Leading-edge technology, captivating design, high-quality specification and intelligent interior practicality – the outstanding features of the new E-Class Estate that celebrates its world premiere at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit at the beginning of January 2003.
The dynamically elegant Estate version completes the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class model range. Scheduled for launch in March 2003, following the successful launch of the Saloon version in spring 2002, the new Estate will build on the success of the previous model which sold over 266,000 units during its seven-year reign, making it one of the best-selling cars in the estate class.
Like the Saloon before it, the new E-Class Estate represents technological exclusivity at the highest level. The standard specification for the Estate reads like a list of automotive technology milestones, including: Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) – the electrohydraulic brake system which now incorporates convenience functions such as Tailback Assist and Anti-stall Assist – as well as load-adaptive self-levelling rear suspension, adaptive front airbags, two-stage belt force limiters and large windowbags, to name just a handful of the 20-plus innovations that form part of the standard package.
Optional equipment available for the new Estate includes further high-tech systems such as AIRMATIC DC air suspension, COMAND control and display system with DVD player, THERMOTRONIC four-zone climate control and the dynamic multicontour seat which automatically adapts to the current driving situation.
Among the highlights making their debut in the new E-Class Estate are the bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System – which follow the movements of the steering wheel and thus substantially enhance the driver's range of vision when cornering – as well as the new EASY-PACK tailgate, complete with hydraulic drive system for easy opening and closing at the touch of a button.
A new level of practicality and variability
The EASY-PACK system is the Mercedes-Benz answer to the need for intelligent load compartment management, comprising a whole host of detail solutions which substantially enhance variability, practicality and safety in the new Estate. Highlights of the EASY-PACK system include a newly developed, split-folding rear bench seat which can be folded forwards in its entirety in just a few simple steps, thus creating a large, flat loading surface in the rear. The load compartment capacity is between 690 and 1950 litres (VDA measuring method), depending on how the rear seats are arranged. Assuming the stowage compartment in the spare wheel well is used, the new E-Class is capable of transporting up to 90 litres (15 percent) more than its predecessor.
Another new innovation for estate cars, the hydraulically operated EASY-PACK load compartment floor (optional), can be moved backwards by 400 mm at the push of a button, thus making it easier to load and unload heavy objects. Mercedes-Benz has also developed a special EASY-PACK load securing kit (Fixkit) which allows separation of the load compartment according to requirements as well as safe securing of the load. The kit includes telescopic bars, a retractable belt, four load securing rings and sliding fixing elements that lock into two aluminium rails.
Offering a generous amount of space that can be used in a variety of ways, as well as intelligent practicality, the new Estate can easily cope with a wide range of transport tasks, making it the ideal partner for work, travel, recreation, sport and shopping. It has a payload capacity of 575 kg. At 4850 mm in length, the E-Class Estate is 32 mm longer than the Saloon version, due to the increased rear overhang. The wheelbase length remains unchanged at 2854 mm. Compared to its predecessor, the new Estate is eleven millimetres longer and 23 mm wider whilst the wheelbase has been extended by 21 mm.
Three distinctive design and equipment lines – CLASSIC, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE – meet different customer requirements. Even the basic model, CLASSIC, comes with a standard package that includes a radio/CD player, automatic climate control, Sensotronic Brake Control, sidebags, windowbags, fine wood trim, light-alloy wheels and a host of other comfort and safety-related features. The ELEGANCE model does full justice to its name with discreet chrome trim on the bumpers, side rub strips and door handles, as well as a radiator grille with vanes painted in atlas grey, whilst the AVANTGARDE version distinguishes itself with line-specific, dynamically designed bumpers and side skirts, as well as cockpit instruments with white dials. Powerful bi-xenon headlamps and LED brake lights are also standard equipment on this model.
Text and photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler AG
