2007 MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS FAMILY EXPANDS TO INCLUDE E280 4MATIC, E320 BLUETEC and the High-Performance E63 AMG
The highly successful full-size E-Class line of sedans and wagons has been restyled for the 2007 model year, and four new models feature an impressively wide range of innovative engine technologies. With a more aggressive front bumper and lower air dam as well as a restyled front grille and headlights, the 2007 E-Class sports a fresh look, which includes more aerodynamic side mirrors as well as a redesigned rear bumper and tail lights.
Inside, the E-Class reveals a new steering wheel and shift lever, a revised layout for the automatic climate control and four new interior colours. New standard equipment includes a glass sunroof, six-disc CD changer and harman/kardon Logic 7 ™ premium audio system (optional on E280 and E320 BLUETEC). In addition, the wagon model now includes a power tailgate.
PRE-SAFE Added to 2007 E-Class
The E-Class line now comes with PRE-SAFE – the breakthrough Mercedes-Benz safety system that made its industry debut several years ago on the larger S-Class line. The world’s first system that can sense and take protective measures before a crash, PRE-SAFE opens an entirely new era in vehicle safety.
The innovative PRE-SAFE system first tensions the seatbelts if the car senses an impending collision. (The system uses resettable electric tensioners in addition to the existing pyrotechnic belt tensioners.) What’s more, if the front passenger seat is overly reclined or forward, PRE-SAFE moves it to a more favourable crash position. If the seat cushion angle of the front passenger seat is too shallow, it is also re-adjusted to help prevent submarining.
Finally, if the vehicle skids (sometimes a precursor to rollover), the system can automatically close the sunroof and side windows. If a crash is averted, the electric belt tensioners automatically relax and are ready to deploy again.
If necessary, PRE-SAFE reacts to fishtailing (or oversteer) as well as “plowing” (or understeer) by using existing sensors for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to measure steering angle, vehicle yaw and lateral acceleration. Emergency braking can also trigger PRE-SAFE, which monitors sensors for the Brake Assist system as well. The development of PRE-SAFE was based on the findings of Mercedes-Benz accident researchers, who concluded that about two-thirds of all accidents are preceded by driving events that indicate the possibility of an impending crash, such as skidding, emergency braking or a sudden evasive maneuver – all of which can provide valuable seconds of advance warning before impact.
New V6 & V8 Power for the E-Class
The E280 4MATIC is one of the newest members of the E-Class line-up, powered by a 3.0 litre V6, producing 228 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The E350 continues to use the latest four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, while the E500 has been replaced by the E550 model, now powered by a new-generation 32-valve 5.5-litre V8 delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque.
Rounding out the E-Class line, the high-performance E63 AMG replaces the previous E55 AMG model. Marking the debut of the first engine developed entirely by AMG, the E63 AMG is powered by a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 that produces 507 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the new engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts.
BLUETEC – A Blueprint for the World’s Cleanest Diesels
The E320 CDI has evolved to become the E320 BLUETEC, which combines several technologies to minimize exhaust emissions. BLUETEC is built on a foundation of advanced engine design that includes four valves per cylinder, centrally located piezo-electric injectors, third-generation CDI direct injection, a turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation.
Next, the BLUETEC system depends on the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (less than 15 parts per million) which is now available in Canada. Sulfur is a natural element found in most mineral oils that has a corrosive effect on engines as well as increasing particulate emissions. The availability of very low-sulfur fuel enables the use of reliable particulate filters and efficient nitrogen-oxide after-treatment.
The 2007 E320 BLUETEC incorporates four after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a particulate filter and a “denox” storage converter that absorbs nitrogen oxides temporarily. During brief regeneration pulses of a richer fuel-air mixture, nitrogen oxides are released, reacting with other exhaust gas to form harmless nitrogen. Regeneration pulses also raise temperatures in the particulate filter, which burns off the accumulated deposits.
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 900 people in 18 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 17 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 17,567 vehicles in 2006, the best year ever reported for Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
For more information, visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca or contact us at:
JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca
