfortable and re-
laxed as soon as they take their seats in the car. The experts attach great impor-
tance to first impressions, in this case the impression a person has when sitting
in a car seat for the first time. All in keeping with the "welcome home" motto.
The design of the filled seat piping depends on the design and equipment line: the
base model and the AVANTGARDE line have seat covers with horizontal con-
tours, while the ELEGANCE line features vertical contours, evoking memories of

the equally famous and well-proven Mercedes seat design from the 1960s and Page 70
1970s. In each case, the manufacture of the filled seat piping is a complex proc-
ess in terms of both the craftsmanship and the upholstery technology required.
Only Mercedes-Benz uses this process.
Longitudinal Filled piping in Lined fabric or

seams seat cover leather, 5 mm
Moulded foam Cut foam lining

ELEGANCE seat:
additionally upholstered
with filled vertical piping in
seat cushion and backrest
A newly developed moulded foam cushion effectively forms the seat's lower com-
fort zone. In the centre area, the Mercedes engineers have increased the foam
thickness by around twelve percent compared to the outgoing model. Coupled
with the overall softer feel of the material in the seat centre, this design provides
noticeably more comfort. In the area of the side bolsters, on the other hand, the
foam is harder so as to enhance lateral support. In this way, the experts achieve
an excellent pressure distribution, which helps relieve the strain on the spinal
column and provides specifically targeted support for the pelvic area.
Mercedes seat developers have always attached great importance to the optimum
distribution of the seat pressure as they view this as a key requirement for a
high level of long-distance comfort. Seat pressure distribution is adjusted in eight
different zones of the backrest and seat cushion, based on carefully acquired em-
pirical values. The backrests of the front seats, for example, are divided into sev-
eral pressure zones: whereas the foam is soft in the area of the cervical and lum-
bar curve, it is hard in the pelvic and shoulder areas, where optimum support is
required. On the seat cushion, the pressure gets progressively lower between the
hip and thigh areas – a key requirement for comfortable, fatigue-free car travel.

The foam upholstery used for the front seat cushions is housed in seat squabs Page 71
with integral springing. Here a frame made partially from high-strength steel
forms a solid base. Special tubular sections and energy-absorbing elements in the
seat lining ensure that, in the event of a side impact, the seats are able to absorb
high forces and transfer these to the side facing away from the impact.
Lumbar support as standard for healthy sitting
Because the human body is not designed to sit still for long periods, it needs sup-
port at specific points. One example is the lumbar lordosis – the area of the lower
part of the spinal column where the backbone curves forwards. This inevitably
leads to a hunched sitting posture – meaning that stress is exerted on one side
of the intervertebral discs. The lumbar lordosis therefore requires support when
sitting. Standard equipment for the driver's seat in the E-Class includes a lumbar
support which provides ergonomic support for the spinal column in the lumbar
region. If the Memory function is specified by the Mercedes customer, the two
front seats are equipped with electropneumatically adjustable four-way lumbar
supports including side-to-side adjustment as well as height and shape adjust-
ment.
The front-seat backrests consist of steel frames with springing and foam elements
whose contours, like the seat surfaces, provide even better lateral support. The
backrest height has been increased by around 30 percent in the area at the top of
the backrest to provide even better support for the shoulders.

Natural materials and active ventilation for a comfortable seat climate Page 72
When developing seats, the Mercedes experts do not merely think about classic
comfort features such as springing and damping. Moreover, they look at the all-
round wellbeing of the car occupants, including what is referred to as seat cli-
mate. The materials and structure of a Mercedes seat are designed to ensure
wellbeing whatever the weather and temperature outside. In the case of the
E-Class seats, this is achieved thanks to the breathable material mix and the high-
quality fabric or leather covers. The fabric covers contain 25 to 30 percent wool –
a natural material which, unlike synthetic fibres, displays excellent electrostatic
properties and, moreover, outstanding moisture absorption, which has a positive
effect on the seat climate in high temperatures.
Even greater climate comfort is provided by the optionally available actively ven-
tilated front seats: four ventilators in the seat cushion and in the backrest extract
cool air from the floor area of the interior and distribute it evenly through a venti-
lation tissue beneath the seat surface. The mild airflow can prevent the car's oc-
cupants from sweating, even when it is extremely hot outside.
Multiple adjustment options for the ideal sitting position
As before, the front seat height, cushion angle and backrest inclination can be
adjusted electrically, while adjustment of the fore/aft position of the seat cushion
is performed manually. Plus the seats in the new E-Class have the largest fore/aft
adjustment range in this market segment: 277 millimetres. The individual seat
position can be adjusted in very small 4.5-millimetre stages and is therefore al-
most continuously variable, whereas the backrest inclination is fully continuously
variable. This means that very tall and very short drivers can adjust the seat so
that all of the Saloon's functions are within easy reach.

Adjustment ranges of the standard-specification front seats: Page 73
• Fore/aft adjustment 277 millimetres

• Seat height 59 millimetres
• Seat cushion angle 4.5 degrees
• Head restraint height 85 millimetres;
head restraint depth 45 millimetres
• Backrest angle 110 degrees
The fully electrically adjustable seats for the driver and front passenger, which
Mercedes-Benz supplies as optional extras, are even easier to use. In this case,
the fore/aft position, seat cushion angle, head restraint, steering column and
exterior mirrors can be adjusted by electric motors in addition to the seat height
and backrest angle. Three individual seat positions can be stored if the Memory
function is specified. In this case, a touch of a button on the inner door lining is
all it takes to move the seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors to their pro-
grammed positions automatically.
Once the driver has removed the electronic ignition key from the new E-Class, the
steering wheel can be moved upwards to make it even easier to get out of the car.
The steering wheel then remains in this position until the ignition key is re-
inserted, providing the driver with more legroom when getting back into the
car as well.
Individual seats for the rear passengers
For the rear passengers in the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has developed a
system comprising two individual seats offering an all-new comfort experience
(optional). The soft foam upholstery used for the seat cushion and backrest fea-
tures distinctive contours and makes travel on board the Saloon even more of a
pleasure. These luxury rear seats feature leather upholstery, a heating function
and their own head restraints as well as a centre console between them and a
through-loading feature allowing longer items to be carried in the boot. The head
restraints, adjustable for height and angle, have side bolsters which improve

lateral support for the head, allowing the occupants to fully relax in any reclined Page 74
position.
A spacious stowage compartment with two cup holders for various cup, can or
bottle sizes is located beneath the leather-trimmed armrest. And the through-
loading module can be equipped with an optional ski bag.
Climate control: THERMOTRONIC with three individual climate modes
Comfort is all about highly individual preferences. Which is why it is important

for cars to offer their occupants a wide range of personalisation options. The new
E-Class meets this requirement, not only in terms of suspension tuning and seat
adjustability, but also when it comes to climate comfort.
The new E-Class marks the debut of a Mercedes-Benz-developed automatic cli-

mate control system which, as well as being able to set individual temperatures
in three zones (for the driver, the front passenger and the rear passengers), addi-
tionally offers what are referred to as climate modes. This means that, if the op-
tionally available THERMOTRONIC system is fitted, the car occupants can choose
from "Diffuse", "Medium" and "Focus" at the push of a button and thus adjust the
air quantity and air distribution to their liking without having to leave the con-
venient automatic mode.
In "Diffuse" mode, for example, the THERMOTRONIC system operates with a

low air speed and distributes the air over a wide area so that there are fewer
draughts. This is the purpose of the automatically controlled, upwards inclined
diffuse nozzle in the centre of the dashboard. In "Focus" mode, meanwhile, the
air outlets in the centre area of the dashboard are used for the most part, meeting
the need for a direct flow of a larger quantity of air.
Sophisticated sensors are another reason why the three-zone luxury automatic
climate control system does full justice to its name. These ensure that the desired
temperatures set by the occupants remain constant: even the standard-fit THER-
MATIC system features two sensors for the interior temperature, four sensors for

measuring the temperature of the air flowing out of the air outlets and one sensor Page 75
for recording the intensity and direction of the sun's rays, while the THERMO-
TRONIC system for the new E-Class additionally includes a dew-point/moisture
sensor and a pollutant sensor.
The dew-point sensor enables specifically targeted cooling and, if required,

reheating of the inflowing air, meaning that the air conditioning operates even
more economically. The pollutant sensor senses when the carbon monoxide and
nitrogen oxide concentrations in the outside air are too high and, if the level of
these pollutants increases suddenly, closes the air recirculation flap automati-
cally.
Finally, the THERMOTRONIC system is equipped with a separate control panel at

the rear of the centre console, allowing the rear passengers to select their ideal
temperature and – if required – adjust the air quantity manually. This means
they control the special booster in the centre console, which offers five speed set-
tings and, therefore, ensures highly effective climate control in the rear of the car.
Another highlight of the THERMOTRONIC system is the residual heat function:

pressing the "Rest" button heats or ventilates the interior for around 30 minutes
when the engine is switched off.
The standard equipment package for the new E-Class includes THERMATIC two-
zone automatic climate control. With this system on board, the driver and front
passenger can set the desired temperature using the rocker switches on the ele-
gant control panel in the lower section of the centre console. The OLED (organic
light emitting diode) display indicates the programmed levels. If automatic mode
is deactivated, the blower speed and air distribution can also be adjusted by
rocker switch. The "ZONE" function is new: at the push of a button, the tempera-
ture settings are synchronised, and the level selected by the driver is transferred
to the front-passenger side.

Heating output of a modern family house Page 76
The THERMATIC and THERMOTRONIC systems have received a boost in both

heating and cooling output. The heating output has been increased by around ten
percent to eleven kilowatts, equivalent to the power of the central heating system
in a modern family house. In the diesel models and the four-cylinder models with
direct petrol injection, a heat exchanger with six integral PTC heating elements
(PTC = Positive Temperature Coefficient) is also activated when the outside tem-
perature falls below a certain level in order to supplement the heater heat ex-
changer with an electrical output of around 1200 watts. The PTC heating element
is required because, due to their high thermal efficiency, the sophisticated CDI
and CGI engines are very economical on fuel and, therefore, give off much less
heat to warm up the coolant than conventional engines when running under
partial load.
An air-conditioning unit with an output of around 8.4 kilowatts – some five

percent more than the unit used in the predecessor model – ensures rapid cooling
of the interior. The air-conditioning compressor is continuously variable, allowing
on-demand, i.e. economical, operation of the air conditioning. The control is pro-
vided by a solenoid valve which varies the swept volume of the air-conditioning
compressor. In the E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model, Mercedes-Benz uses an
air-conditioning compressor which is disconnected from the engine's belt drive
automatically when no cooling power is required.
Fine-dust particulate filter fitted as standard
A large, hermetically sealed fine-dust combination filter, fitted as standard for

the new E-Class, ensures that the air entering the interior is clean. It is 96 to 98
percent efficient at filtering out particles between five and ten micrometres in
size and 100-percent efficient when it comes to removing ten-micrometre parti-
cles. Thanks to its activated-charcoal coating, the fine-dust combination filter can
also filter out gaseous substances which are the cause of unpleasant odours. The
filter is active on a permanent basis – even in air recirculation mode.

