Felix

the first german E350 buyers will get their cars this year, for the USA i think the launch of the new V6 will be in spring/summer 2005.

below you see a chart comparing the E320 to the E350, acceleration and topspeed are very nice. especially for the wagon (T-Model)



a new interesting sport-package is also on the way. i used an online translator to convert the text from german to english. so don´t be too hard with your critics in my language-skills:

________________________________________

Mercedes will bring soon (exact date does not admit) a Sporpaket independently of the LINES on the market. The price is not well-known me. It consists of a more direct steering element, whose basis offers the parameter steering element. The basis sport package is the avantgarde line. In addition 18" tires in a new spoke Design with different types of tires 245er rank in front and 265er in the back among the series extent. The V8-Modelle (E 500 and E 400 CDI) gets larger brake calipers in silver is painted. Punched brake disks are blocked in front. The bumpers and Seitenschweller are in the avant-garde Design. The trim is LINE specific. As is the case for the CLS exhaust final tubing screens (oval, high-grade steel polished) are in each case on the left and on the right into the rear bumper integrated with the e-class with sport package. The sound of engine corresponds to the CLS, since the final pots of the CLS are blocked. In the Intrieur a sport steering wheel with 4 spokes is installed (from the CLS). It is equipped in series with mechanism with the steering wheel switching keys. That switch selector levers in avant-garde the Design one blocks. Besides the pedals are made of brushed high-grade steel (with rubber knots) give it a high-grade steel footrest. The seats are up-padded in front and have leather twinwith Kontrastziernaehten. Of the moreover one it has Velour floor matsset in with imitation leather and Mercedes Benz signature.

james_san

Been waiting for this info for >2 years. I am going to the local dealer this weekend to sign up for the waiting list for an EDP.

Le Burpor

BAH!!!! I should have waited!!!!! The price difference is minimal but you get so much more kWs and Torque.....

MB Fanatic

Looks like a contendor to replace the E320 with. I will have to check it out when more information is released. Sure will leave the 530i in the dust.

slytoksy

Greater output, higher torque, lower consumption: New V6 engine for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class


The Mercedes-Benz E-Class will soon be even more dynamic than ever, thanks to a newly developed six-cylinder engine for the saloon and estate models. The V6 engine, which is one of the most powerful in its displacement class, will be introduced from the end of 2004. It develops 200 kW/272 hp and generates a peak torque of 350 Nm from 2,400 rpm. The new E 350 therefore outperforms its predecessor, the six-cylinder E 320 model, in terms of torque and output by 11 and over 21 percent respectively. Its fuel consumption is up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres lower. The 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission comes as standard with the new E 350, providing powerful acceleration and rapid sprints as well as economical consumption and high comfort levels.
No other V6 engine in this displacement class is able to offer output and torque characteristics which have been so specifically designed for dynamic performance and enjoyment as this new six-cylinder from Mercedes-Benz. With its 3,498 cubic centimetres of displacement, the engine develops 200 kW/272 hp, translating into an outstanding volumetric efficiency of 57 kW/78 hp per litre. Equally impressive is the maximum torque of 350 Nm, which is available over a wide engine speed range of between 2,400 and 5,000 rpm. This engine feature guarantees immense pulling power and rapid sprints in addition to relaxed driving in high gears.

The new E 350 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, which is 0.8 seconds faster than the E 320. For the estate, acceleration over the same distance has been cut by 1.4 seconds to 7.1 seconds. The top speed for both model variants has been increased to 250 km/h.

The state-of-the-art technology behind the new six-cylinder is also apparent in its NEDC overall consumption of 9.7/9.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite the higher engine output, the E 350 estate consumes 0.7 litres less than the E 320, while the fuel saving for the saloon amounts to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

Key engine and performance data of the new E 350 at a glance:

Mercedes-Benz E 350

Cylinders V6
Displacement 3498 cc
Output 200 kW/272 hp
Max. torque 350 Nm at 2400-5000/rpm

Saloon

0-100 km/h 6,9 sec.
60-120 km/h 6,9 sec.
Max. speed 250 km/h
Fuel consumption* 9,7 l/100 km

Estate

0-100 km/h 7,1 sec.
60-120 km/h 7,2 sec.
Max. speed 250 km/h
Fuel consumption* 9,9 l/100 km

*NEDC overall consumption.


