The next generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan went on sale in the United States in August 2002. Until the emergence of the current C-Class, which was introduced for the 1995 model year, the previous E-Class outsold all other Mercedes-Benz models. Even now, the company says it accounts for 25 percent of total Mercedes-Benz sales. Our goal for the E-Class is nothing short of absolutely dominating the segment, says Product Manager Karen Mikris. The latest E-Class debuted early in 2002 at the Brussels Motor Show in Belgium, where it showed off a costly redesign that took four years to complete. The sedan reached European dealerships in the spring of 2002. At the Chicago Auto Show in February 2003, a high-performance E55 AMG sedan debuted, equipped with Formula One-style gearshift buttons on the steering wheel and an AMG-developed four-stage Airmatic air suspension. Fitted with a supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 engine that produces 469 horsepower, its called the fastest Mercedes ever. The E320 and E500 sedans are slotted between the midsize C-Class and the top-rung S-Class. Mercedes-Benz describes the new model as an even sleeker interpretation of the original design. The front end sits lower, with more of a swept-back appearance. Oval headlights are angled back more sharply, and a sculpted trunk edges aside the former squared-off profile. Like the newly redesigned 2003 SL-Class coupe and convertible, the E-Class sedan has Sensotronic brake control. The automaker says this electronically operated brake-by-wire system promises faster, more surefooted brake response, especially in emergencies. The brake pedal works in tandem with sensors and a computer that activate four fast-acting valves to apply the brakes at a specific intensity on each wheel. The system can even increase brake pressure on the outside wheels when braking during a turn. An Airmatic air suspension is standard on the E500 and optional on the E320.
The E320 wagon continues in its prior form for another season. No significant changes have been announced. The wagon version sells much slower than its four-door sibling a phenomenon experienced by nearly all wagonmakers that offer vehicles in the U.S. market. Still, as the most lavish wagon from the German automaker, the E320 attracts plenty of loyal buyers. It competes against the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series and Volvo V70. Wagons come with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD). Mercedes-Benzs Tele Aid emergency communication service offers concierge-type services. Tele Aid operates on its own cellular phone system to call the automakers roadside assistance service, track a stolen vehicle or summon emergency help which occurs automatically if an airbag deploys. A redesigned E-Class wagon premiered at Detroits North American International Auto Show in January 2003. Standard features of the 2004 model will include electronic braking, adaptive front airbags, side curtain-type airbags and a load-adaptive self-leveling rear suspension. Optional multicontour seats will automatically pump up the outside seat bolster during cornering to help hold the occupants in place. Both the E320 and all-new E500 wagons will be offered with optional 4MATIC AWD.
|