New E-Class embraces technology but snubs Detroit show

Mercedes-Benz snubbed the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) but not the Motor City itself last night.
 
Indeed, while the German giant chose Detroit as the venue to unveil its pivotal new E-Class model, it did so at a restricted access press and industry only event in downtown Detroit. Though the new E-Class goes on sale in Germany today (Monday, Jan 12), with deliveries commencing in March, the car will not be displayed at this week's NAIAS. Instead its show debut will take place at Geneva in March.
 
The new W212 E-Class is designed and built to be the "best medium sedan in the world" claimed Daimler AG boss, Dr Dieter Zetsche at the car's unveiling. With more interior space, especially in the rear, and built on a 20mm-longer wheelbase to the W211, the car is nonetheless large by any standards.
 
It mirrors the conventional engineering of its predecessor, but features styling that can kindly be referred to as "controversial". That the car picks up aspects of both the W204 C-Class and the current S-Class marque flagship is fittingly commensurate with its place in the manufacturer's model range.
 
Leaked in its final form in December, the new E-Class is sharper than the car it replaces. What the photos then and now don't show -- far more obvious on the car in the flesh -- is the added angularity of the lines and the somewhat awkward blend of geometric and organic elements in the front end.
 
We'll wait until we see the car on the road before passing final judgement, but at this stage suffice to say, it's not immediately attractive. It's, dare we say it, a touch too Oriental...
 
Inside the cabin has been softened from the last generation. The dash is a double element affair with traditional three-dial instrument panel and there's a large separate central nav screen, a la S-Class.
 
Like the S, the six and eight-cylinder versions of the E-Class move the gearshift up from the centre console to a column-mounted stalk (though it also sports paddle shifters). In its place is an iDrive-type controller and suspension and gearshift mode switches et al. Softer, more accommodating, multifunction front seats are offered and so are cabin accents like LED 'mood' lighting. A two-place rear seat option will be offered for the first time and will come Down Under as standard equipment in the Avantgarde variant. 

Under the skin, the E-Class is a technical tour de force. Mercedes says the chassis has been sharpened along with steering. There's a new three-link front suspension and the standard dampers feature the same stroke dependent damping technology as the C-Class. Airmatic versions will also be offered.

The new W212 claims a new record for the percentage of high and ultra-high strength steels used in its construction -- a whopping 72 per cent. Body rigidity has been boosted by 30 per cent, claims the manufacturer.
 
There are new engines including a twin-turbo four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel that punches out an incredible 500Nm and returns just 5.3L/100km. A new range of direct-injected four, six and eight cylinder petrol powerplants (CGI in Benz speak) will debut in Europe with the E-Class, as will auto stop-start on some models. The muscular oiler four is a definite for Down Under, and the application of the new CGI technology will be limited to four-cylinder also. Like BMW's latest HPDI (high pressure direct injection) petrol powerplants, the new Benz mills don't like our high sulphur content unleaded.
 
When the W212 E-Class does arrive in Australia around mid year, the range will likely be topped by a 5.4-litre V8 E 500 with the other petrol options being the above mentioned turbo 1.8-litre 250 CGI plus the stalwart 3.5-litre V6. Both Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels will be offered. ‘Exclusive' and AMG Sport Pack models will also be offered.

The fully AMG fettled model will debut at Frankfurt show in September and arrive Down Under in time to be parked under your Christmas tree. It was tipped to be the first mainstream model to pack AMG's new twin-turbo five-point-something litre V8 petrol engine, however, that now seems unlikely. Instead an optimised version of the current 6.2-litre engine will feature.
 
In Europe a hybrid-equipped E-Class will go on sale, though perhaps not until 2011. This car will be a diesel-electric hybrid and use similar technology to that applied to the 2009 release petrol-engined S400 Hybrid.
 
Though once all of Mercedes' key new technologies were productionised in the range-topping S-Class, the E-Class has increasingly worn the mantle of technology leader for the marque. The W212 takes this strategy to a further level with not only new powertrains arriving, but also a new host of driver safety aids.
 
The new E sees Benz's Distronic Plus dynamic cruise control paired with brake assist and Pre-Safe Braking to provide a four-step defence system against rear-end collisions. In essence the systems overlap to prompt the driver that a high risk situation is imminent and if necessary then provides autonomous emergency braking.
 
The E-Class also debuts a new version of Benz's night vision system and a high beam assist system that adjusts the light available in deference to oncoming traffic. Blind spot assist, Attention Assist (a driver alert system which monitors 70 parameters to detect building drowsiness), lane departure warnings and a system which recognises speed limit signs and alerts the driver (a la BMW's new F01 7 Series) are also featured in the W212 E-Class' armoury. The next generation of Mercedes Pre-Safe and active safety systems underpin the technology package. There's even an active bonnet to boost pedestrian safety levels.
 
In unveiling the new E-Class, Benz boss Dr Zetsche said that Attention Assist and items like the pyrotechnic bonnet would be standard on all E-Class models. Expect the other above noted systems to be optional on all but the top-notch Es, however.
 
Dr Z also claimed the new E-Class' more efficient drivetrains, enhanced safety and significantly upgraded quality and interior would all come at "no increase in cost".
 
While it's likely the Benz boss was specifically referring to the domestic German and US markets, Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson, David McCarthy, hinted that local E-Class buyers could also benefit from this 'more for less' mantra.
 
In launching the latest C-Class range, MB-Australia significantly increased the standard equipment levels of its local offer and in some cases reduced prices. Though the current volatility of exchange rates and the auto market overall means Mercedes-Benz Australia is far from signing off its price list and standard specifications, don't bet against the new E-Class repeating that play.