Technology package for economical consumption and high torque

The aluminium V6 engine, which Mercedes-Benz recently also introduced to the CLS-Class and the SLK-Class, excels with a unique package of technical features. It is the first time that a V6 engine has ever been produced with variable camshaft control on intake and exhaust sides. This technology boosts both output and torque, as well as contributing to fuel savings. The Mercedes six-cylinder is the world’s first V6 engine with variably adjustable intake and exhaust camshafts.

The length of the intake manifold can be varied according to the engine speed to achieve the best possible torque and output. As a result, the six-cylinder is able to develop around 87 percent of its maximum torque of 350 Nm starting from just 1,500 rpm. In addition, the intake ducts are equipped with tumble flaps which improve the intake process and combustion of the fuel-air mixture. These pivot open under partial load, increasing the turbulence of the gas flow in the combustion chambers. Depending on the engine speed, this can lead to a fuel saving of up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres - combined with a significant improvement in smoothness.

Seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard

The standard equipment of the E 350 includes 7G-TRONIC. Developed by Mercedes-Benz, this is the world’s first seven-speed automatic transmission designed for passenger cars. With its intelligent gearshift control function, 7G-TRONIC exploits the performance potential of the high-torque V6 engine in the most effective possible way in every driving situation. Consequently, it also plays a key role in the vehicle’s exemplary performance and economical fuel consumption.

Mercedes-Benz is also offering the new 3.5-litre V6 engine in combination with the tried and tested five-speed automatic transmission in the 4MATIC variants of the E-Class.


Source: DaimlerChrysler

Mercedesfan

Felix - do your sources suggest the CLK320 will also become available in a CLK350 to include the cabriolet? If so, same time frames?

Felix

the CLK will of course get the 3.5l engine, but i dont know a date excatly. but the new BMW 3series (e90) will debut in spring 2005 with a new 3.0 inline 6cylinder and 258hp. I really think that mercedes is going to counter this with the introduction of the 3.5l in their c-classes and CLK.

Silvergt02

I got an ML350 from my dealer as a loaner while the e500 was getting some work done. I wasnt impressed at all. I thought it had zero power. I know its heavier than an E class, and maybe Im used to my 5.0. But all in all I thought it was slowwwwwww. Id hate to drive an ML320!!

BudC

Not so fast

http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cf...e/2/bmw/1.html

BudC

Yup, the 330I has the new 258HP R6 engine. 0-100KPH in 6.3 seconds. I wonder what MBUSA will import for the C-Class.

Felix

the 350er (in SLK, CLS, and now E-class) engines are complete different from the ones in S, SL, and ML.

the thing you drove was 3.7liter V6 based on the old 3.2liter, with old technology (3 valves and so on)

the new 3.5liter V6 (4 valves ...)in combination with the 7G-Tronic is awsome!

Silvergt02

thanks...good to know

Nevada Jack

The "350" in the ML is not the same engine being discussed here.

YeeHaw

let me add for redunancy that the ML350 is not the same as the new 350 in E,SLK, CLS

RJC

Look at it like this, the new 3.5 may have some teething problems for it's first year of production. Your 3.2 is tried and true.

akbro93704

The 0-100 KMH is actually to 62.5 MPH,so the 0-60 times for the 350 are going to be quicker, and Mercedes is always conservative on their acceleration times anyways. Mercedes quotes the E320 to 60 MPH in 7.1 seconds,so I think we're looking more like a 6.3 or 6.4 second run to 60 for the 350.

Le Burpor

True, I was in a bad mood and felt like whining

I'm very happy with my E320. Decided on keeping it until I can go for the S.