New E-Class Features Dynamic Looks, Driving Fun, Breakthrough Technology; All-New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Priced at $46,950

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 21 -- Mercedes-Benz USA today announced that the highly-anticipated, new-generation 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans will begin arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealer showrooms nationwide on August 26 with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $46,950* for the E320.

Representing about 25 percent of total Mercedes-Benz sales, the E-Class is the world's most successful luxury sedan. Both the six-cylinder E320 and the V8-powered 5.0-liter E500 (priced at $54,850*) will debut with a number of technological innovations setting new standards in vehicle safety, comfort and driving dynamics.

Seven years ago, the prior-generation E-Class sparked a design trend with its distinctive elliptical headlights, and the new car features an even sleeker interpretation. The oval headlights are tilted back even more sharply, and the entire car exudes a fresh, sporty design theme.

Underneath the sleek exterior, the new E-Class features the first large-scale use of electronic braking, an innovative electronic braking system -- another Mercedes first. The new electronic braking system -- which debuted on the limited-production 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class this past March -- provides faster, more sure-footed response, especially in emergencies and is the only such system in any production automobile.

With electronic braking, 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. The system can change brake pressure on each wheel over uneven surfaces and can actually increase brake pressure on the outside wheels in turns. Even ABS anti-lock and ESP stability control work more efficiently, since they are more deeply integrated with the brakes.

The new E-Class also sports a newly developed four link front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension which provides cornering that befits a sports sedan with superb ride comfort. A new dual-control version of the Airmatic air suspension system from the S-Class sedan is standard on the E500 model and optional on the E320 sedan, bringing with it a tauter, more athletic suspension and greater driving fun.

Developed from the S-Class sedan's suspension, 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. Driving safety is further improved on the new E-Class through new safety features including 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.

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. The new E- Class is equipped with a new type of rollover sensor that can signal the central control module to deploy the windowbags and belt tensioners if it detects this type of accident.