- Two more models for SA customers
- More driving assistance features
- New E300 (180kW/370Nm) and E400 (245kW/480Nm).
PRETORIA, South Africa – Mercedes-Benz has already added two models to its recently launched midsize E-Class – an E250 and an E400 4Matic. Already on South African roads are the E200, E220d and E350d.
Mercedes-Benz SA describes the E-Class: “It’s a stylish new executive sedan with a distinct, emotive design and high-grade interior, numerous technical innovations for comfortable and safe driving at a new level.
“There’s also a new dimension in driving assistance.
“Each unit comes with infotainment and control systems and the shell is an all-new experience with light construction and optimum aerodynamic data – they set the benchmark.”
An new optional multi-chamber air suspension system “ensures outstanding ride comfort and first-class driving dynamics”. Innovations include a “lane-change assistant” that allows a driver to steer effortlessly into the selected lane.
The Corner thought the previously standard brain-hands-muscles-eyes interface easily managed that already…
READ more Mercedes features on Carman’s Corner
WATCH more about the 2017 Mercedes E-Class
The E200 was introduced at launch with a four-cylinder petrol engine, the E220d with an all-new four-cylinder diesel, and an E350 d with a six-cylinder diesel is also available.
The just-arrived tail-enders are the E300 (180kW/370Nm) and six-cylinder E400 4Matic (245kW/480Nm).
Each of the latest E-Class engines has stop/start and petrol engines meet the requirements of the EU6 emissions standard. The new OM 654 four-cylinder diesel is already configured with future RDE limits in mind.
Each has the new 9G Tronic nine-speed auto transmission with, Mercedes says “a particularly beneficial effect on efficiency and low noise levels”.
“The 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive on the E400,” Mercedes added, “is the first in South Africa to have the system as standard.”
Torque is distributed front/rear in a ratio of 31%/69%..
Mercedes explains the key benefits of 4Matic:
• Safe dynamic handling.
• More traction and driving stability on slippery surfaces thanks to the pre-lock with a pre-lock torque of about 50Nm between the front and rear axles.
• Improved efficiency, less friction..
• No restriction in the cabin or boot thanks to compact design.
The suspension on the new E-Class can give agile driving pleasure on twisting roads then the highest level of ride comfort. There are three suspension settings with selective shock-absorber control.
• Agility control suspension with comfort tuning, Avantgarde dropped 15mm.
• Dynamic body control – sporty suspension with adaptive shock-absorbers, lowered by 15mm to replace the classic sports suspension.
• Air body control – multi-chamber air suspension.
Or the car can have multi-chamber air suspension all round – the only car in its segment, Mercedes says, to offer this. Advantages include three chambers of varied volumes in the rear spring struts and two in those at the front make possible three stages of suspension resistance.
Air body control multi-chamber air suspension does all-round ride self-levelling no matter the load. It controls ride height according to speed and reduces freeway fuel-consumption by lowering the vehicle.
Ground clearance can be manually increased for rough country roads.
New assistance and safety/crash avoidance/protection systems enhance safety, such as warning of potential collision and auto emergency braking, auto braking for pedestrians and auto crosswind compensation. .
Mercedes E-Class prices/emissions:
E200 – R707 100 (142g/km)
E220d – R759 100 (112g/km, not liable for emissions tax)
E250 – R759 100 (142g/km)
E350d R958 300 (144g/km)
E400 4Matic – R989 500 (189g/km)
All Mercedes-Benz cars are delivered with a six-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.
For more on the new Mercedes E-Class, visit your nearest showroom.
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