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E-class Merc arrives on the scene

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

THE much-anticipated new Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon - a car which the Stuttgart manufacturer claims will become the benchmark in its segment in terms of comfort, safety and environmental compatibility - has now arrived on the Irish market. In a move which underlines the determination of Mercedes-Benz to recapture market share in the luxury car segment, the first model to arrive here is the four-cylinder, 170bhp E220 CDI which comes on the market at e43,600 (ex works) - a price which their chief executive in Ireland, Stephen Byrne describes as stunningly competitive, especially in view of its vastly enhanced level of specifications. Two further models will arrive in September - the E200 CDI and E200 CGI Kompressor - for which similarly attractive prices are expected to be announced shortly. A feature of note for Irish motorists is that all manual transmission E-Class diesels fall into Band B with annual road tax of e156 with all automatic versions coming in Band C with road tax of e302 per annum. The E220 CDI is powered by a 2.2-litre, bi-turbo, common rail direct injection engine which delivers 400Nm of torque with a top speed of 229kms and a 0 – 100km/h time of 8.0 seconds. It has fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100km (urban cycle) and a CO2 rating of 139g/km. With its more powerful styling and impressive detailing, the new E-Class is distinctly more modern than the model it replaces. Amongst its most significant features is a distinctive new V-shaped grille and new twin-lens headlight design. Adding a sporty touch are front daytime running lights positioned low beside the air ducts under the bumper line. Looked at from the side, its wedge-shaped profile rises towards the rear to give the car a pronounced shoulder line which combines with a muscular rear section to create a strong, confident appearance. As always, comfort and interior refinement are central to the E-Class experience with every detail formed to convey that sense of security that has been a feature of the E-Class for many years. Long-distance comfort has been improved even further thanks to intelligent body-shell technology that boosts rigidity by up to 30 percent. Seating too has been improved and a newly developed suspension fitted with shock absorbers that automatically adjust to driving conditions. In true Mercedes-Benz tradition, safety remains a major element. The E-Class reputation as a trend-setter in this field is one that has been recognised for more than 50 years. In the new version, an array of standard safety features includes a mix of the very latest assistance and protection systems. One item is a drowsiness detection system that uses feedback from over 70 sensors to monitor behaviour and alert the driver when the time to take a break becomes evident. Another first-in-the-world option are headlamps that dim automatically to avoid dazzling on coming traffic, a new proximity control feature, parking assist guidance and reversing camera, improved pedestrian protection and the full array of driver and passenger airbags, including a new pelvis airbag. All new E-Class models come in a choice of three design and equipment lines that include higher-spec Elegance and Avantgarde versions. Visual highlights on standard versions include a 3-louvre grille, 9-spoke alloy wheels and interior appointments that include steering wheel and gearshift in leather and eucalyptus wood trim elements.