Mercedes E-Class Snapped in the Cold
 Date:
Friday, May 11 2001
These are pictures of the least disguised prototype of Mercedes'
new E-class so far, due for presentation in 2002.
The car has just been snapped while undergoing cold-climate tests
in northern Sweden where temperature was far below minus 30
degrees Celsius. The computer retouching shows what's hidden
underneath the disguise.
Although with a traditional three-box layout, the new midsize
limousine looks more elegant and almost like a sporty coupé. Main
reason for this is the semi-circle roofline.
While overall length remains at about 4.80 metres, the wheelbase
will be stretched a few centimetres to improve comfort and
interior space. The bonnet of the internally called W 211 will be
much flatter than at the current car, the front will be dominated
again by two pairs of round headlights.
Contrary to today's E?class, the single lamps of each pair will be
closer to each other but will not melt together as seen at the
current S-class or the recently introduced new C-class. Side
flashers will be mounted in the mirrors.
The new W 211 will be loaded with technical innovations such as
Active Body Control, ESP, Distronic, Linguatronic, Keyless-Go,
DynAPS, Command, Tele-Aid, Active Anti Noise, Bi?Xenon lights,
Airmatic chassis and ventilated seats - most of which are known
from the latest S-class.
Also safety features will be improved: while front and side
airbags need not to be mentioned, the new E-class will be the
first car to get a foot airbag, an electric-hydraulic brake and
four controls for tyre pressure. The anti-skid program ESP belongs
to the standard equipment.
The new GDI four-cylinder fuel engines will be ready by 2002, the
six-cylinder drivetrains will be adopted to the stricter exhaust
regulations. New super-catalysts for both, fuel and diesel
engines, will keep our air clean. The 4-litres common-rail V8
diesel engine with 560 Nm of torque and the 5-litres supercharged
V8 with 650 Nm will mark the tops of the engine line-up.
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