2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Revealed
The estate version of the new E‑Class is all set to be served up at the MercedesCup tennis tournament in Stuttgart: making its début, the sixth-generation model is as dynamic as the tennis pros and as spacious as centre court. Innovative engineering and a compelling conception of space make it the most intelligent estate that Mercedes-Benz has ever built. At the same time, the first performance stage celebrates its première in the shape of the Mercedes-AMG E43 4MATIC.
In terms of the space on offer, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate continues to be one of the favourites in its segment: it has a cargo volume of up to 1820 litres and, in spite of a much sportier roof line, headroom and elbow room in the rear are in turn the best in this class. From as soon as late 2016, the Estate will again be available with a third, folding bench seat for children.
For the market launch, the new estate will be available in the E 200 model version with a four-cylinder petrol engine 184 hp along with the E 220 d 194 hp featuring an entirely newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine, and the E 250 delivering 211 hp and 350 newton metres of torque. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the E 200 d will follow with its output of 150 hp accompanied by the E 350 d, which has a six-cylinder diesel engine, and the E 400 4MATIC containing a six-cylinder petrol engine that generates 333 hp and 480 newton metres of torque. At market launch, all models are equipped as standard with the new 9G‑TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.
The first performance stage of this all-rounder is the Mercedes‑AMG E43 4MATIC Estate, which will likewise be available from the fourth quarter. With the powerful 401 hp 3.0‑litre V6 biturbo engine, 9G‑TRONIC automatic transmission with shortened shift times, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive and model-specific sports suspension, it boasts the AMG brand’s hallmark driving performance and increased agility.
With a capacity of 670 to 1820 litres, the E-Class Estate’s load compartment is one of the biggest in the segment. As standard, the rear bench seat has new cargo-related functionality: it is possible to position the backrest at an approximately 10‑degree steeper angle. This creates an additional 30 litres of cargo volume while continuing to enable full use to be made of five seats.
In addition, the rear seat backrest folds down in a 40:20:40 split as standard, opening up plenty of potential configurations between transport capacity and seats. To release the backrests, there are electric switches located in the load compartment and to the right and left next to the backrests.
The developers paid particular attention to practical dimensions and innovative management of the load space: for instance, the new E-Class Estate is one of the few car models that can accommodate a Europallet. With a minimum load compartment width between the wheel arches of 1100 millimetres, it was possible to retain the preceding model’s very good measurement. The proven combined cargo cover and net is back, offering both security from prying eyes and safety. Thanks to the electric drive, the load compartment cover moves upwards when the tailgate is opened.
The EASY-PACK tailgate provided as part of the standard equipment can be opened and closed very easily at the touch of a button for comfortable loading and unloading. Operation is electromechanical. To prevent the tailgate making contact with the garage roof, for example, it can be halted in any position and its opening angle limited.
Optional KEYLESS-GO with HANDS-FREE ACCESS makes loading even more convenient: all that is required is to make a kicking motion with a foot underneath the rear bumper and the boot lid can be opened and closed fully automatically. You don’t need to have your hands free or to place any items of luggage on the ground. This ease of operation is now also possible in conjunction with the trailer coupling (optional extra).
The EASY-PACK load-securing kit (optional extra) allows the load compartment to be used in a versatile and safe manner. This clever solution for managing the load space includes rails in the vehicle floor, fasteners, a telescopic rod and luggage holders.
A self-levelling rear air suspension continues to be part of the vehicle concept as standard. This ensures that the Estate always stays horizontal, even when fully laden (up to 745 kg depending on the model) or with all the towing capacity in use (up to 2100 kg). With AIR BODY CONTROL, all-round air suspension is available as an option.
The now fully power-adjustable retractable and extendible trailer coupling with ESP® trailer stabilisation and Crosswind Assist (optional extra) also offers a high level of everyday utility. If the trailer coupling is not needed, it disappears behind the rear bumper. To hitch up a trailer or mount a cycle rack, simply swing it out using the electric controls and automatically keep it in place in the operational position. The controls for this are located in the tailgate or driver’s door.
Exceptionally secure and easy to fit, the holding device for cycle racks is a world first. The trailer coupling has two extra bolts on the ball coupling to support a suitable cycle rack safely. This enabled the load capacity to be increased to 100 kg and four bikes.
In the interior, the new E-Class Estate is one of the quietest vehicles in its class – even though an estate is at a disadvantage by design compared to a saloon due to the large resonating body. Quiet running and low vibration make a significant contribution to the level of energising comfort, particularly on long journeys.
A whole raft of measures help to reduce vibrations and noise. As on a cabriolet, struts strengthen the main floor and front end of the bodyshell. For that reason, the vehicle body is very rigid and transmits less noise. Special insulation on the bodywork (including on the bulkhead, sidewalls and main floor), as well as sound absorbers under the rear seats and on the wheel arches, keep noise out of the vehicle interior. The kinematic design of the chassis, axles and steering system reduces disturbances that can be caused by the road surface, the wheels being out-of-balance or when braking. Engine and transmission mounts have also been optimised in terms of noise levels and some model versions deploy switchable engine mounts.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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