Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Geneva, Switzerland, Mar 03, 2009

“The best medicine for bad times is first class products,” is the statement made today on the Mercedes press conference at the Geneva Motor Show by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The brand bearing the three-pointed star delivered two prime examples of this in the shape of the double premiere of the new E-Class sedan and the new E-Class coupé. The ninth generation of the successful upper mid-range model series will come to market at the end of March as the safest and most comfortable vehicle in its class. With up to 23 percent less fuel consumption compared with its predecessor, the new E-Class also sets benchmarks in terms of efficiency and environmental compatibility. The new E-Class coupé boasts the same technology as the sedan. The powerfully elegant two-door carries forward a tradition that has repeatedly inspired enormous passion throughout the history of this model type.


The new E-Class is extending the leading position held by Mercedes-Benz within this segment with excellent comfort and outstanding safety. Notable features include the unique combination of driver assistance systems. These include drowsiness detection, the adaptive high beam assistant and automatic emergency braking, which can help in the avoidance of accidents. The long-distance comfort so typical of the E-Class is increased by intelligent bodyshell technology boasting 30 percent greater stiffness, further improved seats and a redeveloped chassis with shock absorbers that adjust automatically to suit the prevailing driving conditions. In the interior, high-end materials, craftsmanship displaying great attention to detail and perfect ergonomics all combine to create the feeling valued by Mercedes-Benz customers the world over – “welcome home”.

“The new E-Class is the heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand and the best E-class ever,” says Dr. Zetsche. “We are certain that it will send out a positive signal for the 2009 auto year and be among the winners on the market. Positive indicators include the over 40,000 pre-orders we have already received.” Independent analysts are also lauding the new E-Class as the vehicle with the most stable value in its class. The residual value has been forecast at an outstanding 62 percent after three years.

Up to 23 percent lower fuel consumption

Equally impressive is the efficiency of the new E-Class, which consumes up to 23 percent less fuel than its predecessor. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research, and for Development of Mercedes-Benz Cars, comments, “All four and six-cylinder engines in the E-Class now operate with the latest direct injection technology. These models have also been equipped with our fuel-saving BlueEFFICIENCY package. This means that two-thirds of new E-Class models consume between 6.8 and 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The excellent second fuel consumption figure applies to no less than three CDI models.”
The new CDI diesel power units require only 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined). This equates to 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre. All engines in the new E-Class fulfil the EU5 exhaust gas standard and, in the case of the E 350 BlueTEC, emissions are below the EU6 limits planned for introduction in 2014.

Test program covering more than 36 million kilometres

When it comes to quality, too, the new E-Class is ahead of its already outstanding predecessor, which twice achieved a number one ranking in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey. Dr. Weber once more, “The new E-Class is perfectly prepared for its market launch. It is backed by extensive virtual testing with digital prototypes, plus a total of 36 million kilometres of test driving. This new E-Class has thus passed the most comprehensive test program of any Mercedes model to date.”

World premiere – Mercedes presents the coupé version of the new E-Class

With the coupé version of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is introducing a further highlight in parallel to the launch of the sedan. The new E-Class coupé is a very special combination of emotion and efficiency. With the classic coupé profile, without a B-pillar and featuring fully retractable side windows, the new two-door provides a particularly sporty interpretation of the dynamic design of the new E-Class. At the same time, the coupé sets a new record in wind resistance. With a Cd of 0.24, it is the most aerodynamically efficient series production car in the world.

The model range includes two new four-cylinder turbocharged engines that consume up to 17 percent less fuel, while providing a considerable increase in power output and torque. The AGILITY CONTROL suspension comes as standard and is equipped with an exceptionally sensitive shock absorber system that automatically adjusts to the prevailing driving conditions. It combines driving fun and agile handling with the best in body roll comfort. The new E-Class coupé will appear at European dealerships and Mercedes-Benz sales outlets at the beginning of May.

The engines in the new E-Class coupé

Model name kW/hp Max. torque (Nm) l/100 km*
E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 150/204 500 at 1,600-1,800/min 5.3
E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY 170/231 540 at 1,600-2,400/min 6.8
E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY 150/204 310 at 2,000-4,300/min 7.2
E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY 215/292 365 at 3,000-5,100/min 8.5
E 500 285/388 530 at 2,800-4,800/min 10.9

*Combined NEDC consumption

SLR Stirling Moss – pure fascination and driving pleasure

All the attributes of a speedster are offered by the SLR Stirling Moss, which is also on show in Geneva. Driver and passenger can both enjoy high-speed fascination in its purest form. The 478 kW/650 hp supercharged V8 engine enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds (top speed – 350 km/h). Its concept makes the SLR Stirling Moss a worthy namesake of the British racing legend Sir Stirling Moss, who drove the 1955 SLR racing cars from victory to victory and remains the Mille Miglia record-holder to this very day. The SLR Stirling Moss represents the conclusion of the SLR family and is limited to only 75 copies at a price of 750,000 Euro. Production of the SLR Stirling Moss begins in June 2009, marking the scheduled end of production of the SLR Roadster.

Maybach Zeppelin – new top model marks 100-year anniversary

In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Maybach, the brand is crowning its model range with the new Maybach Zeppelin. This vehicle marks the absolute top of the range within the high-end luxury limousine class. This makes it a worthy successor to the legendary Maybach Zeppelin, which was at the very top of the range offered in the 1930s. The unique style of the new Maybach flagship is distinguished by specialized paintwork with the shoulder line offset in a contrasting colour, as well as by the expert crafting of exquisite materials throughout the interior. The technical basis for the new top model is provided by the Maybach 57 S and the long wheelbase 62 S. Limited to just 100 units and boasting a power output of 471 kW/640 hp (plus 28 hp) and 1,000 Newton metres of torque, the Maybach Zeppelin is the most powerful Maybach of all time.