2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Makes Debut- Features Great Looks, Fun Driving, and Useful Technology
BRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan. 15 -- After four years of development and an investment of around $2 billion, the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is making its world premiere today at the Brussels Motor Show. Featuring a number of technological innovations in a fresh, elegant design, the new E-Class will set new standards in vehicle safety, comfort and driving dynamics.
Representing about 25 percent of total Mercedes-Benz sales, the current E-Class is the world's most successful luxury sedan. The new E-Class will be available in Europe this spring and will go on sale in the U.S. late this summer as a 2003 model. The E-Class lineup for the U.S. market will include the popular E320 and a new V8-powered E500 sedan. A wagon and high-performance AMG model are likely to follow in the next year.
A Fresh Interpretation of Distinctive E-Class Styling
Seven years ago, the previous E-Class sparked a design trend with its distinctive elliptical headlights, and the new car features an even sleeker interpretation. The oval headlights are angled back more sharply, and the entire car exudes a fresh look of sportiness and elegance.
New E-Class Features First Large-Scale Use of Electronic Braking
An innovative electronic braking system, another Mercedes safety first, is standard equipment in all 2003-model E-Class sedans. The new brake-by-wire system provides faster, more sure-footed brake response, especially in emergencies.
While electronic braking is making its industry debut on another 2003 Mercedes-Benz model, the limited-production SL roadster, equipping all E-Class models with electronic braking represents the first large-scale use of this revolutionary technology.
With e-brakes, the brake pedal works with an array of sensors and a computer that tells four fast-acting valves exactly how hard to apply the brakes on each wheel. With split-second accuracy, the system can change brake pressure on each wheel over uneven surfaces and can even increase brake pressure on the outside wheels when braking in turns. Even ABS anti-lock and ESP stability control work more efficiently, since they are more deeply integrated with the brakes.
A special electrically-driven hydraulic pump and a high-pressure reservoir (or accumulator) provide ``always-on'' full brake pressure to each wheel, with the computer-operated modulator valves controlling how much pressure actually operates the brakes at each wheel. A backup hydraulic master cylinder comes into play only if there's a serious problem or electrical failure.
A New Platform, Complete With Dual-Control Air Suspension
The new E-Class will feature sports car-like handling and cornering with superb ride comfort. A newly developed four link front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension are standard. A new dual-control version of the Airmatic air suspension system is also expected to be available.
Developed from the system on the current S-Class, the new Airmatic system features sensors that monitor road conditions, driving style and cornering forces to ensure that the system always chooses the best shock absorber and spring settings. The dual control Airmatic system can switch between four different comfort/sport modes in a fraction of a second.
New Safety Features Include Smarter Airbags and Belt Tensioners
The body structure of the new E-Class has larger crumple zones at the front, for even better energy absorption in an accident. In addition, the amount of high-strength steel has been virtually doubled, ensuring maximum strength with minimum weight. The hood, front fenders, trunk lid are made of aluminum, as well as the bolt-on frame members at the front and rear.
Adaptive front airbags deploy with lower force in less severe accidents and with higher force in more serious collisions. In addition, new crash sensors help determine the severity of the collision and control the seat belt tensioners and belt force limiters accordingly. In more severe collisions, the seat belt tensioners remove belt slack quicker, and the belt force limiters then loosen the belts progressively, reducing loads on the chest and allowing front occupants to gain greater benefit from the airbag.
