MERCEDES-BENZ REVS UP
HOT SELLING E-CLASS RANGE FOR 1998

New Engines, A New Wagon And Optional All-Wheel-Drive Debut

Just two years after Mercedes-Benz introduced its award-winning E-Class luxury/performance sedan range, the company has added sweeping enhancements that make the most desirable cars in their class even more compelling choices for buyers.

ENGINES - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

For 1998, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an all-new, more powerful V6 engine for the E320 and replaced the E300 Diesel with the E300 Turbodiesel, the world's quickest diesel-powered automobile. A stylish and versatile new seven-passenger E320 wagon combines the sleek, stylish lines of the E-Class sedan with unsurpassed passenger and cargo versatility among competitors. Both the E320 sedan and wagon models can be optionally equipped with a new all-wheel-drive system that employs sophisticated four-wheel electronic traction control to provide unparalleled grip in the worst weather conditions. The 1997 275-horsepower V8-powered Mercedes E420 has been exceeding sales projections since its introduction and will continue in production through the fall. The E420 Sport package remains an option, with five-spoke 17" wheels, high-performance tires and aerodynamic body modifications.

MORE POWER, LESS EMISSIONS - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The 3.2-liter V6 engine used in the E320 sedan and wagon models is part of an all-new family of Mercedes-Benz three-valve/twin-spark engines that set new standards of performance, efficiency, smoothness and low emissions. The E320 V6 produces 221 horsepower versus 217 for the inline six it replaces. Even more significant is that the new Mercedes V6 produces 85 percent of peak torque at just 2,000 rpm and maximum torque of 232 lbs.-ft. is available from 3,000 rpm-4,600 rpm. Its predecessor also produced 232 lbs.-ft. of peak torque, but at a higher 3,750 rpm, and it did not have the same broad torque band. A dual-resonance intake manifold helps maximize torque at all engine speeds. Below 3,700 rpm, two flaps in the intake manifold remain closed to direct air through a longer intake route, which boosts torque at lower engine speeds. At higher speeds, the two flaps open, allowing intake air to take a shortcut - a more direct route to the cylinders for high-speed power and efficiency. A counter-rotating balance shaft helps this V6 run with V8-like smoothness, while sequential fuel injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control ensure quick response to the accelerator pedal. The advanced three-valve (two intake, one exhaust), twin-sparkplug cylinder head design is key to reducing emissions by up to 40 percent, especially at startup.

SERVICE - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The new Mercedes V6 was designed with reduced operating costs in mind, too. The platinum-tipped sparkplugs were designed to last 100,000 miles, and a new Flexible Service System (FSS) monitors stresses on the engine oil to determine optimal service interval. The system can tell the difference, for example, between urban driving and highway driving, and can account for oil top-ups. The minimum service interval is now 10,000 miles (up from 7,500 miles), and FSS will allow as much as 20,000 miles between oil changes. The driver is alerted to the service interval by an instrument panel indicator.

TRANSMISSION - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The new Mercedes V6 is teamed to the company's acclaimed electronic five-speed automatic transmission that not only adapts to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for power and downshifting on descents for engine braking), but also to an individual's driving style. For example, the transmission computer responds to leisurely driving with quick, smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver who requires frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will Fnd the transmission holds each gear longer for quick acceleration. The transmission offers a "Winter" mode, which enhances traction by starting in second gear and shifting at lower engine speeds.

LEAP FORWARD FOR DIESEL - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

For 1998, the Mercedes-Benz E300 Turbodiesel replaces the E300 Diesel and delivers eye-opening performance. A turbocharger and intercooler boost horsepower to 174, a 30 percent increase over the 134 horsepower of the 1997 E300 Diesel. The new model's 244 lbs. ft. of peak torque represents a whopping 57 percent increase over the 155 lbs. ft. of torque in the E300 Diesel. Peak torque is produced from l600-3600 rpm, putting the power in the most useful range. With 0-60 acceleration in under nine seconds, the Mercedes E300 Turbodiesel is more than three seconds quicker than the E300 Diesel it replaces and comparable to gasoline- fueled luxury cars. The E300 Turbodiesel is also the world's most efficient luxury car, achieving remarkable fuel mileage ratings of 26 mpg in city driving and 34 mpg in highway driving.