Up to ten electric motors and 18 air outlets for excellent climate comfort Page 77
The cleaned air flows to the centrally arranged evaporator, which cools and,
therefore, also dries the air, depending on the temperature set by the car's occu-
pants. The temperature is then controlled with the help of the heater heat ex-
changer, which sets the desired outlet air temperatures. There are up to ten elec-
tric motors in total, whose job it is to control the cold and warm air flaps in the
mixing zones as well as the air outlets, meaning that practically every air outlet
can be regulated precisely as required. THERMATIC features 18 air outlets for
effective and uniform ventilation of the interior, while THERMOTRONIC includes
two additional rear outlets in the B-pillars.
THERMOTRONIC:
airflow for the three-zone
climate control system
As well as being more effective, the climate control systems for the new E-Class
are also audibly quieter than before. Newly calculated cross-sectional areas for
the air intake, the air ducts and the air-conditioning unit reduce the noise level at
maximum cooling output by around three decibels (dB (A)), for example. In addi-
tion, the air ducting has been lined with acoustic absorption elements and/or
sound-insulating foam.
Dashboard: technology and aesthetics in harmony
Attractive design, a pleasant feel and perfect ergonomics are the three main at-
tributes of the dashboard and the centre console in the new E-Class – a harmoni-

ous blend that is one of the main factors behind the feeling of comfort and Page 78
wellbeing experienced when riding on board the Mercedes Saloon.
As an option, the dashboard can be ordered with a two-tone design: while the
upper section and the centre console are finished in a darker shade, the lighter
contrasting colour used for the knee bolster, glove compartment lid and tunnel
makes these areas really stand out. The surface of the dashboard is made from a
polyurethane foam skin with additional padding. This sophisticated production
process allows both small radii and precise edges, plus it ensures a pleasant feel.
For particularly discerning motorists, Mercedes-Benz offers a dashboard trimmed
in high-quality sheeting with fine topstitching for a perfect finishing touch. This
item is part of the Exclusive package (optional extra), which also includes a fine
Alcantara trim for the roof lining, sun visors and pillar mouldings.
The dashboard incorporates an illuminated glove compartment with a capacity

of around 6.8 litres, which can be cooled by the automatic climate control system.
A twelve-volt outlet and a socket for connecting an external audio device are also
integrated. This is likewise the location of the optional media interface for con-
necting an MP3 player.
One of the main aims of the Mercedes engineers – to fuse elegant design with a
pleasant feel – is reflected in the door panelling. They achieve this aim by com-
bining high-quality materials such as fabric or leather and wood or aluminium
with scratch-resistant plastic boasting a new grain-effect finish. The wide arm-
rests on the door panelling are pleasingly soft to the touch and, therefore, excep-
tionally comfortable. Here the designers have integrated the control panel for the
power windows, the locking/unlocking switch for the doors and the exterior
mirrors so that it looks elegant and is also easy to reach and use. In addition to
the expansive wood or aluminium trim strips at waistline height and the optical
fibres for the ambient lighting in the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models, the
door panelling incorporates a second trim level, adding a further elegant touch
beneath the armrests.

Centre console as command centre for the infotainment and automatic Page 79
climate control systems
The centre console blends in harmoniously with the dashboard form and colour
concept. This is where the controls for the infotainment system and the optionally
available car phone are located, just below the air outlets. Beneath these, the but-
tons for the seat heating, seat ventilation, rear window blind, rear head restraints
and other optional extras are demarcated by a discreet chrome strip. The lower
section of the centre console houses the controls for the standard-fit automatic
climate control system.
A special paint has been used to treat the visible areas of the buttons and con-
trols, giving them a satiny shine and a soft finish. The experts call this "soft-touch
paint". Together with the sophisticated short-stroke buttons, which are easy to
press and have very little travel, this paint helps ensure a pleasant yet precise
feel. They buttons only need to be pressed once to activate or deactivate the func-
tion in question, and they always make a soft "clicking" sound to confirm that the
desired function has been activated.
Every last detail designed for everyday practicality
A wealth of intelligently conceived details in the interior of the new E-Class high-
light the fact that the Saloon has been developed with the customer and, there-
fore, everyday practicality in mind:
• The front-passenger footwell incorporates a practical storage net suitable for

holding an atlas or map. Directly above this is an adjustable plastic bottle
holder.
• In the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models, two stowage boxes, each with
a capacity of around 2.6 litres and suitable for carrying smaller items, are
housed beneath the driver's seat and front-passenger seat.
• Additional coat hooks are built into the B-pillar trims.

• As part of the Sun Protection package (optional extra), Mercedes-Benz sup- Page 80
plies two-piece luxury sun visors for the driver and front passenger, an elec-
trically operated rear window blind, guided on the C-pillars as in the S-Class,
and manually operated roller blinds for the insides of the rear side windows.
They cover over 80 percent of the window area and, therefore, provide highly
effective protection from the sun.
Proven concept for intuitive and reliable control
The aluminium controller on the centre console is one of the core elements of the
tried-and-tested control and display concept which Mercedes-Benz first unveiled
in the S-Class some years ago. It is based on the conviction that technology is
only perfect if people can understand and master its use intuitively. To achieve
this aim, the Mercedes experts have defined four basic principles that underpin
their work:
1. Easy identification of the key control functions

2. Fast availability of the key spontaneous functions
3. Simple and intuitive control of the key functions
4. All the controls in the right place
Key features of the Mercedes control concept include special hotkey-type buttons
which provide fast access to frequently used functions. This is why all the control
and display elements that are necessary or important during a journey are lo-
cated in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver. These include the
switches and stalks for the lights, windscreen wipers, indicators and cruise
control (standard in models with automatic transmission).
Furthermore, in keeping with the "everything in the right place" logic, the
switches and buttons for the power windows, central locking and exterior mirrors
are where one would intuitively look for them: on the doors. In other words, the
driver does not need to learn anything new and, when it comes to the controls
too, feels at home immediately on board the new E-Class.

Multifunction steering wheel with twelve buttons Page 81
Alongside the controller on the centre console, the multifunction steering wheel
is one of the main protagonists of the sophisticated control and display concept.
Its buttons are linked to the central display in the instrument cluster and merely
need to be tapped with a thumb to gain fast access to a wide range of information
displayed right in front of the driver's eyes. The driver uses the left-hand button
in horizontal direction to mark one of the main menus on the central display and
in vertical direction to select the desired submenu. Each selection or setting is ac-
cepted by pressing the "OK" button, while the "Return" button is used to return
quickly to the next-highest menu level.
The buttons on the right-hand side of the multifunction steering wheel are used
for adjusting the volume (vertical), activating the mute function (middle) and
using the car phone (horizontal). Beneath these is an additional button for activat-
ing the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system.
Cockpit with five circular instruments featuring a high-quality

chronometer-style design
There are five instruments in the cockpit to provide the driver with all the neces-
sary information: speedometer (middle), rev counter (right), clock (right), coolant
temperature gauge (far right) and fuel gauge (far left). Thanks to black-panel tech-
nology, the indicator and warning lights assigned to the various circular instru-
ments are not visible during normal driving; the driver only sees these when the
ignition is switched on or if a fault occurs.
In the centre of the speedometer is a two-section central display (4.5-inch) with

a white background, the upper section of which can be used for alternating be-
tween information such as mileage, range, oil level, route distance, driving time,
current fuel consumption, average fuel consumption and average car speed. If the
navigation system is ordered (optional extra), this area of the display also pro-
vides information about the current route. This display can also be used in con-

junction with the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel to select radio Page 82
stations, phone numbers and around 50 individual settings.
The lower section of the central display is used for displaying icons that provide
information about the status of the driver assistance systems as well as digital
readouts of the outside temperature, transmission gear and transmission mode
(if an automatic transmission is fitted). One of the new features is the fuel con-
sumption and gearshift indicator (if the six-speed transmission is specified),
which informs the driver of the current fuel consumption and at what point the
next-highest gear should be selected in order to save fuel and reduce CO2 emis-
sions (also see page 89).
Large colour display for the infotainment functions
In the centre of the dashboard – where it can be easily seen by the driver and the
front passenger – a large colour display in 16:9 format provides information
about all the infotainment system functions. There are two versions of this
sophisticated AM-TFT (Active Matrix Thin Film Transistor) display available,
depending on the equipment specified for the E-Class: a 5.8-inch version for the
Audio 20 and Audio 50 APS devices or a high-resolution 7.0-inch version for
COMAND APS (also see page 82).
The controller on the centre console incorporates the main controls for the info-
tainment systems and allows fast and easy access to the devices' clearly struc-
tured menus. This turn/push control can be moved in eight directions: turning
the controller selects the main menu and submenus on the display, while press-
ing it activates or accepts the displayed function or setting. The "R" and "C" but-
tons in front of the controller are used to exit submenus quickly or delete entries.
As the infotainment control system has been designed redundantly, the car radio,
CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation system can be operated either using
the controller or at the push of a button. This is the purpose of the function but-
tons on the centre console, which are positioned ergonomically so that the driver
can reach them easily without having to take their eyes off the road.

Car radio, CD player and Bluetooth interface as standard Page 83
Information, communication, navigation, entertainment – these four aspects are

now just as important a part of motoring as agile handling, outstanding comfort
or powerful engines, for example. Motorists can no longer do without news, the
telephone, navigation and music whilst driving. This is why Mercedes-Benz
equips the new E-Class with sophisticated infotainment devices that deliver out-
standing performance and, above all, are easy to use. These are called Audio 20
CD (standard equipment), Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS (optional extras).
All of the devices include speed-sensitive volume control, a keypad for entering
telephone numbers and radio frequencies, a colour display in the centre of the
dashboard and a Bluetooth interface to connect a mobile phone to the hands-free
system wirelessly. Eight loudspeakers fitted as standard in the doors deliver su-
perlative sound.
Features of the Audio 20 CD system, fitted as standard in the new E-Class, in-
clude a CD player (with MP3 capability), a dual tuner for FM/MW/LW/SW, auto-
matic station search, RDS function (for FM reception) and a 4 x 20-watt amplifier.
The AUDIO 50 APS infotainment system is an all-in-one device featuring a com-

bination of car radio, DVD player and Europe-wide DVD navigation system. The
radio functions and the options for linking with other systems are the same as for
the Audio 20 system. Mercedes customers who opt for the version with integral
six-disc DVD changer also receive the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control
system.

COMAND APS with even more functions Page 84
The Mercedes-Benz-developed COMAND APS multimedia system includes a DVD

player for audio and video as well as a Europe-wide navigation system whose data
are stored on a 40-gigabyte hard drive, allowing extremely fast access to the
navigation data and, compared to DVD-based navigation, even faster route calcu-
lations. The high-resolution map appears on the 7.0-inch colour display in the
centre of the dashboard and provides useful additional information. By way of
example, the map shows the outlines of prominent buildings along the road to aid
orientation.
In addition, COMAND APS includes a Music Register for around 1000 com-
pressed music tracks in MP3, WMA or AAC format, which can be downloaded
from PC memory cards. The system has a saved database ("Gracenote"), enabling
it to recognise music tracks played from a CD, DVD or the Music Register and
then display the title of the track and the artist on the display. Mercedes-Benz
combines COMAND APS with LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control and a
text-to-speech function as standard, allowing the driver to listen to route-specific
traffic reports, SMS messages, address book entries or station names. New traffic
reports relevant to the current route are read out automatically by the system.
Voice-operated control with whole-word voice input for navigation,

telephone and radio
Mercedes-Benz, one of the inventors of modern voice-operated control systems,

has continued to further develop the LINGUATRONIC system in recent years,
meaning that the navigation system in the new E-Class can now be controlled
based on the principle of whole-word voice input: the driver no longer needs to
spell out the names of countries, towns or streets, but is able to speak them as
whole words. It is just as easy to use the voice-operated control to select a radio
station or an entry in the phone/address book: all available or stored names can
be called up without the need for prior voice-input training.

