|
Other SAE Magazines Sites
|
|
Global Viewpoints
Update for E-class
-
Mercedes-Benz E-class has subtle styling changes.
Mercedes-Benz E-class station wagon.
Mercedes-Benz E-class interior treatment.
|
DaimlerChrysler's successful Mercedes-Benz E-class range has been updated after four years' production. Significant changes include the standardization of ESP (electronic stability program) and window bags across the range, plus five- and six-cylinder common-rail direct-injection diesel (CDI) engines, each with a variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger. In all, some 1800 components have been "modified or improved," says the company. Styling changes are subtle and center on the car's frontal treatment. It retains its four-headlamp configuration but the front end has been flattened and lowered slightly to incorporate a redesigned hood, radiator grille surround, and bumpers that are seamlessly integrated into the body. It has also been necessary to carry out mild modification of the front fenders.
The diesel engines are of 2.7-L (164 in3) (270 CDI) and 3.2-L (195 in3) (320 CDI) displacement, the former producing 125 kW (170 hp), the latter 145 kW (197 hp). The CDI 320 offers 42% more torque than the outgoing E-class six-cylinder diesel engine and offers a fuel consumption of 7.8 liters/100 km (27.2 mpg Imp.) for the European driving cycle. The VTG turbocharger (Merce-des calls it a VNT — variable nozzle turbine) uses an electropneumatic transformer and a vacuum control unit linked to a lever mechanism that actuates a regulating ring in the turbocharger. Mercedes explains that movement of the ring is passed on by further levels to each of the axially pivoted guide vanes positioned between the spiral housing of the turbocharger and the turbine wheel. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard for diesel and gasoline engined cars up to 2.8-L (171 in3) displacement. Mercedes has paid attention to shift quality and claims that 25% less driver effort is needed to operate the gearbox compared to the previously used five-speed system. Diagonal shifting is said to be particularly improved. The E-class now accounts for about 24% of all passenger cars produced by Mercedes, and about 18% of those are station wagons.
Stuart Birch
|
|
|
