The new E-Class can even tell you when you need a coffee break, writes MICHAEL McALEER, Motoring Editor
THE MOST surprising fact about the new E-Class is not the host of innovative features and gadgets fitted to the iconic business-class car. It’s the fact that this sizeable saloon, which bears a striking similarity to the flagship S-Class, can claim to be the world’s most aerodynamically-efficient luxury saloon.
It actually matches the next generation Toyota Prius in this regard, causing no end of amusement to Mercedes engineers and no doubt a good deal of annoyance at Toyota. The coupé version of this E-Class, due for launch later this year, actually comes in with a lower drag coefficient than the Prius.
Of course, tackling the wind tunnel is only one requirement of a modern premium car. With company bosses fearing worker revolution, even the most opulent capitalists are downsizing. For many, that means moving down a class in the Mercedes echelons, so you can expect to see a lot more E-Classes taking up S-Class parking spots.
The good news for those making the corporate step down is that this latest version requires little in terms of sacrifice. For arguably the most important car in the Mercedes range in terms of reputation and reach, the new E-Class now offers sizeable proportions, innovative technology features and a range of engines offering up to 23 per cent better fuel consumption.
The most crucial feature, however, is a sharper driving standard and a hand-on-heart promise that this model will be one of the most reliable Mercedes ever built. The reason for the reassurances is that the early days of the previous generation were marked by electronic problems. These were ironed out in time for the facelift, but the damage to the reputation of the three-pointed star was done.
By all accounts, the orders for this car come right down from the board of the car giant: this car must be right – there is no room for compromise. The severity of the internal message and intense focus on testing mean suggestions that it’s one of the best-built Mercedes in many years. Time will tell, but the initial signs are good.
The new E-Class retains its penchant for introducing new technology, but innovations only made it into the car after a test regime that included 36 million kilometres clocked up in extreme conditions.
New features include adaptive high-beam assist that automatically dips the headlights when faced with oncoming traffic or in towns. Not only do the headlights dip, but they maintain the maximum light effect right up to the oncoming traffic.
There is also a new automatic emergency braking system. Using radars, it monitors the road ahead up to 200m and, if it calculates an imminent collision, it signals a warning in the car, after which it applies the brakes. Even if the driver is late to brake and does so only lightly, the full brakes are applied and, if a collision is inevitable, seatbelts are primed and any open windows automatically close.
The new E-Class also offers a drowsiness detection system that monitors a driver’s reactions. If it senses there is a fall in the level of attention, a warning that the motorist should take a coffee break is sent.
The engine range for Ireland will initially feature only two diesel variants – the 170bhp 220 CDI and the 204bhp 250 CDI – with the rest of the engine range, including the likely big selling 136bhp 200 CDI, arriving later in the year, for 2010 sales. All three diesels are derived from a new 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine.
Each variant with six-speed manual transmission comes in at an estimated 139g/km, which means all will fall into the second lowest tax band – 16 per cent VRT and €156 motor tax. Given the size of the car, that’s an impressive achievement.
We tested both of the initial diesels with automatic transmission and though the 220 CDI is a decent cruiser, it is the extra punch in the 250 CDI that really delivers. While Irish buyers will be likely to opt for the smaller engines, the fact that all fall into the lower tax band should persuade those seeking more performance and comfort to opt for the more powerful version.
If you are going for the lower variant, we would advise you opt for manual transmission, not only preserving the lower emissions but also allowing you better use of the power.
In terms of handling and ride quality, improved reaction times for the shock absorbers and a 30 per cent greater rigidity results in far more precise handling than we have previously encountered with E-Classes. We’ve regularly complained that the steering is just was not as sharp as rivals like BMW’s 5 Series, but the gap between the two cars has dramatically closed in this regard.
So far, Irish prices have yet to be confirmed. That’s not surprising, giving massive fluctuations in the premium market at present, but you can be sure they will not greatly exceed the current range, which starts at €45,670 for the E220 CDI.
Mercedes knows it must get this car right. First impressions suggest it may well have hit its target.
Factfile
Engines (diesels): E200 CDI –2,143cc four-cylinder in-line diesel; 136bhp; 360Nm; 0-100km/h – 10.7 seconds; top speed – 215km/h; combined fuel consumption – 5.3l/100km; CO2 emissions – 139g/km; tax: VRT – 16 per cent; motor tax - €156. E220 CDI –2,143cc four- cylinder in-line diesel; 170bhp; 400Nm; 0-100km/h – 9.2 seconds; top speed – 231km/h; combined fuel consumption – 5.3l/100km; CO2 emissions – 139 g/km; tax: VRT – 16 per cent; motor tax - €156. E250 CDI –2,143cc four-cylinder in-line diesel; 204bhp; 500Nm; 0-100km/h – 8.2 seconds; top speed – 242km/h; combined fuel consumption – 5.3l/100km; CO2 emissions – 139 g/km; tax: VRT – 16 per cent; motor tax - €156
Engines (petrols): E200 CGI –1,796cc four-cylinder in-line turbocharged petrol; 184bhp; 270Nm; 0-100km/h – 8.7 seconds; top speed – 236km/h; combined fuel consumption – 6.8l/100km; CO2 emissions – 159g/km; tax: VRT – 24 per cent; motor tax – €447. E250 CGI –1,796cc four- cylinder in-line turbocharged petrol; 204bhp; 310Nm; 0-100km/h – 7.7 seconds; top speed – 241km/h; combined fuel consumption – 7.3l/100km; CO2 emissions – 174g/km; tax: VRT – 28 per cent; motor tax – €630
First arrivals:June/July with E220 CDI and E250 CDI
Prices:to be confirmed but likely to be similar to current range starting at €46,000