RAISING THE BAR IN SAFETY - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in safety technology, having pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure, anti-lock brakes, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and traction control. All 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles come equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes, full-front airbags and door- mounted side airbags. For 1998, all Mercedes E-Class models feature new standard safety advances. Brake Assist is the only system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations. Brake Assist can detect an emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied and then, with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could.

BABYSMART™ - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The standard BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, first introduced on the SLK roadster, uses transponder technology to deactivate the passenger-side front airbag in the presence of a BabySmart- compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers). For safe driving in slippery conditions, ASR traction control is standard on all E-Class models. This sophisticated system detects when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and selectively ap plies the brake to that wheel to restore straight-line traction and stability. Should braking action not be enough, ASR will reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle, more quickly than the driver.could react to do so. The extraordinary Electronic Stability Program (ESP), available for all E-Class models, can detect an impending spin or slide and apply selective braking (even braking one wheel, front or rear, left or right) to keep the car going where the driver is pointing it.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

For unparalleled grip in poor weather, the Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan and wagon can be equipped with a new full-time all-wheel-drive system, priced at $2,750 for either model. The new system employs a 35/65 front/rear torque split and uses four-wheel electronic traction control to control torque distribution to individual wheels. Even if three wheels lose traction, the Mercedes all-wheel-drive system can divert power to one wheel, front or rear, left or right, to keep the E320 moving. The E320 all-wheel-drive system is always operative, yet remains transparent in operation. Even the turning radius is identical to the rear-wheel-drive version. Because the system is light and compact, cargo space is not affected in either the sedan or wagon. For the ultimate in vehicle control, ESP can be combined with the all-wheel-drive option on the E320 sedan and wagon, for an option price of $990.

SMARTKEY - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

Mercedes-Benz is advancing the science of auto theft prevention with a new system called SmartKey (see separate SmartKey release), which is standard on several models including the E-Class. The key fob contains a radio-frequency unit to lock and unlock the doors, and a separate system to start the car. Instead of the usual metal ignition key, the driver inserts and turns the pointed tip of the key fob into the "key" portal, which initiates an infrared data exchange that unlocks steering column and starts the car. For maximum security, the SmartKey system changes access codes each time it is used.

TOPS IN LUXURY - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The lengthy list of standard features for all E-Class models leaves no doubt that these are luxury automobiles: dual-zone climate control,10-way power front seats and head restraints, power titt and telescoping steering column, three-position memory (for the front seats, mirrors and steering wheel), genuine burl walnut interior trim, integrated garage door opener and high-performance eight-speaker cassette audio system are all standard. A Bose® sound system is standard on the E420 and optional on the other models.

AMENITIES - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The E320 and E420 sedans add leather upholstery and trim, which is optional for the E300 Turbodiesel and E320 wagon. Auto-dimming rear-view and driver's side mirrors are standard for all E-Class models, making night-time driving safer and more comfortable. For cold weather, the climate control can recirculate warm air through the interior for up to 30 minutes while the car is parked. Rain sensor automatic intermittent windshield wipers, optionally available for all E-Class models, use a light-emitting diode (LED) to measure rain intensity on the windshield to regulate wiper speed according to rainfall intensity. The optional Parktronic system uses sound waves to detect unseen obstacles in front of and behind the car, warning the driver with visual and audible signals. Parktronic can detect children's toys in the driveway, curbs, shrubs and even possibly children.

