Mercedes-Benz launches engine offensive: Most powerful CDI eight-cylinder ever and new V6 engines now available in four different model series

Maastricht, May 18, 2005 Mercedes-Benz is now offering significantly greater comfort and driving dynamics in the C, CLK, CLS, and E-Class with a total of eight new six-cylinder models. The engine offensive is based on all-new V6 petrol and diesel engines that are the best in their displacement class in terms of power output, torque, fuel consumption and environmental friendliness. Another new arrival is the E 420 CDI, whose eight cylinder engine delivers 231 kW/ 314 hp, making it one of the most powerful passenger-car diesel engines in the world. Mercedes-Benz is also offering four new engine variants for the CLK-Class and has upgraded both the coupe and cabriolet versions by redesigning the front end and implementing numerous technical innovations that ensure even greater safety and comfort. In addition, the CLK cabriolet, the CLS-Class four-door coupe, and the 4MATIC version of the E-Class are now available for the first time ever with V6 diesel engines.

The new CLK 280, CLK 350, and CLK 320 CDI six-cylinder models have made the CLK-Class even more powerful and sporty than ever before. This improvement is also reflected in the dynamic appearance of coupe and cabriolet, which feature a redesigned front bumper with a striking wedge shape and larger air intakes, as well as a modified radiator grille with three louvers. In future, the CLK’s AVANTGARDE equipment line will feature 17-inch five-double-spoke light alloy wheels as standard, while the ELEGANCE line will have nine-spoke light alloy wheels (16 inch; 17-inch wheels for the CLK 320 CDI and up).

As part of the model upgrade, Mercedes designers have also enhanced the interior of the CLK-Class with their traditional attention to detail, and made the various equipment lines even more distinct. For example, the AVANTGARDE models now come with a new instrument panel featuring an aluminium faceplate, white dials and chrome rings. In addition, the discreet elegance of the ELEGANCE line has now been further reinforced through a new fabric pattern, new leather coverings (optional), and new ash wood trim.

Mercedes-Benz is also fulfilling the wish of many drivers for even more sporty touches by offering a new Sport Package and Sport Package AMG, which include 18-inch light alloy wheels, 225/40 R 18 (front) and 255/35 R 18 (rear) broad tyres, perforated brake disks and a sport chassis.

The engine line-up for the CLK coupe will in future include a tried-and-tested four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 110 kW/150 hp, which needs only 6.4 to 6.5 litres of fuel to travel 100 kilometres.

E-Class: New top diesel model with an output of 231 kW/314 hp

Customers who purchase the Mercedes E-Class will have 27 engine and body variants to choose from in future. Five of the engines are completely new — two six-cylinder CDI units, two V6 petrol engines and, beginning in the autumn of 2005, a new V8 diesel engine. Mercedes-Benz has also expanded its range of four-wheel-drive vehicles to include the new E 280 4MATIC and E 350 4MATIC. These will be joined in future by the E 320 CDI 4MATIC.

The E 420 CDI has a newly developed eight-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 231 kW/ 314 hp and provides a maximum torque of 730 Nm from just 2,200 rpm. This engine feature guarantees exemplary elasticity when overtaking, as well as during rapid sprints. It also ensures relaxed driving in high gear. The E 420 CDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and from 60 to 120 km/h in only 5.4 seconds in third gear. This top-of-the-line diesel vehicle, which consumes 9.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (combined), comes with a maintenance-free particulate filter, a seven-speed automatic transmission, AIRMATIC suspension and numerous other features as standard equipment.

CLS-Class: Four-door coupe with new diesel power

Along with the powerful petrol engines delivering 200 kW/272 hp and 225 kW/306 hp — and the CLS 55 AMG (350 kW/476 hp) — the CLS-Class model programme will in future also include the new CLS 320 CDI with a V6 diesel engine delivering 165 kW/224 hp. Like all other CLS-Class engines, the new six-cylinder diesel also comes with the new seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard equipment.

The combination of the four-door CLS coupe with the new V6 diesel engine will provide a driving experience that’s sure to thrill motorists in terms of comfort and driving dynamics. The CLS 320 CDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 246 km/h. Just as impressive is the vehicle’s fuel consumption of 7.6 to 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres — on a full tank, the CLS 320 CDI can travel up to 1,050 kilometres.

C-Class: New six-cylinder engine for the same price as the previous four-cylinder unit

With four new six-cylinder engines, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class now has the most modern engine line-up in its market segment. The diesel engine range is led by the new C 320 CDI, which replaces the five-cylinder in-line engine previously used. The latest in state-of-the-art six-cylinder petrol engine technology will become available in mid-2005 for the first time in three performance classes: in the C 230 (150 kW/204 hp), the C 280 (170 kW/231 hp) and the C 350 (200 kW/272 hp). The models equipped with the new six-cylinder petrol engines consume up to 13 per cent less fuel than their predecessor models.

Mercedes customers will be able to purchase the new and more powerful C 280 for the same price as the C 240 predecessor model. The C 350, which is offered with either the ELEGANCE or AVANTGARDE equipment lines as standard, and is also equipped with 17-inch light alloy wheels, will be available for a lower price than the similarly equipped C 320 predecessor model.

Mercedes-Benz is also offering the C 230 with a V6 engine for the same price as the previous four-cylinder C 230 KOMPRESSOR. Compared to that model, the C 230 delivers additional output of 9 kW/12 hp, something which drivers will notice through the vehicle’s greater agility and the enhanced driving pleasure it offers. Despite this, the C 230 displays the typical smooth running and driving comfort of a six-cylinder model. The engine delivers its maximum pulling power of 245 Nm over a broad speed range (2,900 to 5,500 rpm), thus providing the best possible acceleration and rapid sprinting capability. The C 230 goes from zero to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds (saloon) and has a top speed of 245 km/h.

The high-torque V6 engine is available in the C-Class saloon, estate and sports coupe models. The C 230 comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, but customers can also opt for the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission if they so choose. Additional high-end standard features include the THERMATIC climate control system, NECK-PRO crash-active headrests for the driver and front passenger (in the saloon and estate models), windowbags, seatbelt tensioners and belt-tension limiters in the front and rear, and a multi-functional steering wheel.

The new C-Class model series also includes the C 280 4MATIC and C 350 4MATIC, both of which are equipped with the 4MATIC permanent four-wheel-drive system and provide up to 45 kW/61 hp more power than their predecessor models.