Additional systems for the ultimate in music enjoyment and entertainment Page 85
As an option, Mercedes customers can combine the infotainment devices that

feature in the E-Class with further systems offering even more information and
entertainment:
• The "Logic7" surround sound system developed by Mercedes-Benz in

partnership with the audio specialist harman/kardon® provides three-
dimensional audio enjoyment noticeable above all by a natural 360-degree
music experience in all seats. It makes no difference if the music is played
from a CD or a DVD or if the disc contains 5.1 surround or normal stereo re-
cordings. The music signals are distributed by a 610-watt amplifier that con-
trols 14 high-performance loudspeakers.
• A media interface in the glove compartment can be used to connect an iPod,

USB stick or other external audio devices to the infotainment system in the
new E-Class. All that is required for this is a suitable cable from the Mercedes
accessories range. The interface includes a control unit that links the external
music memory to the Saloon's on-board electronic and control systems. The
advantage of this is that the titles of the tracks stored on the iPod can be
shown on the colour display in the dashboard and in the instrument cluster,
allowing them to be selected almost effortlessly using the controller and the
buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The battery in the audio device
is charged for as long as the portable music memory is connected to the car
via the media interface.
• A separate DAB tuner (DAB = Digital Audio Broadcasting) and additional

aerials (optional) allow passengers on board the new E-Class to receive digital
radio stations in CD quality. The system switches to analogue reception
automatically when the DAB signal is too weak.

• A newly developed Rear Seat Entertainment System with a DVD player and Page 86
two large colour displays (8.0-inch) in the rear of the front head restraints
makes the ride even more entertaining for the rear passengers in the new
E-Class. The system also includes connection options for external audio or
video devices and for the integration of a TV tuner. If COMAND APS is fitted,
the DVD films and TV programmes (if the TV tuner is specified) played by the
COMAND device can also be viewed by those passengers sitting in the rear
seats.

BlueEFFICIENCY Page 87
Energy management and reduction in emissions:

package of measures for efficient environmental
protection
• Aerodynamics: controllable fan shutter behind the radiator
• Energy management: on-demand control of the ancillary components
• Alternator control: conversion of braking energy
• ECO start/stop function: switches off the idling engine to save fuel
• Cockpit display: information for energy-saving driving
BlueEFFICIENCY – the trademark for exceptionally economical and ecofriendly

Mercedes passenger cars – is a package of measures compiled by development
engineers across all disciplines, the main aims being to reduce weight, aerody-
namic drag and rolling resistance, to further optimise the engine technology, and
to make energy management even more efficient.
The Mercedes commitment to reducing fuel consumption and carbon-dioxide

emissions targets actual driver usage profiles. As part of a large-scale field trial,
the typical driving profiles of Mercedes customers were ascertained and com-
bined in an in-house fuel-consumption test covering a total of almost two million
kilometres. Hence the positive effects of the BlueEFFICIENCY concept are most
noticeable during everyday use of the cars.
For the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has put together an extensive raft of meas-
ures, which is one of the key factors behind the reduction in fuel consumption of
up to 23 percent. From the power steering to the tyres, from the fuel pump to the
alternator, the development engineers scrutinised a wide range of components to
determine if and how lightweight designs, new forms, more efficient control or
enhanced functioning could be employed to save fuel. Although many of the indi-
vidual measures only improved fuel economy by the odd percentage point or two,
together they add up to a substantial saving.

Lower aerodynamic drag: fan shutter behind the radiator Page 88
The aerodynamic drag of a car rises by the square of the car's speed and, at just
80 km/h, accounts for around 50 percent of all drag and rolling resistance. These
figures show just how important aerodynamics are when it comes to fuel con-
sumption and CO2 emissions – especially when driving at higher speeds. Reduc-
ing the drag coefficient (cd figure) by 0.01 only brings about a fuel saving of 0.04
litres per 100 kilometres in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) due to the
low average speed of 33 km/h; however, in the real world – for example at a
motorway speed of 130 km/h – this reduction in the cd figure equates to a fuel
saving of up to 0.15 litres per 100 kilometres.
By performing computer calculations and meticulous work in the wind tunnel,

the Mercedes engineers have succeeded in aerodynamically optimising the body
of the new E-Class (also see page 49). The overall result is impressive to say the
least: the cd figure for the Saloon is just 0.25 – significantly lower than the
figures achieved by other saloons in this vehicle category.
One of the main reasons behind this outstandingly low drag coefficient is the
new, electropneumatically controlled fan shutter. Its development is based on
the knowledge that the air flowing through the radiator and the engine compart-
ment accounts for up to ten percent of a car body's total aerodynamic drag. The
fan shutter allows the engine's cooling air quantity to be limited in line with
requirements, thus saving fuel. In essence, this means that, when the engine is
running under part load and requires relatively little cooling, the radiator grille is
closed by a circular system of louvres located behind the radiator. For minimum
cooling, the shutter allows just a small amount of residual air to enter the engine
compartment, but opens completely when the sensors signal that more cooling air
is required.
The fact that the area around the radiator is hermetically sealed ensures that the
fan shutter works extremely effectively, allowing precise control of the air flow-
ing into the engine compartment.

When the fan shutter is closed, the cd figure falls by 0.013, which is equivalent to Page 89
a fuel saving of up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres when travelling at the motor-
way speed of 130 km/h. The fan shutter is fitted as standard on the four-cylinder
models and on the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model.
Energy management: intelligent detail solutions beneath the bonnet
The most important aspect when trying to save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions is
to avoid unnecessary energy losses – both internal losses caused by friction in
the powertrain and losses due to drag and rolling resistance.
By way of example, the use of a turbocharger in place of the previous mechani-

cal supercharger in the new models with direct petrol injection allows more effi-
cient energy management, since the mechanical drive power from the belt drive
required to operate the supercharger is no longer needed. The biggest plus point
in favour of the new four-cylinder engines is the homogeneously operated direct
injection system, which brings about a major increase in thermodynamic effi-
ciency compared to the previous port injection system. The fuel vaporising in the
cylinders lowers the temperature in the combustion chambers, thereby reducing
the engine's tendency to knock and allowing higher compression. The engine de-
velopers have succeeded in cutting fuel consumption further still by incorporat-
ing an intelligent thermal management system which prevents coolant from
being pumped through the cylinders when the engine is cold, meaning that the
combustion chambers heat up more quickly.
Part of the BlueEFFICIENCY concept involved optimising the automatic trans-

missions for the new E-Class: the newly developed converter for the five-speed
automatic transmission reduces hydraulic losses and, therefore, uses up less fuel.
For the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission in the E 350 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY model, Mercedes-Benz has developed a standstill decoupling
function: when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in a traffic jam, for exam-
ple, the transmission switches to "N" position so as to reduce the engine load.

The standard-fit power steering system is based on an intelligent solution Page 90
designed to prevent energy losses and, therefore, cut fuel consumption. Unlike
conventional steering systems, in which the power steering pumps operate at
full power on a permanent basis, the power steering pump in the new E-Class fea-
tures an additional valve for on-demand control. This means that, when the driver
does not require steering assistance – when driving straight ahead, for example –
an electronic control unit minimises the operating power of the power steering
pump. The advantage of this system is that the engine does not need to provide
energy (or only needs to supply very little energy) to drive the pump. However,
the delivery rate of the power steering pump is increased again spontaneously
when the driver moves the steering wheel. In this instance too, the system oper-
ates on-demand, adjusting itself in line with the current steering angle, engine
speed and vehicle speed.
The same basic principle applies to the automatic climate control system in the
new E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model: if the air conditioning system does not
require any cooling power, the air-conditioning compressor is disengaged from
the engine's belt drive.
In order to ensure on-demand energy management, Mercedes-Benz uses con-

trolled fuel pumps in the petrol engines for the E-Class (the diesel engines will
also incorporate this feature from autumn 2009 onwards). In this setup, the
engine control unit only calls for the maximum pump output during full-load
operation. In other driving situations, the pump adapts the delivery volume and
pressure in line with requirements, resulting in a fuel saving of 0.15 litres per
100 kilometres (NEDC).
Energy recuperation: power from braking energy
Each time the car is braked, kinetic energy is converted into heat and therefore
goes to waste. This is why the E-Class incorporates efficient alternator manage-
ment. This means that, whenever the engine is coasting and whenever the vehi-
cle is braked, the voltage level in the vehicle electrical system is increased and
the battery is charged. This increased alternator load assists the driver with brak-

ing and also helps to recuperate part of the braking energy, which is converted Page 91
into electrical energy. This is why the experts refer to recuperation. Conversely,
the alternator switches to no-load operation in certain situations – for example
when accelerating or when the battery charge level is high – thus relieving the
strain on the drive system. This process saves fuel to the tune of around 0.1 litres
per 100 kilometres on paper (NEDC) and up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres when
on the road in city traffic, where coasting and braking are more frequent than in
the NEDC test cycle.
Energy saving: engine switched off at traffic lights and tips for economical
driving displayed in the cockpit
To reduce fuel consumption when the engine is idling, Mercedes-Benz has

developed the ECO start/stop function for the new E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
model: the direct-injection petrol engine is switched off as soon as the driver
applies the brakes, shifts the manual transmission to neutral and releases the
clutch; however, the engine is restarted as soon as the driver depresses the
clutch. What's more, thanks to direct-start technology, the Mercedes-Benz-
developed system operates spontaneously and with little noise: fuel is injected
directly and ignited during the piston's compression stroke, allowing the engine
to be started with only very little assistance from the starter. The
E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model is only started conventionally – with longer
starter assistance and fuel injection during the suction stroke – in operating
ranges that do not allow an automatic start function to be used, for example when
the engine is cold.
The tyres also help to minimise fuel consumption. The E-Class is fitted with
newly developed tyres whose rolling resistance has been reduced by up to
17 percent without impairing their outstanding handling and braking
characteristics.

Finally, drivers can also help to save fuel, aided in the new E-Class by a display Page 92
in the centre of the speedometer, which indicates the current fuel consumption –
in litres per 100 kilometres. Drivers are therefore aware of whether they are
driving fuel-efficiently or not. In addition to showing this information, the display
also advises the driver when to change up a gear. Mercedes-Benz "ECO driver
training" courses have shown that adopting an economical and energy-efficient
driving style alone can cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent on average.

Drive system Page 93
Less fuel and more driving pleasure: sophisti-

cated engine technology reduces consumption
and exhaust gas emissions
• Fuel consumption: 23 percent lower than in the predecessor model
• Torque: 25 percent more in the new E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model
• Direct injection: eight of nine engines with CGI technology
• Emission control: BlueTEC for the cleanest diesel in this class
• Transmissions: new technology for fuel-efficient motoring
"Less is more". This slogan certainly proves true when looking under the bonnet
of the E-Class. That's because the newly developed and modified four-cylinder
powerplants have a higher output than the previous six-cylinder units, despite
the reduction in displacement. Plus they return impressive fuel-consumption fig-
ures that were previously only achievable in the compact-car class. The Mercedes
strategy is to use turbocharged engines with lower displacement in place of high-
displacement, non-turbocharged engines. Key benefits of the concept include
lighter weight, reduced internal friction and a more economical fuel-consumption
map.
The new four-cylinder diesel engine in the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model,
for example, is proof that the plans have worked out successfully: with an output
of 150 kW/204 hp, a peak torque of 500 Nm and a displacement of 2.1 litres, it
develops around seven percent more power and delivers 25 percent more torque
than the previous V6 diesel engine with a displacement of three litres whilst
consuming around 23 percent less fuel: just 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC
combined figure), making it far more fuel-efficient than comparable saloons in
this performance class. The CO2 emissions figure for the new four-cylinder diesel
models is 139 grams per kilometre – up to 24 percent lower than the figures
achieved by the previous CDI models.

