In 1995 the E-Class was the first Mercedes model to appear with the twin-headlamp face – a symbolic design feature that still characterises the identity of the E-Class.
Nonetheless, the design idiom has remained fluent even for this characteristic styling feature, and has been adapted to suit the self-assured, masculine overall appearance of the saloon.
The designers have now reinterpreted these four "eyes" as rectangles, with a direct reference to the geometrical shapes found in cubism.
"They have the effect of precious gems that have been precisely set into the wings. In the same way, the radiator grille with its three-dimensional chromed surround, dynamic arrow-shape and more upright position underlines the status of the car as the epitome of a business saloon."
A sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces is one of the hallmarks of today’s Mercedes design. Large concave or convex surface areas are structured
by taut, clearly defined lines.
The flank contours become connecting features that influence the entire body design, i.e. not just the side aspects but also the front and rear-end styling.
At the rear this flow culminates in a new feature, namely a graceful line that follows the rear wheel arches and lends a clear shape to the imposing, muscular contours of the rear wings.
Here Mercedes aficionados will recognise styling features reminiscent of the famous "Ponton Mercedes" introduced in 1953, which already emphasised its sovereign character with these striking contours at the time.
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The interior offers an atmosphere in which the car’s occupants feel safe and protected, and long journeys can be taken without any feeling of effort or stress.
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The seats feature different versions of the padded seat piping -
a sophisticated upholstery technique that involves the insertion of an additional foam filling under the fabric or leather cover, and gives an immediate feeling of comfort and wellbeing when sitting in the car.
The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes new multicontour seats with comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest.
Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, fast-acting piezo-electric valves on the air chambers in the backrests vary their pressure and volume to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support.
On request the E-Class is also available with a rear seat unit consisting of two single seats and a centre console.
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The climate control system not only allows individual temperatures to be set in three zones – for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers – but also offers different "climatisation modes".
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The range of engines comprises four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 100 kW/136 hp to 386 kW/525 hp. The four- and six-cylinder engines are direct-injection units, and consume up to 23 percent less fuel than before.
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The four-cylinder units are newly developed direct-injection turbocharged units, which develop a higher output and torque than the comparable V6-engines of the preceding series despite a smaller displacement.
Mercedes Head Of Design Gorden Wagener
All the engines meet the EU5 emission standard, and in the case of the E 350 BlueTEC the emissions are already below the EU6 limits planned for 2014 .
The body structure has an up to 30 percent greater rigidity. Around 72 percent of all the body panels are made from high-strength steels.
The attention paid to the vehicle's aerodynamics results in a drag coefficient of only 0.25, which represents a fuel saving of around 0.25 litres per 100 kilometres when driving at a motorway speed of 130 km/h. The aerodynamics are for example improved by variable fan louvres, which control the airflow to the engine compartment in line with requirements.
Safety features include Attention Assist, Adaptive Main Beam Assist, automatic emergency braking, Lane Safety package with Blind Spot Assist and the new Lane Keeping Assist.
The optional Adaptive Main Beam Assist uses a camera on the windscreen to recognise oncoming traffic and vehicles moving ahead, and controls the headlamps so that their beams do not reach the other vehicle.
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The range of the dipped headlamp beams can be extended from 65 to up to 300 metres. If the road ahead is clear, the system performs a gentle transition to high beam.
(Source: Mercedes-Benz)
