With the world premiere of the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz kicked off a broad product offensive in the premium segment. At the 2013 North American International Auto Show, the German luxury car manufacturer presented a fully-updated E-Class line consisting of saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet versions along with the bold new E 63 AMG.
These five new models from Stuttgart are the first of many for this year and demonstrate the commitment of Mercedes-Benz to bringing innovative, quality products to its largest single market. Adding to the slew of new products for 2013 was the all-new CLA-Class, shown for the first time at the traditional Mercedes-Benz New Year’s reception on the evening preceding the opening of the auto show. This new four-door coupe, considered to be the “little brother” of the successful CLS (the original four-door luxury coupé), will undoubtedly bring new customers to the brand of the three-pointed star.
“In 2012, we sold more than 274,000 cars in the U.S. and thus achieved a new sales record for Mercedes-Benz. Because we are bringing so many new models to market in 2013 – the new E-Class line, the new CLA-Class and the new S-Class – we anticipate that sales will again increase in 2013,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
Mercedes-Benz once again raised the bar with the new E-Class – in terms of both safety and design language – as the technical developments of the model range reflect a move forward in overall design. The front of the car was completely reworked including all-new headlights, which comprise all functional elements behind a single headlamp lens. For the first time, the E-Class is available with two different front-end designs: the standard version with a three-louvre look and star on the hood, or an incorporated sports-car radiator with a large central star .
Exemplary safety
In all E-Class models, many new assistance systems from the future S-Class are already available. The 11 electronic aids add a new dimension in combining comfort and safety. “Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive” includes systems that can prevent accidents with crossing vehicles or pedestrians at intersections as well as Active Lane Keeping Assist, which can prevent accidents with oncoming traffic.
Powerful and efficient engines
Further significant improvements to the new E-Class family are seen in regards to efficiency and eco-friendliness. Among the highlights are new, powerful BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines with spray-guided direct injection. This line of engines put the new E-Class among the highest-ranked cars in terms of fuel economy (and into the ‘A’ category of the European efficiency classification). The broad selection of engines is comprised of six highly-efficient petrol and diesel versions. Output of the petrol engines ranges from 135 kW (184 hp) to 300 kW (408 hp), with the diesel engines starting at 100 kW (136 hp) and topping out at 195 kW (265 hp). Almost all diesel engines meet the European efficiency class ‘A’; the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID even achieves a highest-possible mark of ‘A+’.
Mercedes-AMG builds the most powerful E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG marks a pinnacle in performance and driving dynamics. The top of the E-Class family is now designated as an S-model with maximum power of 430 kW (585 hp) and an available 800 Nm of torque, along with a newly-developed, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. This permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option on the other E 63 AMG models.
The new CLA-Class, with an avant-garde coupe design
As a four-door coupe, the new CLA mirrors the idea of the successful luxury-class CLS. Sporty proportions and a powerful and dynamic design language define the four-door coupe, with its distinctive frameless doors. The interior features integral front and rear seats and follows the progressive dynamic appearance of the exterior. Complementing the sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque four-cylinder turbo engines with output of up to 155 kW (211 hp) and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Thanks to fully-variable torque split, the system provides high traction and agility with unsurpassed safety.
With the CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, technical highlights include aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of 0.22 that sets a world record for production cars. Again, numerous driver assistance systems are offered including the advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, both of which are standard features.
Not only is the new CLA the most recent automobile from Mercedes-Benz, but its first appearance in the United States coincides with a historic event: the 125th Anniversary of Daimler in the United States. The foundation for the company’s continued success to date was established between Gottlieb Daimler and the noted piano manufacturer William Steinway, for it was in 1888 that the men signed a contract forming the “Daimler Motor Company” based on Long Island, New York.
