Special Edition E-Class Offers Extra Value At No Extra Charge

MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 30 -- The Mercedes-Benz E-Class enters 2002 as the company's most popular line, and with even greater value. Each E320 Special Edition sedan features new 17-inch wheels, Black Birdseye Maple trim, full leather upholstery, sunroof, rain sensing wipers, premium audio system all wrapped in Black metallic or Quartz Silver metallic paint, a value of $3,000 all at no extra charge. Each E430 Special Edition sedan adds Xenon headlamps and heated headlamp washers, a value of over $3,500 also at no extra charge.

All E-Class sedans and wagons feature the innovative Electronic Stability Program (ESP), curtain side airbags and door-mounted side airbags in all four doors. A multifunction steering wheel enables the driver to scroll through several menus that adjust trip computer, fuel, stereo, telephone and optional navigation functions. Mercedes' sophisticated 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is available on all E320 and E430 models and the innovative Tele Aid system -- standard on all E-Class models -- provides both convenience and emergency services at the touch of one of three buttons through a special cellular connection.

Grip Aplenty -- 4MATIC All-Wheel-Drive Tames Winter's Worst

For unparalleled grip in poor weather, the Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan and wagon, as well as the E430 sedan offer the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. In fact, half of Mercedes' wagon clients equip their cars with this option. Mercedes' 4MATIC is a full-time all-wheel-drive system that uses a 35/65 front/rear torque split and requires no driver intervention. Advanced four-wheel electronic traction control is used to vary torque distribution to individual wheels under slippery conditions. Even if three wheels lose traction, 4MATIC can direct power to just one wheel, front or back, left or right, to keep the car moving. The system is lightweight (under 200 pounds) and compact, so passenger and cargo spaces are not affected.

Mercedes-Benz V6 And V8 Engines Establish Clean Power

The E320 sedan and wagon are powered by a twin-spark/ three-valve-per-cylinder, 3.2-liter V6 that belts out 221 horsepower to move the sedan from 0-60 mph in just 7.1 seconds. This lightweight V6 engine uses a dual-path intake manifold, which helps it to produce 85 percent of its peak torque at just 2,000 rpm and sustain its maximum torque of 232 lbs.-ft. from 3,000-4,600 rpm for powerful midrange response.

The 4.3-liter V8 powering the E430 also uses twin-spark/three-valve cylinder head architecture and dual-path intake technology. With a healthy 275 horsepower, the V8 can thrust the E430 from 0-60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. This engine sustains its 295 lbs.-ft. maximum torque over a wide range from 3,000-4,400 rpm. Sequential fuel injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control ensure precise and progressive response.

E-Class Sets the Standard For Safety

Mercedes-Benz pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure, anti-lock brakes, the supplemental restraint system (SRS), ESP stability control and traction control. All 2002 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles feature anti-lock brakes, full front airbags and door-mounted side airbags. Additionally, all E-Class sedan and wagon occupants benefit from curtain side airbags. These work in conjunction with the door-mounted side airbags to help prevent both front and rear passengers from hitting their heads on the side window or roof pillars in a severe side collision. Tests by Mercedes-Benz with the curtain side airbags indicate about a 90 percent reduction in the forces likely to cause head injuries. All 2002 Mercedes models feature Brake Assist, the first system in the industry proven to reduce stopping distances in emergency situations. Brake Assist can detect a ``panic'' stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied and then, with lightning speed, apply full braking boost faster than a driver could.

All 2002 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full cover age period, plus free scheduled maintenance. In addition, the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program covers all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year. This peace of mind can include a free jump start, help in mounting a spare tire or providing a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.