In the case of the petrol models too, "more power and more driving pleasure Page 94
with even lower fuel consumption" proves to be the perfect formula: the
E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model with direct petrol injection has a displace-
ment of 1.8 litres and an output of 135 kW/184 hp yet consumes a mere 6.8 litres
of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined
figure). Plus the CO2 emissions figures for the four-cylinder petrol models are
more than a fifth lower than those for the outgoing models.
As with carbon dioxide emissions, the engines for the new E-Class have also
taken a further major step towards the future when it comes to exhaust gas
emissions: all of the powerplants meet the requirements of the EU 5 standard,
whose limits are up to 80 percent more stringent than those in previous stan-
dards. And with the new E 350 BlueTEC, Mercedes-Benz offers the world's
cleanest diesel, undercutting the limits of the EU 6 standard, which is not even
due to come into force until 2014.
Diesel engines: newly developed four-cylinder model with a choice of three

power outputs
The newly developed diesel engine extends the range of four-cylinder CDI units
for the E-Class to three. These engines span the power output range from
100 kW/136 hp to 150 kW/204 hp; fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in all
the new four-cylinder diesel engines have been reduced to just 5.3 litres per
100 kilometres and 139 grams per kilometre respectively (NEDC combined fuel
consumption).
The technical advances made by the Mercedes-Benz engine designers responsible

for this new four-cylinder diesel unit can also be seen in the performance figures:
the most powerful variant, with an output of 150 kW/204 hp, outperforms its
predecessor by 20 percent yet has the same displacement. Plus the peak torque
has been increased by 25 percent from 400 to 500 Nm. When it comes to specific
output too, the powerplant posts a new record: 70 kW/95 hp and 233 Nm per
litre of displacement.

The new engines are characterised by high output, agile response and exceptional Page 95
pulling power. Plus they are exceptionally refined for four-cylinder units. Then
there is the highly impressive agility, reflected in the performance figures, for
example: the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in
just 7.7seconds. The E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY developing 125 kW/170 PS
takes 8.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standing start, while the E 200 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY completes the burst from zero to 100 km/h in 10.7 seconds.
A wealth of innovative technologies has been implemented to enable the four-

cylinder diesel engines to achieve their exceptional power and torque characteris-
tics, economy, emissions performance and refinement, including new develop-
ments that do not currently feature in any other standard-production diesel
engine for passenger cars.
Fourth-generation common-rail technology with piezo injectors
This series of four-cylinder engines sees Mercedes-Benz introducing fourth-

generation common-rail direct injection into series production. One of its hall-
marks is a 400-bar increase in the maximum rail pressure, which now stands at
2000 bar for the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
models. This increased pressure potential was a key factor in raising the engine
output to up to 150 kW/204 hp and the peak torque to 500 Nm whilst also
achieving a significant cut in untreated emissions.
Newly developed piezo injectors are key components in the latest CDI genera-
tion. They use their piezoceramic properties to change their crystal structure –
and therefore their thickness – in a matter of nanoseconds when electrical volt-
age is applied. The injectors are equipped with a stack of thin piezoceramic layers
(called the "piezo stack") to enable them to achieve a sufficient overall lift from
the very small lift per layer. In contrast to the systems commonly used to date,
this lift activates the nozzle needle directly, so that the fuel injection can be ad-
justed more precisely in line with the current load and engine-speed situation –
for example by means of precise multiple injections, which have a favourable
effect on emissions, fuel consumption and combustion noise. What's more, the

engine is far quieter when idling than its predecessor. Page 96
Another key factor behind the impressive output and fuel consumption at full
load with respect to emissions is the maximum ignition pressure. And, with 200
bar, the new four-cylinder diesel unit from Mercedes-Benz is among the leading
contenders in the field of passenger-car diesel engines.
Impressive torque yield thanks to two-stage turbocharging
The new diesel engine in the E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY models marks the debut of two-stage turbocharging in a
standard-production diesel engine for passenger cars at Mercedes-Benz. The aim
is to achieve further advantages compared to a single-stage turbocharger, for
example a further improvement in start-up performance and peak output. A
single-stage turbocharger with variable nozzle turbines is used in the
E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model. The lower engine power allows a smaller
turbocharger to be used and, therefore, ensures likewise excellent start-up per-
formance.
The compact module for the new two-stage turbocharger consists of a small high-
pressure (HP) turbocharger and a large low-pressure (LP) turbocharger. These
are connected in series, and each has a turbine and a compressor driven by this
turbine. The HP turbine is located directly at the exhaust manifold and initially
allows exhaust gas to flow through it; it then rotates at up to 215,000 revolutions
per minute. The HP turbine housing features an integral bypass duct, which can
be opened or closed by means of a charge-pressure control flap triggered by a
vacuum cell. If the flap is closed, the whole exhaust stream flows through the HP
turbine, meaning that the exhaust-gas energy is available solely for the HP tur-
bine drive. This means that the optimum charge pressure can be built up at low
engine revs.
As the engine speed increases, the charge-pressure control flap opens, primar-
ily to prevent the HP turbocharger from becoming overloaded. A portion of the
exhaust stream then flows through the bypass duct to relieve the HP section.

Downstream of the HP turbine, the two exhaust gas streams join up again, and Page 97
any remaining exhaust gas energy drives the HP turbine at a maximum speed of
up to 185,000 revolutions per minute. To protect against overloading, the LP
turbine is also equipped with a bypass, which is opened or closed by means of a
wastegate. Once the engine reaches medium revs, the HP turbine's charge-
pressure control flap is opened so wide that the HP turbine ceases to perform any
appreciable work. This allows the full exhaust gas energy to be directed with low
losses into the LP turbine, which then does all of the turbine work.
The two compressors are likewise connected in series and are in addition con-
nected to a bypass duct. The combustion air from the air cleaner first flows
through the low-pressure compressor, where it is compressed as a function of the
LP turbine's operating energy input. This pre-compressed air then passes into the
high-pressure compressor, which is coupled to the HP turbine, where it under-
goes further compression – the result is a genuine two-stage turbocharging
process.
The key benefit of this sophisticated, on-demand control of the combustion air
supply by means of two turbochargers is the improved cylinder charging and,
consequently, a high torque even at low revs. What's more, fuel consumption is
reduced. During normal operation, the advantages of this concept can be seen in
the harmonious driving characteristics without turbo lag, a good torque curve
across the entire engine speed range, spontaneous throttle response and
noticeably improved performance.
As a logical addition to the turbocharger system, Mercedes-Benz installs a larger

intercooler than the one seen in the previous models, which reduces the tem-
perature of the compressed and heated air by around 140 degrees Celsius so that
a larger volume of air can enter the combustion chambers.

Lower NOx emissions thanks to cooled exhaust gas recirculation Page 98
The newly developed EGR valve works like a rotary disc valve and ensures pre-
cise control of the fresh air and recirculated exhaust gas. So as to optimise the
quantity of exhaust gas recirculated and thereby achieve high recirculation rates,
the exhaust gases are cooled down as required in a highly efficient heat ex-
changer with a large cross-sectional area. Together with the HFM (hot-film air-
mass sensor) module integrated in the fresh-air ducting, which provides the
engine control unit with precise information about the current fresh-air mass, this
setup brings about a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions.
The combustion air subsequently flows into the charge-air distributor module,
which supplies air to each cylinder in a uniform manner. Built into the distributor
module is an electrically controlled intake port shutoff, which allows the cross-
sectional area of each cylinder's intake port to be smoothly reduced in size. This
alters the swirl of the combustion air in such a way as to ensure that the charge
movement in the cylinders is set for optimum combustion and exhaust emissions
across the full range of engine loads and speeds.
The advantages of a rear-mounted camshaft drive
Another of the highlights of the new four-cylinder diesel engine is the rear-
mounted camshaft drive, which allows statutory pedestrian protection require-
ments to be met when the engine is installed longitudinally and the bonnet rises
from front to rear. The valve timing mechanism is another new development
and reduces friction at the 16 intake and exhaust valves, which are controlled by
one overhead intake camshaft and one overhead exhaust camshaft acting via cam
followers featuring hydraulic valve clearance compensation. The camshaft,
Lanchester balancer and the ancillary assemblies are driven by a combination of
gearwheels and just a short drive chain.
The switchable water pump, another highlight of the new Mercedes diesel en-
gine, helps to quickly heat up the combustion chambers and the friction partners
as well as reducing fuel consumption and untreated emissions. The pistons are

cooled by an oil pump with a central control valve for all four piston-cooling Page 99
sprayer units with large oil-spray nozzles. It creates identical, thermal boundary
conditions for all cylinders. The generous dimensions ensure optimum piston
cooling, even at full load, and make for a long service life. What's more, the
controlled oil pump reduces the oil flow rate and, therefore, consumption.
Six-cylinder CDI engine: higher output and torque but lower fuel consumption
In a similar vein, the V6 diesel engine for the new E-Class is one of the most so-
phisticated compression-ignition units on the world market. It offers substantially
greater output, comfort and driving enjoyment than other engines thanks to the
immense torque of 540 Nm alone, which is available between 1600 and 2400
rpm, ensuring outstanding agility when accelerating from rest and exemplary
flexibility when accelerating in any gear. To put this into figures, the E 350 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY model (170 kW/231 hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8
seconds.
Despite the higher output and torque, fuel consumption has been reduced by
0.5 litres to 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure), equivalent to
179 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic trans-
mission is specified as standard for the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model.
The Mercedes engineers have gone to great lengths to optimise the technology at
the heart of the V6 diesel engine, reducing the compression from 17.7 to 15.5,
enhancing the turbocharger with a more efficient EGR cooling zone, switchable
bypass duct, ceramic glow system, modified injection nozzles and optimised air
ducting.
E 350 BlueTEC meets the requirements of the EU6 emission standard
BlueTEC is a key concept for the future of the diesel engine. Thanks to the highly
efficient emission control system developed by Mercedes-Benz, the compression-
ignition models meet the strictest of emission requirements, making them the
world's cleanest diesel cars. This technology will be available for the E-Class in

the new E 350 BlueTEC model with V6 diesel engine from autumn 2009 onwards. Page 100
In this model variant, the powerplant has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and pro-
vides its maximum torque of 540 Nm from 1600 rpm. Fuel consumption in the
E 350 BlueTEC model with seven-speed automatic transmission is 7.0 litres per
100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined figure), while the CO2 emissions
figure is 183 grams per kilometre.
For its installation in the BlueTEC model, the V6 engine has been modified in de-
tail, among other things to further reduce in-engine untreated emissions and to
meet the statutory requirements with respect to on-board diagnostics (OBD). The
emission control system features a close-coupled oxidation catalytic converter
and a diesel particulate filter which is located in the firewall area. Regeneration
times are reduced as a result.
At the heart of the BlueTEC system are two SCR catalytic converters (SCR =
Selective Catalytic Reduction) and an upstream "AdBlue®" injector. "AdBlue®" is
an aqueous urea solution which converts the nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the SCR
catalytic converters into harmless nitrogen through a process of reduction. The
complex exhaust gas aftertreatment process is monitored and diagnosed by
several sensors, including a differential pressure sensor and an oxygen sensor
as well as NOX and temperature sensors.
The BlueTEC system for

the new E-Class: two SCR
catalytic converters on the
underbody
Nitrogen oxide sensor

