THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ E350 4MATIC WAGON
08/05/2009
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is launching another highly distinctive member of the E-Class family, the E350 4MATIC Wagon. The new E-Class wagon delivers the same level of expressive design and brand-exclusive technology found on the E-Class Sedan and E-Class Coupe in a stylish and versatile package.
Available in U.S. dealerships in June 2010, the 2011 MY E350 4MATIC Wagon will be offered in Sport trim with standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (optional on E350 Sedan models).
Distinguished as one of the safest cars in its class, the new E-Class features a standard ATTENTION ASSIST system which can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness -- a factor which causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. Other advanced safety features include Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High Beam Assist and the innovative DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE(R) Brake.
Since the launch of the first E-Class Wagon in 1977, more than one million customers worldwide have discovered their enthusiasm for this most versatile Mercedes. This success story is set to be continued by the fifth generation of the E-Class Wagon - following up on the successful launch of the Sedan and Coupe. Only introduced in Europe in spring 2009 (U.S. debut June 2009), the E Class Sedan already achieved world-wide market leadership in its segment by May 2009. Some 40,000 new E-Class models have now been delivered to customers.
The performance of the Sedan and Coupe in the 2009 AutoBild Design Awards shows how well the striking lines of the E-Class have been received: more than 100,000 readers of this German motoring publication recently voted the four-door model the most beautiful car in the world, and gave the two-door model first place in the Coupe/Cabriolet category.
Design: new Mercedes hallmarks combined with E-Class styling features
The sophisticated interplay between taut, clearly defined lines and complex surfaces is one of the hallmarks of today's Mercedes design. This design concept has been perfected down to the last detail in the new E-Class. A graceful line follows each rear wheel well and shapes the muscular contours of the rear fenders and tail lamps.
The side view reveals many new elements, further emphasizing the unique character of the E-Class Wagon, including B- and C-pillars which appear to seamlessly merge into a single entity. This leads to a taut arch leading from the A-pillar to the dramatic roof line and the downward-tapering D-pillar, all resting on the athletic shoulder line of the E-Wagon. The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the center but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the E-Class Wagon profile.
When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers took care to give expression to the versatility of the new E-Class Wagon. The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design, and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design is a major recognition factor for the E-Class Wagon.
For the first time, U.S. models of the new E-Class wagon are available in Sport configuration, featuring a three-lamella grille, aggressive front and rear fascias, twin trapezoidal exhaust pipes and unique "twist" rocker panels. Other highlights include perforated front brake discs with painted callipers, 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and gearshift paddles. An optional AMG wheel package includes 18-inch, split 5-spoke alloy wheels a 3-spoke sport steering wheel.
Safety: nine airbags as standard, plus innovative driver assistance systems
Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its leadership in safety even further with the new E-Class. Around one dozen new or modified driver assistance systems help to prevent road accidents or at least reduce the severity of the impact. These include the standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, the optional DISTRONIC PLUS with PRE-SAFE(R) Brake, which is able to initiate partial and full emergency braking autonomously. For the first time, PRE-SAFE(R) is also able to use only the information received from the short-range sensors in the front bumper to tension the front seat belts at the last moment before an accident is recognised as unavoidable, thereby reducing the loads exerted on the driver and front passenger during the crash.
With nine airbags fitted as standard, belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the outboard front and 2nd row seating positions, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger, the new E-Class offers an even more extensive package of safety equipment than its predecessor. The airbags, which can deploy in a matter of milliseconds in the event of an accident, include two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags which extend from the A-pillar to the C pillar during a side impact. Pelvic airbags for the front occupants are also included for the first time. These reduce the loads acting on the torso and pelvic area during a lateral collision.
Suspension: automatic self-levelling at the rear as standard
Outstanding comfort on long journeys in the E-Wagon is ensured by the newly developed AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard. The self-levelling rear suspension sees to it that the E-Wagon always remains at the same level, even when fully loaded with cargo.
The E Wagon's suspension setup has also been adapted to suit the modified body geometry, with slightly stiffer shock absorber settings and torsion bar stabilizers, making the E-Wagon just as agile as the Sedan without having to make compromises in terms of NVH levels.
Outstanding performance
The new E350 4MATIC Wagon will be available with a 3.5-liter 268 hp V6 when in launches in the U.S. market in June 2010. The E350 Wagon comes standard with the latest generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Now mated to the seven-speed automatic transmission, this system further distinguishes itself from previous all-wheel drive technology with greater efficiency, lower weight and more compact construction. These advantages produce noticeably better traction and fuel consumption.