Albisher & Alkazemi Co. launches new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Some 2,000 parts in the E-Class are new or further developments with new bodystyling, which is even more dynamic, poised and assured than before.

"The E-Class is once again setting the benchmark as the technology trendsetter. No other car in this market segment can match the range of safety innovations including PRE-SAFE®, Intelligent Light System, NECK-PRO head restraints and adaptive brake lights. These extensive safety features make the E-Class the safest car in its class," said Horst J.Neuber, General Manager.

The DIRECT CONTROL package, with more direct steering and a retuned suspension, and new or enhanced engines take agility and driving pleasure to new heights.

A revamped front-end design reflects the dynamism, power, poise and assurance of the new generation E-Class. Mercedes Benz has enhanced the familiar twin-headlamp face of the E-Class by adding transparent louvres to the top section of the headlamps, producing a striking light effect when switched on. And for the first time white LEDs have been used as parking lights. Mercedes-Benz has further accentuated the dynamic appearance of the E-Class on all model variants with side skirts and rear bumper in the AVANTGARDE design.

Inside, the new generation model differs from the outgoing model with new eye-catching colours, a new four-spoke steering wheel featuring elliptical thumb-operated buttons and a new control unit for the standard-fit THERMATIC automatic climate control. The Mercedes designers have also redefined the co-ordinated colour schemes, upholstery and materials.

For the AVANTGARDE line in particular there are two new colours (cognac brown and Sahara beige), which add an extra touch of refinement in conjunction with the black roof lining.

Pioneering innovations help the E-Class continue to set the pace of passenger car safety in its market segment. The new sedan is equipped as standard with the anticipatory PRE-SAFE® system whose "reflexes" respond before an impending collision by activating protection measures for the driver and front passenger.

As a result, the seatbelt and airbag provide maximum protection in the event of a collision. PRE-SAFE®, a world first which went into series production in the S-Class in 2002 and since then has received numerous international awards, heralds the start of a new era in vehicle safety. No other premium-class model can offer this kind of anticipatory protection system.

Mercedes-Benz is fitting the new generation E-Class with flashing brake lights to prevent rear-end collisions. They warn the drivers behind more effectively than conventional brake lights when there is a risk of an accident. Tests conducted by Mercedes engineers show that the drivers' braking reaction time can be shortened on average by up to 0.2 seconds if a flashing warning light is used during emergency braking. As a result, the braking distance can be reduced by 5.50 metres at 100 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz has also consistently fine-tuned the occupant safety features on the E-Class. The Saloon and Estate meet the most stringent international crash standards such as the U.S. 80 km/h rear impact test or the new U.S. side crash test, which simulates a collision with a heavy off-road vehicle. To date, the E-Class has completed some 330 crash tests as part of improvements to vehicle safety.

The new generation E-Class is the first vehicle to feature adaptive headlamps, which respond to the prevailing driving and weather conditions providing a significant improvement in driving safety.

The Intelligent Light System, available as an option, is based on the powerful bi-xenon headlamps and includes five different lighting functions: the new country mode provides brighter, further illumination of the offside verge than the previous low-beam headlamps.

Here the driver's range of vision is increased by around ten metres, which allows him to recognise other road users or obstacles earlier in the dark. The motorway mode, activated automatically at speeds above 90 km/h, produces an even light cone that extends to a range of up to 120 metres, illuminating the entire road width. In the centre of this light cone the driver can see around 50 metres further. Thanks to the enhanced fog lamps, also part of the new Intelligent Light System, Mercedes-Benz has also improved orientation in fog whilst reducing backglare.

When it came to the petrol engines, the Mercedes engines paid particular attention to the four and eight-cylinder variants. The four-cylinder engine in the E 200 KOMPRESSOR delivers 12.5 percent more output than the previous 184 hp. At the same time, maximum torque has been increased to 250 Nm.

The E-Class engine range is headed by the newly developed 5.5-litre eight-cylinder engine from the S-Class and has an output of 388 hp. Compared with the previous V8, the new engine delivers 26 percent more power. At 530 Nm the torque also comfortably exceeds the maximum for the preceding engine by around 15 percent.

The new E 500 delivers the performance profile of a sports car with the saloon capable of 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds, 0.7 seconds faster than the previous model.

The new generation E500 and E350 Avantgarde versions can also be ordered with a factory-built package that meets the stringent requirements of protection category B4.

This integrated protection is incorporated on a high-security production line, where experienced specialists build each vehicle from the ground up. Specifically this means that the doors, rear wall, sides, roof and firewall of the passenger cell are fitted with effective protective components of steel and aramid - including areas which are no longer accessible on a finished vehicle.

New E-Class versions will arrive in 2007, including the E 63 AMG, the most powerful E-Class ever. It is fitted with a naturally aspirated V8 engine delivering 514 hp and maximum torque of 630 Nm.