SCR catalytic converters
Oxidation catalytic converter
Nitrogen oxide sensor

Particulate filter

For the "AdBlue®" additive, the E 350 BlueTEC is installed with an additional Page 101
25-litre tank equipped with a diaphragm pump, valve, pressure and temperature
sensor, and an electric heater. The latter prevents the 33-percent urea solution
from freezing at low temperatures. The tank is refilled as part of the scheduled
maintenance programme.
The range of diesel engines for the new E-Class at a glance:
E 200 CDI* E 220 CDI* E 250 CDI E 350 CDI E 350*

BlueEFFICIENCY BlueEFFICIENCY BlueEFFICIENCY BlueEFFICIENCY BlueTEC
Engine/cylinders Diesel/4 in-line Diesel/4 in-line Diesel/4 in-line Diesel/V6 Diesel/V6
Transmission 6-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed manual 7-speed 7-speed

standard automatic automatic
Displacement 2143 cc 2143 cc 2143 cc 2987 cc 2987 cc
Rated output 100 kW/136 hp 125 kW/170 hp 150 kW/204 hp 170 kW/231 hp 155 kW/211 hp
Rated torque 360 Nm at 400 Nm at 500 Nm at 540 Nm at 540 Nm at

1400-2600 rpm 1400-2800 rpm 1600-1800 rpm 1600-2400 rpm 1600-2400 rpm
Fuel consumption** 5.3 l/100 km 5.3 l/100 km 5.3-5.5 l/100 km 6.8-7.1 l/100 km 7.0 l/100 km
CO2 emissions*** 139 g/km 139 g/km 139-144 g/km 179-186 g/km 183 g/km
Emission standard EU 5 EU 5 EU 5 EU 5 EU 6
*provisional figures; **NEDC combined fuel consumption;

***NEDC
Petrol engines: new four-cylinder units with direct injection
CGI appears at the end of the model designation of the four- and six-cylinder en-
gines for the new E-Class, signifying that Mercedes-Benz uses direct petrol injec-
tion for these powerplants -- a technology which allows further advances when it
comes to reducing petrol consumption.
Compared to conventional port injection, direct fuel injection allows higher com-
pression and, therefore, improved thermodynamic efficiency, saving motorists
money at the pump: the new four-cylinder direct-injection powerplants for the

E-Class consume up to 21 percent less fuel than the comparable engines installed Page 102
in the outgoing model. In the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model (150 kW/
204 hp), Mercedes-Benz has replaced the previous V6 2.5-litre engine with a four-
cylinder 1.8-litre unit yet still manages to increase torque by over 26 percent.
This result reveals a further Mercedes strategy for the future: the use of turbo-
chargers in small-displacement engines.
The new four-cylinder petrol engines combine excellent economy with out-
standing power delivery and agility, as highlighted by the performance figures for
the E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models:
• E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 0 to 100 km/h: 8.7 seconds

• E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY: 0 to 100 km/h: 7.7 seconds
Mercedes-Benz equips the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model with a five-speed

automatic transmission, while the E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model features a
six-speed manual transmission and the ECO start/stop function (also see page
90), which shuts off the engine automatically when it is idling, thus making a
significant contribution towards saving fuel.
Variable camshaft adjustment and intelligent thermal management
The four-cylinder engines are made almost entirely of aluminium: the crankcase
is made of cast aluminium, while a special, high-strength aluminium alloy is used
for the cylinder head. Two forged overhead camshafts with variable adjustment
are used to control the 16 valves. A vane-type adjuster with integrated control
valve allows fast and smooth adjustment of the timing, ensuring that it is always
at the optimum setting. This setup has two advantages: firstly, the variable cam-
shaft adjustment enables a high torque yield even at low revs; secondly, this
technology allows high specific outputs. The valves are controlled by means of
cam followers and feature maintenance-free, hydraulic valve clearance compensa-
tion.

The Mercedes engineers have paid special attention to the engine's warm-up Page 103
governor because it affects fuel consumption. This is why the new direct-
injection petrol model features an electronically controlled thermostat to ensure
that circulation of the coolant is stopped when the engine is cold. This setup
allows the engine oil to heat up quickly and, therefore, minimises in-engine fric-
tion. This intelligent thermal management system is logic-controlled. In other
words, it is based on driving style, ambient temperatures and other parameters.
The turbocharger module is welded to the exhaust manifold on the engine's

exhaust side and features a wastegate valve and a deceleration air function for
controlling the pressure characteristics. There were very good reasons for using a
turbocharger in place of the previously installed mechanical supercharger – not
least the higher efficiency as the engine does not need to provide the extra drive
power required for the mechanical supercharger. What's more, the turbocharger
takes up far less space than the supercharger, weighs around four kilograms
lighter and, in addition, also offers better noise and vibration characteristics.
The Mercedes engineers brought about a noticeable improvement in the turbo-
charger's bottom-end response by incorporating newly developed turbine geome-
try and a cylinder-flushing process.
Injection pressure of up to 140 bar and new multi-hole injectors
Mercedes-Benz has a long tradition in the field of direct petrol injection. As early
as the mid-1950s, the Stuttgart manufacturer unveiled this technology in the
300 SL, the legendary "Gullwing" model. This classic sports car was the first se-
ries-produced automobile to feature a four-stroke engine with direct injection --
a sensational development that boosted the six-cylinder powerpack's output
significantly.
In the direct-injection system, the air and fuel are not mixed until they reach the
combustion chambers. With the help of an injector, the fuel is injected into the
cylinders at an angle of 30 degrees and, depending on the engine operating char-
acteristics, at a pressure of up to 140 bar. Here the fuel droplets and the air parti-
cles form a mixture which is guided to the spark plugs via specially shaped re-

cesses in the pistons. By way of comparison, the fuel pressure in a four-cylinder Page 104
engine incorporating conventional injection technology is approximately 3.8 bar.
In order to ensure optimum swirl in the mixture, thus making combustion fast
and as complete as possible, the CGI engines have intake ports with specially cal-
culated flow characteristics. An adjustable swirl flap is also used so as to pro-
duce high turbulence in certain operating ranges and thus improve the combus-
tion process. The high-pressure fuel pump is driven by the intake camshaft, while
a quantity control valve integrated in the pump module ensures on-demand me-
tering of the fuel supply. A pressure regulator with its own sensor, monitored by
the engine control unit, controls the pressure in the fuel line (rail), which is di-
rectly connected to the multi-hole solenoid injectors. The four-cylinder direct-
injection units operate in the homogeneous range, in other words with a
stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio of 14.6 : 1 (Lambda = 1), which is important for
emission control by means of three-way catalytic converter. The new four-
cylinder direct-injection engines meet the requirements of the EU5 emission
standard.
Balancer in the crankcase and controlled oil pump
In addition to exemplary power delivery, low fuel consumption and low exhaust
emissions, the new Mercedes four-cylinder engines have a further advantage,
namely outstanding refinement thanks in no small part to the newly developed
Lanchester balancer: two forged shafts supported in three bearings, which are
arranged below the crank mechanism and counter-rotate at twice the crankshaft
speed. In so doing, they compensate for the inertia forces which are caused by the
motion of the pistons, for example, and can lead to irritating vibrations. The alu-
minium housing that contains the bearing-mounted balancer shafts is located in
the oil sump, where it is bolted to the crankcase from below. The crankcase also
contains the controlled engine oil pump, which is driven by one of the two shafts
by means of a gear pair.

CGI six-cylinder engine with spray-guided direct petrol injection Page 105
The E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model is equipped with the world's first petrol
engine to feature spray-guided direct injection. The six-cylinder powerplant de-
velops 215 kW/292 hp and provides a peak torque of 365 Nm from 3000 rpm.
Thanks to the state-of-the-art engine technology, which Mercedes-Benz has modi-
fied right down to the last detail, fuel consumption is reduced to between 8.5
and 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined figure), which is 0.5 litres per
100 kilometres less than the figure achieved by the outgoing model. These exem-
plary performance and fuel-consumption figures are achieved using cost-efficient
premium unleaded petrol (RON 95).
What's more, the highly economical and environmentally compatible CGI

powerplant provides a unique driving experience: it takes the
E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model just 6.8 seconds to accelerate from
0 to 100 km/h.
Stratified-charge mode, even at higher engine speeds, thanks to multiple

injection
Mercedes-Benz was the first car manufacturer to introduce spray-guided direct

petrol injection into series production in 2006. Thanks to higher thermodynamic
efficiency, this technology allows better use of the fuel and, therefore, lower fuel
consumption and lower exhaust gas emissions. The key benefit of the six-cylinder
engine is delivered in stratified-charge mode, when the powerplant operates
with a high degree of excess air and, therefore, extremely fuel-efficiently. This
advantageous "lean-burn operation" is now also possible when the Mercedes
direct-injection unit is running in higher engine speed and load ranges because
the combustion chambers are supplied with fuel several times in succession
within a fraction of a second in every combustion cycle, thus improving mixture
formation, combustion and consumption.
Fast and precise piezo injectors are among the key components of the second-
generation direct petrol injection system. They open their nozzle points outwards,

forming an annular gap that is mere micrometres in size, shaping the jet of fuel Page 106
and ensuring its even, hollow-cone-shaped dispersion. Thanks to their ability to
switch within milliseconds, the piezo injectors also allow the multiple injection
that is also of benefit for lean-burn operation, thus playing a crucial role in
achieving the engine's exemplary consumption figures. A high-pressure pump
with downstream distributor and pressure valve supplies the fuel and ensures on-
demand flow control. With a level of up to 200 bar, the system's fuel pressure is
several times higher than that in a conventional port injection system.
The combustion process with several injections in succession per combustion cy-
cle developed by Mercedes engineers also enhances the refinement and emission
characteristics of the V6 engine. Tests show that untreated emissions (hydrocar-
bons) are reduced by more than half in the warm-up phase. Plus the specifically
targeted injection and combustion control allows higher temperatures in the ex-
haust manifold, ensuring faster heating of the catalytic converters.
Emissions are controlled by two close-coupled three-way catalytic converters

with linear lambda control, which are activated immediately after a cold start.
Mercedes-Benz reduces nitrogen-oxide emissions by means of two-pipe electri-
cally controlled exhaust gas recirculation, which directs up to 40 percent of the
exhaust gases back into the cylinders, depending on the engine's operation, and
by means of two NOx storage catalytic converters on the underbody. During
lean-burn operation, these catalytic converters absorb the nitrogen oxides and re-
release them in short regeneration phases so that they react chemically to form
harmless nitrogen.
Four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment, a two-
stage intake manifold, a balancer shaft and intelligent thermal management are
further highlights of the V6 engine with direct injection. The crankcase and
cylinder head are made of aluminium; the cylinders are equipped with liners that
have a low-friction aluminium-silicon coating.

Precision-modified eight-cylinder engine Page 107
The eight-cylinder unit in the E 500 model – the flagship powerplant in the new
generation of Mercedes-Benz V engines – incorporates an extensive technology
package to create a blend of high output and torque yield with exemplary refine-
ment and effortlessly superior agility. The extent of the powerplant's capability is
highlighted by the performance figures for the new top-of-the-range E-Class
model, which is equipped with the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission as
standard:
• 0 to 100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
By incorporating an intelligent valve-timing concept, the Mercedes engineers

achieve advances that are a major factor behind the excellent torque and output
characteristics. An optimum supply of fresh gas for the cylinders is assured
thanks to four-valve technology and, above all, continuously variable and con-
tinuous intake and exhaust camshaft adjustment. The valves always open at the
just the right time, in line with the current driving situation, thus substantially
improving the gas cycle in the combustion chambers and reducing the amount of
lost energy.
The "quadruple" continuously variable camshaft adjustment process is further

enhanced by shifting camshafts, which are used to enable opening of the ex-
haust valves and, therefore, further improve the engine's gas cycle. The exhaust
cams are designed so that the valves open at different times during the exhaust
process, depending on the firing order. As a consequence, the pressure fluctua-
tions inherent in a V8 engine's exhaust train are reduced. Thanks to a more con-
stant residual-gas content, a higher knock limit and improved bottom-end and
mid-range cylinder charging, the shifting camshafts increase the V8 engine's
torque and refinement. The effective mean pressure at 2000 rpm, for example, is
around six percent (10.3 : 11.0 bar) higher than in a comparable engine not fitted
with shifting camshafts.

