New Mercedes-Benz E-Class launched into the UAE

"The E-Class is the heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand," said Steffen Baumann, Sales and Marketing Director Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars DaimlerChrysler Middle East. "No other vehicle in its segment reflects the basic values of our brand as clearly as the new E-Class in terms of safety, comfort, innovative engineering, quality and individual packaging in an exciting design."

"As with its successful predecessor the new E-Class, developed in just 48 months at a cost of over two billion euros, continues to demonstrate its worldwide technological leadership by redefining the standards in the automotive luxury class," added Baumann at the first joint press conference between DaimlerChrysler Middle East and its UAE general agents held in Jebel Ali.

"E-Class driver loyalty rating is 83 per cent worldwide and it is probably more so in the UAE so I am confident that we will reach our sales targets this year," said Baumann. "In fact I am certain that demand will outstrip supply and we will have to count on the patience of our loyal customers."

Since the E-Class was launched in the Middle East, over 18,300 vehicles have been sold. Last year sales were 2,900. Worldwide, sales of the previous E-Class model averaged 200,000 vehicles a year.

"The E-Class attracts a sophisticated buyer who enjoys the mix of large-car luxury and innovation," said Richard Barber, General Manager, Gargash Enterprises. "With new world-first innovations this new model will attract new buyers to the class leader and I am certain we can reach our ambitions sales target over up to 600 cars this year."

"Over the last four years we have sold nearly 2,500 vehicles which represents about a quarter of our annual Mercedes-Benz sales"

Emirates Motor Company General Manager Richard Siemicki says the new E-Class will exceed sales expectations in the Abu Dhabi Emirate.

"This new vehicle sets the benchmark for luxury saloons and will delight our customers," he added. "Last year we sold over 550 E-Class and I expect strong demand for this new version."

Trailblazing innovations available in no other automobile brand enter series production for the first time in the new E-Class.

The Sensotronic Brake System (SBM(TM)) which made its world premiere in the Mercedes-Benz SL Class last year, is now standard equipment. In addition, the new E-Class includes a world-first multi-contour seat which automatically adapts to driving conditions to hold the driver and front seat passenger in place in sharp corners and enhanced AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) air suspension system for outstanding ride and comfort.

The design of the new E-Class continues the elegant lines of the preceding series and emphasises the dynamic character of the saloon more than ever. The striking twin headlamps, with which the E-Class initiated a design trend in 1995, have been redesigned and slightly angled back, characterising the progressive, dynamic appearance of the front-end of the car.

The new E-Class shows its dynamic character with outstanding agility, sportscar-like handling and superb cornering thanks to a newly developed four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension mainly of aluminium.

The standard fitting of Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC,,· ) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP,,·) are an unique package worldwide and will ensure maximum handling safety and help the driver cope with emergency situations.

Mercedes-Benz has also increased ride comfort with the equally innovative AIRMATIC DC (Dual Control) air suspension system which is available as standard on the E 500 V8 model and as an optional extra on all other E-Class models. The system uses state-of-the-art microelectronics to monitor the road conditions, driving style and loading to select the best possible shock absorber and spring conditions.

Mercedes-Benz has further improved occupant safety with new intelligent restraint systems with smart airbags that deploy at different rates depending on accident severity.

For the first time the new E-Class gets two-stage belt force limiters and automatic weight classification for the front passenger. In combination with additional crash sensors these systems provide even more precise and adaptive occupant accident protection.

Side airbags for the front seat occupants, large window airbags, high-performance belt tensioners, automatic child seat recognition and a rollover sensor are additional standard safety features.

Three different V6 and V8 engine variations will be available in the new E-Class saloon with outputs ranging from 177 hp to 306 hp. This range will be extended with the addition of the E 200 with a supercharged four-cylinder powerplant and our top-of-the-line E 55 AMG with 476 bhp later in the year.

The designers have developed a supremely comfortable interior with a choice of high quality materials ensuring the typical impression of Mercedes-Benz quality and value.

Outstanding driving comfort is ensured by the standard auto climate control, newly developed seats and state-of-the-art driver support systems.

Four-zone THERMOTRONIC climate control with microprocessors that individually determine and control the temperatures of the driver and passengers is optional.

Individuality has always been a major characteristic of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the new model is available in CLASIC, ELEGANCE AND AVANTGARDE versions plus a vast variety of designo and AMG options to choose from.

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