New Diesel and Petrol Engines for E-Class

Following the CLK lead, Mercedes-Benz has announced specification changes and the availability of two new V6 engines in its E Class executive saloon. The petrol E 280 arrives with 170KW to replace the E 240, while the E 280 CDI turbodiesel supercedes the E 270 CDI.

Many of the changes in the E-Class mirror the updates announced on the CLK cabrio and coupe (see separate story). As was the case with the CLK, all E-Class models, including the E 200 KOMPRESSOR, E 280, E 280 CDI, E 350, E 500 and E 55 AMG, now come standard with NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the front seats. Both the E 280 and E 280 CDI will now also come standard with parameter steering on top of the specification of their predecessor models. The ELEGANCE package also now becomes standard on the E 280.

A TV tuner for analogue and digital reception will now join the list of standard appointments in the E 500 and E 55 AMG, with the E 55 AMG additionally receiving an anti-theft alarm system and Harman Kardon LOGIC7 sound system.

The AVANTGARDE style package on new 2006 models will now receive extra features. These include 17-inch alloy wheels; bi-xenon headlights; sports suspension; and steering wheel gearshift buttons.

The sports and AMG sports package are now extended on both E 280 models. Pricing for the sports package range from $2000 through to $4900 depending on the model.

Pricing
Saloon    
E 200 KOMPRESSOR  Classic $82,500
E 280 CDI  Classic $96,500
E 280 Elegance $97,500
E 350 Elegance $124,500
E 500 Elegance $157,900
E 55 AMG   $225,600
     
Estate    
E 280 Elegance $103,500
E 350 Elegance $130,500
E 500 Elegance $163,900
E 55 AMG   $231,600