The key data for the new E-Class petrol models at a glance: Page 108
E 200 CGI* E 250 CGI* E 350 CGI E 500

BlueEFFICIENCY BlueEFFICIENCY BlueEFFICIENCY
Engine/cylinders Petrol/4 in-line Petrol/4 in-line Petrol/V6 Petrol/V8
Transmission 6-speed manual 5-speed 7-speed 7-speed

standard automatic automatic automatic
Displacement 1796 cc 1796 cc 3498 cc 5461 cc
Rated output 135 kW/184 hp 150 kW/204 hp 215 kW/292 hp 285 kW/388 hp
Rated torque 270 Nm at 310 Nm at 365 Nm at 530 Nm at

1800-4600 rpm 2000-4300 rpm 3000-5100 rpm 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel consumption** 6.8 l/100 km 7.3 l/100 km 8.5-8.8 l/100 km 10.9-11.2 l/100 km
CO2 emissions*** 159 g/km 174 g/km 199-205 g/km 256-261 g/km
Emission standard EU 5 EU 5 EU 5 EU 5

***NEDC
Modified manual transmission and consumption-optimised automatic
The Mercedes engineers have adapted the tried-and-tested six-speed manual

transmission to suit the high torques of the four-cylinder engines. For instance,
they equip the new E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model with a modified transmis-
sion which, thanks to more effective gearing, a dual-mass flywheel and a larger
clutch, is capable of transmitting the peak torque of 500 Nm. On account of the
larger gears, the transmission is around 78 millimetres longer than its counter-
part for the other four-cylinder models.
The five-speed automatic transmission, available as an option for the petrol

models and four-cylinder diesel models (standard for the E 250 CGI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY) has likewise been precision-modified and features a newly developed
converter that reduces the hydraulic losses and, therefore, operates even more
fuel-efficiently than previously.

Standard equipment for the new V6 and V8 E-Class models includes a seven- Page 109
speed automatic transmission. In "C" mode, the 7G-TRONIC offers a consump-
tion-optimised transmission mode that is always active after the engine is started.
Earlier upshifts mean the powerplant operates at a lower engine speed level and,
therefore, consumes less fuel. A further new development is the standstill de-
coupling function: if the car is stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic, for ex-
ample, the transmission shifts to "N" position and thus reduces the engine load.
4MATIC: new all-wheel-drive technology saves up to 0.9 litres of fuel per

100 kilometres
For the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers a new generation of the 4MATIC all-wheel-
drive system, which is even more efficient, even lighter and even more compact
than the previously installed all-wheel-drive technology. These advantages over
the outgoing model are evident in the improved traction and lower fuel consump-
tion.
Three of the models are available with all-wheel drive: the E 350 4MATIC with a
six-cylinder engine developing 200 kW/272 hp consumes 9.7 litres of premium
unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined figure), making
it 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres more economical than before.
In the case of the E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY model (170 kW/231 hp),
the fuel saving compared to the comparable predecessor model amounts to
0.6 litres per 100 kilometres. The V6 direct-injection diesel engine posts a fuel
consumption figure of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres (provisional NEDC combined
figures). With the E 500 4MATIC model, meanwhile, the Mercedes engineers
have succeeded in reducing the fuel consumption by 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres
compared to the outgoing model.

The new E-Class 4MATIC models at a glance: Page 110
E 350 CDI E 350 4MATIC* E 500 4MATIC*

4MATIC*
BlueEFFICIENCY
Engine/cylinders Diesel/V6 Petrol/V6 Petrol/V8
Transmission 7-speed automatic 7-speed automatic 7-speed automatic

standard
Displacement 2987 cc 3498 cc 5461 cc
Rated output 170 kW/231 hp 200 kW/272 hp 285 kW/388 hp
Rated torque 540 Nm at 350 Nm at 530 Nm at

1600-2400 rpm 2400–5000 rpm 2800-4800 rpm
Fuel consumption** 7.3 l/100 9.7 l/100 km 11.4 l/100 km
CO2 emissions*** 193 g/km 229 g/km 269 g/km
Emission standard EU 5 EU 5 EU 5

***NEDC
The latest-generation 4MATIC is a Mercedes development that only adds

50 to 70 kilograms of extra weight (depending on model) and boasts a compact
design that takes up very little space in the transfer case area. It can therefore be
installed without any modifications to the body and without impeding the front-
passenger footwell. What's more, the compact design makes for lower noise and
vibration levels.
The permanent all-wheel-drive system, which works in tandem with the standard-
fit Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), really comes into its own in poor weather
conditions such as rain, snow or black ice as well as when starting off, accelerat-
ing, cornering at speed or driving on poor road surfaces. In these situations, the
electronically controlled 4MATIC system greatly enhances traction, directional
stability and road adhesion.
These exemplary handling qualities go hand in hand with hallmark Mercedes

comfort thanks on the one hand to the selected damper control and on the other

hand to the meticulous spring and damper tuning for the all-wheel-drive models, Page 111
which largely replicates that for the rear-wheel-drive models. The modified AIR-
MATIC air suspension system is fitted as standard for the E 500 4MATIC model
or as an optional extra for the two other all-wheel-drive Saloons. A further com-
fort-related aspect of the 4MATIC is the omission of conventional differential
locks which, as other all-wheel-drive passenger cars show, affect steerability and
handling.
Transfer case integrated in 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission
Unlike before, the transfer case is now integrated directly in the 7G-TRONIC
transmission. The transfer case consists of a planetary centre differential and two
bevel gears, which form the side output to the front axle. The centre differential
produces the newly defined torque distribution between the front and rear axles –
45 to 55 percent (previously 40 to 60 percent) – which is noticeable above all in
the improved directional stability, road adhesion and traction compared to the
outgoing models.
A further highlight of the new powertrain concept is the compact side output to
the front axle gear, which is based on a one-stage concept, meaning that a com-
plete gear stage can be omitted compared to the previous 4MATIC drive system.
Furthermore, the rear universal joint on the propshaft is integrated in the power
take-off output gear. This space-saving design allows the propshaft to the front
axle to be routed very close to the transmission without having to make modifica-
tions to the bodyshell.
The significantly higher efficiency of the 4MATIC drive system and the resulting
lower fuel consumption compared to the predecessor models is largely down to
the omission of the gear stage for the transfer case power take-off and an im-
proved oil supply, since the integral design means that the transmission and the
transfer case share the same oil circuit.

Multiple-disc clutch with lock between the front and rear axles Page 112
The new double-disc clutch located on the centre differential produces a basic
locking torque of around 50 Nm between the front and rear axles. In this system,
a cup spring preloads the clutch pack with a permanent force. If the wheels on
one of the two axles start to spin, the relative movement of the discs causes a fric-
tion torque to be transmitted from the faster-turning axle to its slower-turning
counterpart.
This principle of variable torque displacement between the front and rear axles
improves the traction, directional stability and road adhesion of the 4MATIC
models. The traction assistance provided by the double-disc clutch is especially
noticeable when the friction ratio between the tyres and the road is low, since the
clutch locks the powertrain mechanically during moderate starting if the friction
coefficient between the tyres and the road is less than μ = 0.3 (more or less
equivalent to snow). The wheels are prevented from spinning in such a way as to
avoid what is known as the "polishing effect", which leads to a reduction in the
friction coefficient. Another advantage of the double-disc clutch is the improved
load-change characteristics of the 4MATIC models.
Electronic traction system in place of differential locks
4MATIC uses the Electronic Traction System (4ETS), an additional component of

the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), in place of conventional differential
locks. It has been modified and now provides a even higher level of comfort and
even better traction. 4ETS is activated automatically when one or more wheels
lose grip on the road. In this event, 4ETS brakes these wheels automatically and
individually, thus increasing the drive torque at the wheels offering sufficient
traction at the same time. These millisecond-fast braking pulses achieve the same
effect as three differential locks. In addition, the 4ETS automatic braking pulses
are based on the speed of the car.

Chassis and suspension Page 113
Drive in comfort and brake safely: chassis and

suspension technology with selective control
• Damping system: adaptive control in line with the current driving
situation
• AIRMATIC: newly developed air suspension for V6 and V8 models
• Brakes: ADAPTIVE BRAKE with useful additional functions
• Wheels: wide range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloys
The newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension with standard-fit amplitude-

dependent damping system is one of the major factors behind the high degree of
long-distance comfort provided by the E-Class. The shock absorbers adapt to the
current driving situation, reducing the damping forces automatically when driv-
ing normally with low shock-absorber impulses and increasing the forces up to
the maximum as required when cornering at speed or performing evasive
manoeuvres. In this way, the chassis and suspension meet driver requirements
in terms of road roar, tyre vibration and agility – without ever compromising on
active safety.
The shock absorber system works by purely hydromechanical means without

the need for sensors or electronics. Its core components are a bypass duct in the
shock absorber's piston pin and a control piston which moves in a separate oil
chamber. When the shock-absorber bounce is low, the control piston moves oil
through the bypass duct so that a lower damping force is produced at the actual
shock-absorber valve. The result is "softer" shock-absorber characteristics and,
consequently, a high level of ride comfort. If the excitation of the shock absorber
is greater, the control piston moves to its limit position so that oil ceases flowing
through the bypass duct, meaning that the full damping force is available.
Mercedes-Benz has modified several aspects of the three-link front suspension

with McPherson struts and, as a result, has achieved excellent results in terms of
ride comfort. In the interests of optimal axle kinematics, more favourable vibra-

tion characteristics and enhanced safety, the lower link level consists of two indi- Page 114
vidual elements that serve as torque and cross struts. As well as offering more
precise wheel location, the main benefit of these struts is that they allow better
compensation for vibrations caused by tyre imbalance and fluctuations in braking
forces than rigid wishbones. In addition, more crumple space is available in the
event of a frontal crash. The third front-axle link is the track rod which connects
the transversely installed steering gear to the wheels.
The spring struts consist of cylindrical, transverse force-compensating coil

springs, double-tube shock absorbers and newly developed three-phase head
bearings. In order to further optimise ride comfort, the Mercedes experts have
chosen a starkly upright position for the spring strut so as to reduce the forces
acting on the torque strut bearing. As a consequence, it was possible to reduce
the bearing rigidity, which has a positive effect on the chassis' tyre/road contact
characteristics and rolling characteristics – for example when driving over ex-
pansion joints running across the road. The front anti-roll bar is connected to the
spring strut, which is likewise actively involved in locating the front wheels.
Intelligent use of aluminium and steel reduces the weight of the front axle by
twelve percent compared to the outgoing model. The forwards-slanting torque
struts and the cross struts are made of aluminium.
High-strength subframes for axle, steering, engine and transmission
The front-axle components, steering gear, engine and transmission are pre-
mounted on a high-strength-steel subframe which is bolted securely to the body's
side members, making it a key component in the front crash structure of the new
E-Class: in the event of a frontal impact, the subframe forms a separate load-
bearing path along which the impact energy is absorbed at specific points (see
page 56). The stiffness at the connecting points between the subframe and the
body where load is transferred as a result of the forces and vibrations produced
by the chassis and suspension has been increased substantially, all of which
translates into more agile and more precise handling.

