Mercedes-Benz currently offers an extensive lineup of cars from the diminutive A-class to the go-anywhere G, but to fully appreciate the best qualities of a Benz, the best place to start is the E-class sedan.
The all-new E features the four-eyed look pioneered by its immediate predecessor. The headlamps are now elliptical and tilted lower into the front fenders, and the profile flows as smoothly as a coupe’s to the smoothly-integrated triangular taillamps.
There are currently three available engines, with others offered as special orders. There’s the 16-valve, 1.8-liter supercharged inline-4 in the E200, and the 2.6 and 3.2-liter 24-valve V6 units in the E240 and E320.
The lineup begins with the supercharged inline-4 found in the E200K. The 1.8-liter 16-valve engine is good for 163 hp and a formidable 240 Nm. Coupled to the standard 5-speed automatic, 100 km/h goes by in just 9.9 seconds, and top speed is 230 km/h.
The inline-4 is smooth and silent, with adequate acceleration. For brawnier acceleration, we recommend the V6 engines, in 2.6 or 3.2 liter displacements. The E240’s 2.6 churns out a strong 177 hp / 240 Nm. 75 percent of the torque is available from just 1500 rpm, and 95 percent of it is on tap from 3000 to 4000 rpm. This ensures that there’s sufficient acceleration across the rev range. The E240 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds, on to a top speed of 236 km/h.
If you want still more power (and who doesn’t), then the new E320 is for you. The 3.2 V6 punches out 224 smooth hp. Its torque curve is literally flat at 3000-4500 rpm, throughout which the maximum 315 Nm is available. The sprint to 100 takes only 7.7 seconds, and top speed is 243 km/h.
Both V6 power plants employ three valves per cylinder and, using two sparkplugs per cylinder, phased dual ignition for precise combustion and reduced emissions. All the gasoline engines feature an electronic control unit that uses an adaptive accelerator pedal. This means that the engine responds either more gently or aggressively depending on the driver’s previous demands for acceleration. The long-travel accelerator helps makes for easy modulation of the ample power of the V6 engines.
To maintain the sharp handling and smooth ride that the midsize Mercedes has been famous for, the chassis employs a four-link front suspension that acts similar to a double-wishbone system, and a rear five-link system forged mostly from aluminum. Also formed from the lightweight material are the hood, front fenders, trunklid, front-end/rear-end modules and parcel shelf. All of the E’s body panels have been changed from the previous version.
The chassis swallows bumps and uneven road surfaces, transmitting nothing but a smooth, controlled ride into the cabin. Despite the formidable torque of the standard engines, we can imagine it’s not even working that hard. Probably true, because the chassis was made to easily handle the power of such engines as the 700-Nm AMG 5.5-liter V8, and speeds well in excess of 250 km/h.
The interior eschews fancy controls for a clear layout, with intuitively operated switches. Not only are the seats and steering wheel electrically adjustable for reach and height, but they also retract when the infrared key is pulled from the ignition, to allow for easier entry and exit. The leather seats incorporate an active seat ventilation system, for comfortable driving even in sweltering heat. The four-zone Thermotronic aircon system enables the temperature and airflow to be individually controlled for each of the four seats. The remote keyless transmitter also retains memory for the seat and mirror positions as well as the aircon settings.
The real show-stopping technology of the E-class does just that—brings everything to a halt with effectiveness. The Servotronic Brake Control (SBC) is the first brake-by-wire system installed in a production sedan. Instead of directly activating hydraulic pressure, the brake pedal merely acts a switch to the computer, which then instructs servo motors at each wheel to apply pressure to the discs. SBC helps shorten braking distances and also improves stability when braking during cornering. The system acts quite transparently, with assuring brake pedal feel.
The E’s seductive elliptical headlamps employ powerful bi-xenon gas discharge lamps for dipped and high beam for safer nighttime driving. Swiveling main beams that follow the steering wheel’s movement allow the driver to see much farther into corners—another pioneering feature. At the car’s other end are LED taillights that fire sooner and consume less energy than standard bulbs.
Other safety measures are adaptive front airbags that inflate according to accident severity, and side curtain airbags that protect that heads of all occupants. There is also a provision for child seat recognition—this deactivates the front passenger airbag if the system detects that a transponder-equipped rear-facing child seat has been installed. Integral child booster seats that pop out from the rear bench are available as an option.
All the latest automotive technology has been included in this lithe, powerful sedan. Some are safety features that won’t be tested in anything but extreme situations, but most are thoughtful conveniences that contribute to the driving experience. With the E-class sedan, the pleasure of ownership won’t be limited to just staring at the car’s elegant lines.
By Jason Ang | Photos By Jason Ang
As published in “Overdrive”, the monthly motoring supplement of The Manila Bulletin
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