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NEWS
DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Benz unveils two-door E-Class variants
Coupe and Cabriolet to make their public debut at NAIAS ahead of a September launch in OzNew four-cylinder engines and intelligent driver assistance systems complement fresh looks for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, set to premiere at the North American International Auto Show a little over a week from now.
"The new E-Class represents a major step forward in every respect," said Professor Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
"The design elicits plenty of emotion, causing a stir in its segment. Its technical highlights are unique. For example, new assistance systems from the upcoming S-Class take the burden off the driver by automatically keeping the vehicle in its lane and also tracking traffic in tailbacks. For the first time, there are also systems that can prevent accidents involving crossing traffic or pedestrians. What is more, with its new engines the E-Class achieves optimum values in terms of efficiency, offers an internet-enabled infotainment system, and boosts safety when driving at night thanks to advanced LED headlamps and permanent high-beam with no dazzling. The E-Class is absolutely packed with high-tech features and altogether makes a very attractive package."
In a break with tradition, all the headlight elements of the facelifted E-Class are protected by a one-piece cover, although the visual cues keep faith with E-Class cars dating back to the W210 introduced 16 years ago. LED technology has been adopted for the new headlights, with a full LED system available optionally. The headlights sit in a nose marked by the new family look afforded by the restyled grille, bumper and lower air intakes. At the other end, the new cars can be distinguished from current models by redesigned tail lights and the interior of both cars has been comprehensively upgraded, featuring, among other things, a new three-tube instrument binnacle, revised climate control outlets and a centre console freed of the shift lever. Gear changing is now effected via the company's DIRECT SELECT lever at the wheel or shift paddles.
The facelifted models introduce BlueDIRECT four-cylinder power, featuring petrol induction via "spray-guided" direct injection – an advance introduced already in the company's V6 and V8 engines, which are carried over in the new E-Class. Key features of the new four-pot engine include piezo injectors, multi-spark ignition, turbocharging and variable adjustment both inlet and exhaust camshafts. By virtue of combining turbocharging, stratified lean-burn combustion and high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, the Euro 6-compliant four-cylinder E-Class achieves fuel efficiency and emissions figures Mercedes-Benz claim to be "outstanding".
The four-cylinder slots into the range below the V6 and V8 petrol mills, which are all marketed now as 'BlueDIRECT' also. A petrol V6 variant with twin-turbo induction will be badged the E 400. Diesel engines continue to be labelled 'BlueTEC' and, like the petrol engines, comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard scheduled for global introduction in 2015. According to Mercedes-Benz the new engines available for the E-Class comprise six petrol units and three diesels. Power ranges from 125kW to 195kW for the diesels, 135kW to 300kW for the petrol engines.
Two transmissions, either a six-speed manual transmission or the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic will channel drive to the rear wheels. Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to confirm the manual for Australia.
Driver assist systems for the E-Class will be bundled together under the banner of 'Intelligent Drive', according to Benz. Collision Prevention Assist and Attention Assist are two of the safety-oriented features that are expected to be standard on vehicles sold in Australia when the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are released here in September, about three months after the sedan and wagon variants.
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