Mercedes-Benz Introduces E350 Sedan and Wagon

New-Generation V6 Engine Provides More Power, Better Fuel Economy

MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 9 -- The award-winning Mercedes-Benz E-Class line will soon feature the new 2006-model E350 sedan and wagon, both powered by a new-generation 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower -- a 20 percent increase over the 3.2-liter engine. The 2006 E350 sedan and wagon will replace the previous E320 models and join the rest of the 2005 E-Class line in dealership showrooms.

The New-Generation E350 Engine

The 3.5-liter V6 features four valves per cylinder, double-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves. This all-aluminum powerplant represents the first time Mercedes-Benz has used double-overhead camshaft technology on their V6 engines. One of the most powerful engines for its size, the 3.5-liter V6 produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with maximum torque available from 2,400 rpm all the way up to 5,000 rpm.

At part throttle, variable valve timing keeps the exhaust valves open for a short time as the intake valves are already opening, creating internal exhaust gas recirculation by allowing exhaust gas to enter the intake ports to reduce exhaust emissions and boost fuel mileage. This valve overlap is automatically reduced when the throttle is open further to increase mid-range power. At high engine speeds, the intake valves open and close even later for optimal air flow.

The new-generation engine is also equipped with a two-stage intake manifold and tumble flaps, which improve combustion and fuel economy by creating additional turbulence around the intake valves and in each combustion chamber.

The E-Class Lineup

The current E-Class is the world's most successful luxury car line and represents about 25 percent of total Mercedes-Benz sales in the US. For much of 2005, the E-Class lineup includes the E320 CDI diesel sedan, the V8-powered E500 sedan and wagon, and the limited-production E55 AMG -- all 2005 models -- as well as the 2006 E350 sedan and wagon.

The E350 and E500 rear-drive models come equipped with the world's first seven-speed automatic transmission, which improves both acceleration and fuel economy. All 4MATIC sedans and wagons as well as the E320 CDI sedan retain the 5-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift control.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 11 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at http://www.mbusa.com/ and http://www.maybachusa.com/.