The Hindu Business Line : A classier E-Class

After the successful launch of the new Mercedes Benz S-Class in India, it is now the turn of the smaller, but extremely important, E-Class sedan to get an upgrade.

For DaimlerChrysler, the E-Class is of strategic importance. . Though the company does have a cheaper and smaller sedan in the C-Class, volumes growth is happening largely in the E-Class. However, an upgrade even for the E-Class has been due for sometime nowglobally. DaimlerChrysler has managed to bring the new generation E-Class to India within five months of its global launch, which happened in June.

This new generation family luxury sedan has some 2,000 parts that are either new or a result of further developments.

This debutant replaces its hugely popular predecessor, which had already sold over one million units globally since its introduction in the spring of 2002.

As has been the tradition of Mercedes Benz vehicles, the new E-Class comes in two design and equipment lines, to satisfy customers who want to give their car a personal look. The two lines are Classic and Elegance, and they accurately describe the different characters of the model variants which are distinguished by special design features.

The new E-Class' revamped front-end design continues to bear the trademark Mercedes lines and reflects the core values of dynamism, power, poise and assurance that are the hallmark of this German brand.

Unmistakably E

Unlike the new S-Class, which has undergone a higher degree of change visually, the new generation E-Class continues to be unmistakably an E. The bumper and radiator grille feature a pronounced V-shape, which epitomises power and forward motion.

Mercedes-Benz has also enhanced the familiar twin-headlamp face of the E-Class by adding transparent louvres to the top section of the headlamps, producing a striking light effect when switched on.

The new generation E-Class is offered with three basic engine options — the E280 (petrol) and E280CDI (diesel in V-arrangement) as well as the E200 KOMPRESSOR (supercharged petrol), which features a new modified engine management system, a more dynamic supercharger and improved pistons that together boost the output by 12.5 per cent. For customers desirous of higher power output and further personalisation, DaimlerChrysler offers the E350 in the Avantgarde trim line as a Completely Built (imported) Unit.

Certain innovations of the new S-Class have been incorporated in the new generation E-Class — Adaptive Braking and `PRESAFE' features, for instance. Inside, the latest model has a new four-spoke steering wheel featuring elliptical thumb-operated buttons and a new control unit for the standard-fit THERMATIC automatic climate control.

Mercedes designers have also redefined the coordinated colour schemes, upholstery and materials for improved appeal.

The new E-Class will be a key model for DaimlerChrsyler India to enable it take on the imminent competition from the new BMW 5-Series that will be launched here by mid-2007.