Steering: variable ratio for exceptional safety and agile handling Page 115
As well as modifying the chassis and suspension, the Mercedes experts have
newly developed the steering for the new E-Class, thus further enhancing steer-
ing precision, response and steering comfort. Standard equipment for the new
E-Class includes rack-and-pinion power steering with a variable ratio, which is
more indirect in the central position compared to the outgoing model and, there-
fore, helps to improve directional stability and road adhesion at high speed. When
the steering wheel angle exceeds around 100 degrees, the ratio becomes more di-
rect to reduce the number of steering wheel turns required to park or manoeuvre.
Mercedes-Benz offers the Direct-Steer system that has proven such a resounding
success in the SL-Class as an optional extra (standard for the V6 and V8 models).
It fully lives up to its name by providing the driver with more direct response
when cornering and, therefore, even more agile handling. In short, it delivers
even more driving enjoyment. Hence the Direct-Steer system offers all the bene-
fits of the previously installed speed-sensitive power steering system – less steer-
ing effort is required at low speed, when manoeuvring or parking, for example –
whilst also enhancing handling dynamics.
The variable rack ratio, which adjusts in line with the steering angle, increases
sharply as soon as the angle reaches five degrees, meaning that the driver does
not have to move the steering wheel a great deal when cornering. The E-Class re-
sponds more spontaneously, and the driver has even more control over the car
when greater manoeuvrability and agility are required, such as when driving on
twisting country roads, i.e. at medium speed and with medium steering angles.

Page 116
Ratio progression in
the Direct-Steer
system:
improved agility once
the steering angle ex-
ceeds just five de-
grees
Ratio (mm/steering wheel rev.)
63.87 mm/SW rev. (i=13) Direct-Steer system
50.22 mm/SW rev. (i=17) Standard steering Angle (°)
In other driving situations, meanwhile, the system offers the same advantages as
the proven speed-sensitive power steering system and even goes one step further
in some cases. For instance, the new Mercedes steering can be even more indi-
rectly configured in the central position than previous steering systems, giving
the driver an exceptionally assured steering feel when driving at high speed as
well as improving straight-ahead driving and directional stability. When driving
slowly or parking, the new technology combines with the speed-sensitive power
steering to provide even more comfort than before because the direct ratio further
reduces the steering effort required.
A further highlight is the power steering pump featuring an electrically con-

trolled solenoid valve which controls a bypass opening and, as a result, allows
metering of the oil quantity in line with requirements. This setup reduces the
pressure and oil quantity when driving straight ahead – the power steering pump
operates with a substantially reduced output and, consequently, helps to save
fuel.
As previously, the E-Class is equipped with an individually adjustable steering

column with a height adjustment range of +/- 25 millimetres and a reach ad-
justment range of 25 millimetres – meaning that, in this regard, the new E-Class
offers far more adjustability than other saloons in this market segment. A fully
electrically adjustable steering wheel is included if the optional Memory package
is ordered. To greatly enhance occupant safety, the steering column has been

designed to collapse telescopically when hit by the driver with a certain degree of Page 117
force in the event of a frontal collision. The extended deformation path, which is
up to 100 millimetres longer, reduces the forces exerted on the driver's upper
body if a collision occurs.
Rear axle: multi-link independent suspension modified in several key areas
Mercedes' multi-link independent suspension, which has proven itself time and
again over a period spanning more than 25 years, has been further modified for
use in the new E-Class in order to meet more stringent requirements in terms of
comfort and agility. Modifications include the axle carrier's front cross-bar, which
now has a larger support base at the connecting points with the car's body. As a
consequence, the forces that can be transferred into the passenger cell are re-
duced: a comfort benefit that is particularly noticeable when driving over expan-
sion joints running across the road, for example.
In keeping with the lightweight-design concept at the heart of the new E-Class,
wheel location components such as struts, hub carriers and the metal sections of
the elastomer bearings are largely made of aluminium. The rear-axle subframe is
made of high-strength steel.
AVANTGARDE chassis with lowered body
As well as the standard-fit DIRECT CONTROL suspension with steel springs and
amplitude-dependent damping system, Mercedes-Benz offers sports-tuned sus-
pension with reinforced anti-roll bars and 17-inch light-alloy wheels for the
AVANTGARDE line. If this suspension system, also available as an optional extra
for the other model variants, is specified, the body is lowered by 15 millimetres.
If the AMG Sports package is ordered, the AVANTGARDE chassis is also

equipped with 18-inch wheels, larger brakes and perforated front brake discs.

Air suspension: available in combination with continuously adaptive Page 118
damping system for the first time
The new E-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature a combination of

AIRMATIC air suspension and an electronically controlled damping system that
adapts the damper characteristics with continuously variable control – individu-
ally for each wheel. This air suspension setup is available as an option for the
V6-powered E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models
and for the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 4MATIC and E 350 4MATIC models; it is
fitted as standard for the E 500/E 500 4MATIC models.
A total of seven sensors monitor the driving situation and the position of the
body, sending their information to an electronic control unit, which also proc-
esses information concerning road speed, steering wheel angle, braking torque
and engine torque, using this data to calculate the optimum shock-absorber char-
acteristics. The system adjusts the damping force for each wheel individually, de-
pending on the current road conditions and driving situation. When driving nor-
mally, soft damping settings are also selected if the road surface is poor. This
mode offers the E-Class occupants maximum comfort without impairing the out-
standing directional stability, road adhesion or handling safety. As the driving
style becomes more dynamic, the shock-absorber settings are adapted continu-
ously and therefore meet the driver's need for enhanced agility.
Air suspension for the E-Class:

newly developed technology
with continuously variable
electronic damping system

The driver can pre-program the principal vehicle characteristics at the push of a Page 119
button on the dashboard. There are two modes to choose from: "Comfort" or
"Sport". In Sport mode, the hydraulic forces of the shock absorbers are increased
so as to allow even better directional stability and road adhesion at high speeds
as well as reduce understeer at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Newly developed McPherson struts
The Mercedes engineers have newly developed or modified many key aspects
of the air suspension system. One particular highlight is the wheel-locating
McPherson air suspension strut on the front axle, which combines the shock
absorber, air bellows and air reservoir. The air bellows is much larger than on the
outgoing model and has been further optimised using a new material. The special
shape of the air bellows made it possible to use a McPherson air suspension strut
in a luxury saloon for the first time.
Likewise, the experts paid special attention to the head bearings for the new air
suspension struts, which have to transfer all the forces and, therefore, need to be
capable of withstanding extremely high loads in both the compression and re-
bound stages. These requirements are fulfilled by an extremely rigid, diecast-
aluminium flange that supports the bearing. It is the result of painstaking com-
puter simulations and calculations of the complex interplay between the spring
strut and the body. Its special design ensures ten times greater stiffness at the
point where forces are applied in the air suspension strut area compared to the
outgoing model. As a consequence, the newly developed spring strut bearings
are one of the main reasons behind the exemplary vibration characteristics at the
front of the car. Incidentally, the same benefits are achieved even if steel suspen-
sion is fitted.
Brakes: with Hill-Start assist and brake drying function
With the ADAPTIVE BRAKE, the new E-Class offers an innovative braking system
incorporating additional assistance functions for even greater comfort and safety.
One example of this is the practical HOLD function: after the E-Class has been

braked to a standstill, briefly pressing the brake pedal a little further is all that is Page 120
required to activate this function. The car is then held by the brakes, even if the
driver's foot comes off the brake pedal. In this way, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE pre-
vents the car from rolling forwards when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in
stop-and-go traffic and from rolling backwards when facing up a slope. The HOLD
function is deactivated automatically when the car moves off.
If the driver's foot moves abruptly from the accelerator to the brake pedal before
an emergency stop, the brake system increases the pressure in the brake lines
and brings the pads into contact with the brake discs so that maximum braking
power is available as soon as the driver hits the brake pedal. This priming of the
brakes allows the system to assist the standard-fit Brake Assist system.
The ADAPTIVE BRAKE enhances safety in the wet by sending brief braking
pulses at regular intervals to remove the film of moisture from the brake discs, al-
lowing the brakes to work to full effect. This automatic brake drying function is
always activated when the windscreen wipers on the E-Class have been operating
for a certain time; the driver never even notices these precisely metered brake
pulses.
Finally, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE assists the driver with hill starts. If the sensors
detect that the Saloon is stopped on an uphill slope, a hill-start-assist function is
activated automatically, maintaining a constant brake pressure for a brief period
to prevent the E-Class from rolling backwards. The driver therefore has enough
time to move their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator without having to
use the foot-operated parking brake.
Even more effective brake discs and brake booster
Large front and rear brake discs provide an ideal technical basis for ensuring
safe and reliable deceleration in any driving situation. The front and rear discs
measure up to 344 millimetres and 320 millimetres in diameter respectively,
depending on the engine version.

Brake data and dimensions at a glance: Page 121
Front axle E 200 CDI BlueEFFI- E 250 CDI BlueEFFI- E 500

CIENCY, CIENCY,
E 220 CDI BlueEFFI- E 350 CDI BlueEFFI-
CIENCY, CIENCY,
E 200 CGI BlueEFFI- E 350 BlueTEC,
CIENCY E 250 CGI
BlueFFICIENCY,
E 350 CGI
BlueEFFICIENCY
Brake calliper Single-piston sliding Single-piston sliding Four-piston sliding*

Brake disc Internally ventilated Internally ventilated Internally ventilated
Diameter 295 mm 322 mm 344 mm
Thickness 28 mm 32 mm 32 mm
Rear axle
Brake calliper Single-piston sliding Single-piston sliding Single-piston sliding

Brake disc Solid Internally ventilated Internally ventilated
Diameter 300 mm 300 mm 320 mm
Thickness 10 mm 22 mm (10 mm for 24 mm
E 250 CDI/E 250 CGI)
*composite aluminium and nodular-cast-iron design
For brake cooling, the Mercedes engineers have developed two-section alumin-
ium cover plates which have been tested in the wind tunnel and ensure that,
whilst driving, the cool air flows from the underbody into the wheel arches and,
ultimately, to the brake discs.
Further technical highlights in the new E-Class include the pedals. For the first
time, Mercedes-Benz has used a steel and plastic hybrid design for the pedal
support, which reduces weight and takes up less space than the previously used
technology. The brake pedal, made from two shells that are welded together, is
attached in this support. The shell design likewise helps to reduce weight and
also ensures high torsional stiffness and bending strength.

Control systems: electronics for safe motoring Page 122
When it comes to active safety systems too, the E-Class features an array of
state-of-the-art technology as standard, including anti-lock brakes, acceleration
skid control, Brake Assist and the Electronic Stability Program. For ESP®,
Mercedes-Benz has developed control logic that offers the driver even more
effective assistance in critical cornering situations: precisely measured brake
pulses sent to up to three wheels cause a moderate reduction in the car's speed
and help it to turn into the bend.
ESP® vehicle/trailer stabilisation, which is activated if the E-Class is equipped

with a trailer coupling, detects dangerous oscillating movements of the trailer and
restabilises it automatically by sending precisely measured brake pulses to the
front wheels of the towing vehicle. If the danger is even more acute, the system
applies the brakes to reduce the car's speed automatically as well as reducing the
engine torque before the precisely measured brake pulses are sent to the wheels
to stabilise the trailer.
As an option, Mercedes-Benz can equip the new E-Class with a swivelling trailer
coupling featuring a ball head that does not need to be fitted and removed every
time it is used. Together with the socket, it swivels forwards underneath the body
and cannot be seen when not in use. The E-Class has a maximum towing capacity
of up to 2100 kilograms (braked) – a new record in this vehicle category.
The Electronic Stability Program also monitors the tyre inflation pressure and, if
one of the tyres loses pressure suddenly, warns the driver. To do this, the system
continuously compares the wheel speeds, which are dependent on the road speed,
the vehicle load and the tyre inflation pressure. In addition, the control unit also
analyses other dynamic handling-related ESP® sensor signals such as lateral ac-
celeration, yaw rate and wheel torques in order to diagnose pressure loss in a
tyre. Hence the system can detect discrepancies and indicate the information on a
central display for the driver.

