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New E-Klasse W212 Gets Official Detroit Unveil

In case there are still some internet users who got tired of all the waiting and are maybe still holding their breath on the official unveil on the new E-Klasse, here it is. The latest generation of the second best-selling model in the Mercedes-Benz range has broken cover at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, leaving Korean and Chinese designers everywhere speechless. Design
Although at first glance the design of the rear looks like it might come from the trash bin of a Hyundai Sonata designer, the new model actually harks back to the W120 and W121 “Ponton” Mercedes-Benzes from the 1950s. OK, just the rear wheel arch does, since everything else pretty much resembles the W124 E-Klasse. The front on the other hand looks a bit like the previous generation Lexus GS. Still, if we consider that the Lexus itself looked to be more than similar with the first “four eyed” Mercedes, the W210 E-Klasse, we kind of forgive the German designers.

On the whole, nobody can say that the car is either beautiful or butt-ugly, but we can give it up for “ze Germans” when it comes to the aerodynamics of the new “wagen”. Believe it or not, the ruler-designer E-Klasse has a drag coefficient of only 0.25, making it the most aerodynamic premium sedan in the world. This breakthrough was achieved by very subtle modifications to different parts of the car, like the variable engine fan louvres or the flat(ish) underbody.

The car's most important new features reside in the safety and comfort areas, as Mercedes-Benz has accustomed us. Codenamed W212, the new mid-size Merc is now based on a modified C-Klasse platform, which is supported by a much stronger bodyshell. Benz engineers say that the new chassis is 30% stiffer, mainly because it's made from newly developed high strength steel.

Technical

The engine line-up consists of direct injection four and six cylinder engines and the top of the line gasoline V8, which for the moment remained loyal to the “oldschool” multipoint injection. Although the power has somewhat remained unmodified across the range, the torque numbers are up while the fuel consumption has decreased to almost unbelievable figures. Up to 23% percent in fuel economy has been achieved by some engines, no small feat considering we're talking about a pretty big car.

This is mainly because of the BlueEFFICIENCY-badged measures, which consist of outstanding aerodynamics, newly-developed low rolling resistance tires, the ECO start/stop function (which for example switches the engine of the new E 200 CGI off when idling), direct injection and energy-saving control of the generator, fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and power steering.

Although not many details or pictures have been given to publicity so far, the W212 E-Klasse press release informs us that the new E 63 AMG will sport the same 6.2 liter V8, which now develops 525 hp, just like in the S 63, CL 63 and SL 63 AMG. The gearbox will probably consist of the new multi-clutch automatic found in the SL 63 AMG, probably making the overall performance step up to the much more powerful competitor from Audi, the 580 hp RS6.

The air suspension system is optionally available on the V6 models and standard on the V8, while the cheaper four cylinder versions get a “regular” suspension with adaptive shock absorbers as standard specification.

Safety

As for the gadgets and gizmos to be found on the new E-Klasse, the car doesn't exactly disappoint. Almost every safety feature looks like it was made for driving challenged drivers (no pun intended, really), since each one comes with the “Assist” particle in the name. Further more, part of a comically named “light & sight” package, which includes bi-xenon headlights, the Intelligent Lighting System and LED daylight driving lights, the optional Adaptive Main Beam Assist reminded us of a certain Toyota commercial. The system uses a camera situated on the windshield to recognize oncoming traffic, controlling the headlamps to intelligently illuminate the road ahead. For example, the range of the dipped headlamp beams can be automatically extended from 65 to 300 meters, without the driver intervening in any way.

The “Assist” co-named systems list continues with a Blind Spot Assist taken straight out of the S-Klasse, a Lane Keeping Assist that vibrates the steering wheel whenever you unintentionally leave the driving lane and a Speed Limit Assist just like in the new BMW 7 Series, which recognizes speed limit signs as you pass them, informing you of the relevant speed limit. The Night View Assist is a newly improved version of the “old” Night Vision system that can now detect pedestrians and highlight them on the onboard display.

But wait, the “Assist” list hasn't stopped. The newly-developed “Attention Assist” is actually a drowsiness detection system based on sensors which cover 70 different parameters. In other words, this standard system can warn the driver if it detects that he's going to fall asleep and crash his Benz. The Pre-Safe system is now based on radars which have 50 meters more range and it now includes automatic emergency braking.

The passive safety is further enhanced by the four-stage crumple zone in the front, seven airbags as standard, belt tensioners, belt force limiters, crash-responsive head restraints and ISOFIX child seat attachments. As a way to spare more pedestrian lives, the new E-Klasse also features a special bonnet which pops up 50 millimeters upwards everytime you hit someone. The only reason we said “everytime” is that the system can be reset by the driver himself after deployment.

The new E-Klasse is for the moment the only “four eyed” Mercedes-Benz left in the line-up, but it manages to rise up to the expectations set by the old “E”. On the whole, the overall impression is of a well-build car, à la almost any Mercedes-Benz made until the 1990s. Let's hope that impression will be more that just “perceived quality” deducted from pictures and press releases. The model will appear in all European showrooms and dealerships in March.
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About the author: Alex Oagana
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Alex handled his first real steering wheel at the age of five (on a field) and started practicing "Scandinavian Flicks" at 14 (on non-public gravel roads). Following his time at the University of Journalism, he landed his first real job at the local franchise of Top Gear magazine a few years before Mircea (Panait). Not long after, Alex entered the New Media realm with the autoevolution.com project.
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