All-new E-Class Is An A6-shooter

o rival the model which claimed the prestigious Auto 1 Car of the Year award at the Geneva Motor Show in March, Mercedes has sent its E-Class engineering team back to the drawing board with a plan to set new standards in the executive saloon class.

The result is a two-pronged attack to be led by a facelifted evolution of the current machine in mid-2006. That gives company technicians more than enough time to develop an all-new vehicle, codenamed W212, which is due for launch in 2009.

The mag's exclusive pictures of the latter reveal how radical changes are being planned for the newcomer. Abandoning the retro design of the current E-Class to embrace a look that's not unlike the new Lexus GS is a big step. But our sources say the most controversial change is that the SBC brake-by-wire system is being abandoned in favour of conventional hydraulic anchors. The ad-vanced set-up will continue to offer the benefits of SBC - independent braking of each wheel in particular - while providing greater feel and control.

Other features include bi-xenon headlamps which are linked to the steering to help illuminate around corners. An upgraded version of the Pre-Safe system is also being developed - this will include a 360-degree radar for monitoring the car's proximity to other road users and prepare the ABS and traction control systems as necessary. In addition, the technology adjusts airbags


and the seating position if it calculates that an accident appears imminent.

The E-Class is to come with a head-up display, projected on to the windscreen, and a BMW iDrive-style control operated by a keypad and rotating ball. Both rear and four-wheel-drive models are being considered, although it is not clear if the latter will be available in the UK. In the past, Mercedes has reserved 4WD variants for markets prone to snow such as Scandinavia and North America.

Entry-level versions will offer six-speed automatic gearboxes, but our spies report that the firm is to continue developing its new seven-speed unit for range-toppers. A vast array of petrol and diesel engines, equipped with particulate filters as standard, are also under development. All-new dual-fuel powerplants, derived from the C400 CDI hybrid motor which will debut with the next S-Class, will also be available.

The petrol range is set to include the basic E250, driven by a 2.5-litre direct-injection V6 developing 214bhp. At the other end of the scale, the flagship E63 AMG will produce 571bhp from a turbocharged 6.3-litre V8. Diesel options vary from the 204bhp 3.0-litre V6-powered E280 to the 354bhp 4.0-litre V8.
The new model is already undergoing trials, and prototypes have been built. And one thing looks certain: the E-Class test drivers will have one of the most rewarding jobs in the car industry.
Dan Strong

 

571HP! Now that's what I'm talking about. 2009 is a long time to wait though No more pulley mods either, simply go in with Stardiags and increase boost

 

This cracks me up. We can't even get real details on the new 6.3 specs and they are prining numbers for a 2009 model. By then we may have a 9.3 1700 HP 3000 LB/FT engine.

How about some real details about the engine that will come out on 2006?

I love magazines!!!!!!

Schiz

 

Yeah, I know what you're saying. Guess I was just so focused on the fact that Benz is even talking bout an twin turbo E55 publicly.

Info I had from a company that rhymed with Spenntech is that they (AMG) ARE working on a twin turb and it will debut as an 07 model.....sooner if they can get it all ironed out.

 

nice pull sir!!! which mag?

 

Merc seems to be getting a lot of experience in turbos with their biturbo and triturbo diesels (check out the biturbo SL diesel and triturbo SLK diesel in the Euro mags). No mention of torque numbers?

 

oh man im drooling already, awsome, 2009 is when i graduate from college and go to med school, awsome i get to dream for another 8 years!

ill stick to my '99 c280 till then

 

571hp is jaw dropping. M5 who?

Again Mercedes pulls through once again.