In order to ensure continued mobility in the event of a flat tyre, Mercedes-Benz Page 123
offers the option of run-flat tyres. These are available in 245/45 R 17 format and
feature self-supporting sidewalls, enabling Mercedes customers to continue driv-
ing for up to 50 kilometres at 80 km/h, depending on the vehicle load.
Wheels and tyres: 16-inch light-alloy wheels as standard
The range of wheels and tyres for the new E-Class offers a wealth of personalisa-
tion options for the Saloon. Mercedes customers have a choice of twelve wheel
and tyre combinations in 16-, 17- or 18-inch format. The four-cylinder E 200 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY, E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY
models are equipped with 16-inch nine-spoke light-alloy wheels and low-rolling-
resistance 205/60 R 16 tyres as standard. Thanks to a special forging technique,
the weight of the wheels has been reduced by a total of 9.6 kilograms.
For the E 250 CDI, E 350 CDI, E 350 BlueTEC, E 250 CGI and
E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models, Mercedes fits 225/55 R 16 tyres and
7.5 J x 16 light-alloy wheels as standard. The top-of-the-range E 500 model
is shod with 18-inch light-alloy wheels and 245/45 R 17 tyres ex factory.
For the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, and for the AMG Sports package,
the Mercedes designers have selected special wheels and tyre sizes as standard
equipment:
ELEGANCE: ten-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in

7.5 J x 16 format, tyre size 225/55 R 16
AVANTGARDE five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels in

8 J x 17 format, tyre size 245/45 R 17
AMG Sports package: five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels

front: 8.5 J x 18 format with 245/40 R 18 tyres
rear: 9 J x 18 format with 265/35 R 18 tyres

Mercedes-Benz E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Page 124
Engine
No. of cyls./arrangement 4/in-line, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement cc 2143
Bore x stroke mm 83.0 x 99.0
Rated output kW/hp 100/136 at 2800-4600 rpm
Rated torque Nm 360 at 1400-2800 rpm
Compression ratio 16.2 : 1
Mixture preparation High-pressure fuel injection with common-rail technology,
turbocharger, EDC
Power transmission
Transmission Six-speed manual transmission
Ratios Final drive 2.47
1st gear 5.01
2nd gear 2.83
3rd gear 1.79
4th gear 1.26
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.83
Reverse 4.57
Front Three-link suspension, anti-dive, coil springs, gas-filled shock
absorbers with amplitude-dependent damping system, stabiliser
Rear Multi-link independent suspension, anti-squat and anti-dive sys-
tems, coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers with amplitude-
dependent damping system, stabiliser
Braking system Disc brakes all round, internally ventilated at the front, solid at
the rear, drum-type parking brake at the rear, ABS, Brake Assist,
®
ESP
Steering Rack-and-pinion power steering, steering damper
Wheels 7 J x 16 H2
Tyres 205/60 R 16
Dimensions and weights
Wheelbase mm 2874
Track, front/rear mm 1600/1619
Overall length mm 4868
Overall width mm 1854
Overall height mm 1464
Turning circle m 11.25
Boot capacity max.* l 540
Kerb weight acc. to EC kg 1720
Payload kg 535
Perm. gross vehicle weight kg 2255
Tank capacity/incl. reserve l 59/8
Performance and fuel consumption
Acceleration 0-100 km/h s 10.7
Top speed km/h 215
Fuel consumption comb. l/100 km 5.3**
C02 emissions g/km 139**
*acc. to VDA measuring method; **provisional figures

Engine
Rated output kW/hp 125/170 at 3000-4200 rpm
Mixture preparation High-pressure fuel injection with common-rail technology and
piezo injectors, two-stage turbocharger, EDC
Power transmission
1st gear 5.01
2nd gear 2.83
3rd gear 1.79
4th gear 1.26
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.83
Reverse 4.57
®
ESP
Wheels 7 J x 16 H2
Tyres 205/60 R 16
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 535
Top speed km/h 231

Engine
Rated output kW/hp 150/204 at 4200 rpm
piezo injectors, two-stage turbocharger, EDC
Power transmission
1st gear 5.10
2nd gear 2.78
3rd gear 1.75
4th gear 1.25
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.81
Reverse 4.63
®
ESP
Wheels 7,5 J x 16 H2
Tyres 225/55 R 16
Wheelbase mm 2874
Track, front/rear mm 1585/ 1604
Payload kg 545
Top speed km/h 242
Fuel consumption comb. l/100 km 5.3
C02 emissions g/km 139
*acc. to VDA measuring method

Engine
No. of cyls./arrangement V6, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x stroke mm 83 x 92
piezo injectors, turbocharger, EDC
Power transmission
Transmission Seven-speed automatic transmission
1st gear 4.38
2nd gear 2.86
3rd gear 1.92
4th gear 1.37
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.82
7th gear 0.73
Reverse 3.42
Braking system Internally ventilated disc brakes all round, drum-type parking
®
brake at the rear, ABS, Brake Assist, ESP
Steering Rack-and-pinion power steering, speed-sensitive, steering damper
Wheels 7.5 J x 16 H2
Tyres 225/55 R 16
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 525
Acceleration 0-100 km/h s 6,8
Top speed km/h 248

Mercedes-Benz E 350 CDI 4MATIC Page 128
Engine
Power transmission
1st gear 4.38
2nd gear 2.86
3rd gear 1.92
4th gear 1.37
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.82
7th gear 0.73
Reverse 3.42
®
Tyres 245/45 R 17
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 525
Top speed km/h 247

Page 129
Mercedes-Benz E 350 BlueTEC
Engine
Power transmission
1st gear 4.38
2nd gear 2.86
3rd gear 1.92
4th gear 1.37
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.82
7th gear 0.73
Reverse 3.42
®
Tyres 225/55 R 16
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 525
Top speed km/h 238

Mercedes-Benz E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY Page 130
Engine
Mixture preparation Electronically controlled direct petrol injection,
turbocharger
Power transmission
1st gear 4.99
2nd gear 2.82
3rd gear 1.78
4th gear 1.25
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.83
Reverse 4.54
®
ESP
Wheels 7 J x 16 H2
Tyres 205/60 R 16
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 535
Top speed km/h 236

Engine
Mixture preparation Electronically controlled direct petrol injection,
turbocharger
Power transmission
Transmission Five-speed automatic transmission
1st gear 3.95
2nd gear 2.42
3rd gear 1.49
4th gear 1.00
5th gear 0.83
Reverse 3.147
®
Tyres 225/55 R 16
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 535
Top speed km/h 241

Engine
Bore x stroke mm 92.9 x 86
Mixture preparation Electronically controlled direct petrol injection with piezo
injectors
Power transmission
1st gear 4.38
2nd gear 2.86
3rd gear 1.92
4th gear 1.37
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.82
7th gear 0.73
Reverse 3.42
®
Tyres 225/55 R 16
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 545
Top speed km/h 250

Mercedes-Benz E 350 4MATIC Page 133
Engine
Bore x stroke mm 92.9 x 86
Mixture preparation Electronically controlled fuel injection
Power transmission
1st gear 4.38
2nd gear 2.86
3rd gear 1.92
4th gear 1.37
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.82
7th gear 0.73
Reverse 3.42
®
Tyres 245/45 R 17
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 525
Top speed km/h 250

Mercedes-Benz E 500 Page 134
Engine
Bore x stroke mm 98 x 90.5
Power transmission
1st gear 4.38
2nd gear 2.86
3rd gear 1.92
4th gear 1.37
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.82
7th gear 0.73
Reverse 1 3.42
Reverse 2 2.23
Front Three-link suspension, anti-dive, AIRMATIC full-support air sus-
pension with electronically controlled damping system, stabiliser
tems, AIRMATIC full-support air suspension with electronically
controlled damping system, stabiliser
®
Tyres 245/45 R 17
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 545
Top speed km/h 250

Mercedes-Benz E 500 4MATIC Page 135
Engine
Bore x stroke mm 98 x 90.5
Power transmission
1st gear 4.38
2nd gear 2.86
3rd gear 1.92
4th gear 1.37
5th gear 1.00
6th gear 0.82
7.Gang 0.73
Reverse 1 3.42
Reverse 2 2.23
Front Three-link suspension, anti-dive, AIRMATIC full-support air sus-
pension with electronically controlled damping system, stabiliser
tems, AIRMATIC full-support air suspension with electronically
controlled damping system, stabiliser
®
Tyres 245/45 R 17
Wheelbase mm 2874
Payload kg 545
Top speed km/h 250


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The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Press Information

Contents Page March 2009

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class:

At a glance: Technical highlights of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class 15

Chassis and suspension

Technical data 124

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Mercedes-Benz has improved the already exemplary long-distance comfort

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Other BlueEFFICIENCY measures include newly developed tyres with up to

Engines: new CDI four-cylinder units with fuel consumption of

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Petrol engines: 20 percent fuel saving thanks to direct injection

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Mercedes-Benz equips the V6 and V8-models as standard with a seven-speed

Safety: "Intelligent” partner thanks to unique combination of

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Mercedes-Benz offers this new system in a lighting package that includes

Detection of drowsiness based on 70 parameters as standard

Thanks to an innovative technology, the new E-Class is very sensitive to its

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Active Bonnet, seven airbags and PRE-SAFE® as standard

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Another standard feature is the preventive occupant protection system

Comfort: Further progress through adaptive shock absorbers

Standard equipment includes a further improved suspension with adaptive

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Well-proven seat technology with a new design

Active multicontour seats with massage function from the S-Class

The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes newly developed

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Individual climatisation modes at the touch of a button

Design: Distinctive lines as an expression of effortless

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Standard specifications already include 16-inch light-alloy wheels in a nine-spoke

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

More information from Mercedes-Benz is available online at:

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

ADAPTIVE BRAKE: This Mercedes brake system offers assis- Standard

AIRMATIC: This air-suspension system works in conjunction Optional for the V6

Active multicontour seats: Depending on the steering angle, Optional

Active Light System: The Intelligent Light System's bi-xenon Optional

ATTENTION ASSIST: This Mercedes system detects driver Standard

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

BlueTEC: This highly effective exhaust-gas aftertreatment using Standard for

Bluetooth interface: The mobile phone is wirelessly linked to Standard

Controller: The principal control for the infotainment system is Standard

DIRECT CONTROL suspension: The shock absorbers adjust Standard

DISTRONIC PLUS: This radar-based proximity control system Optional

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen automatically Standard

Speed Limit Assist: A camera fitted behind the windscreen Optional

Intelligent Light System: This innovative headlamp technology Optional

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

Kneebag: In the event of a crash, an additional airbag reduces Standard

THERMATIC automatic climate control: This improved system Standard

THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control: This Optional

Media Interface: This universal interface allows portable audio Optional

Multifunction steering wheel: The radio, telephone, navigation Standard

Nightview Assist Plus: The dashboard display shows a realistic Optional

Daimler Communications, 70546 Stuttgart, Germany

NECK-PRO head restraints: Crash-responsive head restraints Standard