MERCEDES-BENZ SETS A NEW
STANDARD FOR LUXURY WAGONS

Mercedes-Benz will set a new standard for luxury wagons with the new E320 wagon, which integrates the dynamic look of the highly acclaimed Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan with a sleek yet practical wagon body. With the safety, performance, luxury, ride, and handling that have made the E-Class sedan line such a tremendous success, the E320 wagon is like a sport sedan with room for seven. The E-Class wagon features a folding third-row seat as standard equipment. Mercedes-Benz first offered a luxury wagon in this segment more than 20 years ago, and finds these buyers among its most loyal. Today, the global presence of Mercedes-Benz gives the company the flexibility to offer both a sport-utility vehicle, the M-Class, and a luxury wagon. Mercedes expects to sell about 35,000 M-Class All-Activity Vehicles in the U.S. annually, and about 3,500 E320 wagons.

SAFETY FOR SEVEN - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

Wagon buyers seeking the maximum safety for their families will find it in the Mercedes E320. All 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles come equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags and door- mounted side airbags. In the E320 wagon, there is a three-point seatbelt for each of the seven seating positions. The Mercedes E320 wagon comes standard with Brake Assist, the only safety system in the world that can actually shorten stopping distances in emergency braking situations. Brake Assist can detect an emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is applied. With lightning speed, the system applies full braking force faster than a driver could.

BABYSMART™ - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

Mercedes-Benz urges all owners with children under 12 years old to put them in the back seat. However, because there may be times when this is not an option, the E320 wagon comes with the BabySmart™ automatic child seat recognition system. BabySmart uses transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers). The system does not require a battery or power hookup, and there is no switch for the driver to push. For safe driving in slippery weather, ASR traction control is standard on all E-Class models. This sophisticated system detects when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and selectively applies the brake to that wheel to restore straight-line stability and traction. Should braking action not be enough, ASR can reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle more quickly than the driver can react to do so. The extraordinary Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which is available for under $1,000 on all E-Class models, can detect an impending spin or slide and apply selective braking on any of the four wheels to keep the car going where the driver is pointing it.

LOTS OF ROOM AND VERSALITY - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The new Mercedes E320 wagon is equally adept at carrying people, cargo, or both. With the standard third seat row folded, there's nearly 44 cubic feet of cargo space. With the middle and rear seat rows folded, the space expands to a cavernous 83 cubic feet - more than any other luxury wagon. Room is not sacrificed to carry the standard full-size spare tire, which is mounted inside the car under a cover on the left side of the cargo area. Careful attention has been paid to making the spacious cargo area versatile and convenient. The middle seat row features a 60/40 split, and the cushions fold forward and can be removed. Removing the right side cushion and folding the front passenger seat forward creates a useful and virtually flat load surface nearly 10 feet long. Overall, the E320 wagon is only 0.6-inches longer than the E-Class sedan. Operating the tailgate is made easy by a handle below the license plate, fully cladded gas-pressure springs and a power-assisted closing feature. The rear load height is just 22 inches. The standard aluminum roof rails offer sturdy support for the available roof rack system, which can accommodate a variety of objects, including bicycles, skis or a cargo carrier. For added convenience, the rear cargo area features an integrated retractable cargo net and luggage cover, twin retractable cupholders and a 12-volt power outlet. An intermittent rear wiper and heated washer are standard, aiding rearward visibility.

NEW GENERATION V6 ENGINE - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The Mercedes E320 wagon is powered by a new-generation 3.2-liter V6 engine that's more powerful more responsive and more fuel-efficient than the inline six-cylinder engine used in the previous-generation (1995) E320 wagon. The new wagon can sprint from 0-60 miles per hour in under eight seconds, yet it returns an admirable 20 miles per gallon in city driving and 27 miles per gallon on the highway (EPA ratings). Perhaps more important for the wagon driver is the outstanding low-end and mid-range torque from the new V6 engine. Maximum torque of 232 Ibs.-ft. is available from 3,000 rpm-4,600 rpm, which ensures confident and safe freeway merging. Just as significant, 85 percent of peak torque is available at just 2,000 rpm, translating into responsive around-town driving. Sequential fuel injection and electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle control ensure quick response to accelerator pedal, and a balance shaft ensures smooth operation. The advanced three-valve (two intake/one exhaust), twin-sparkplug cylinder head design is key to reducing emissions by up to 40 percent, especially at startup.

LONG LASTING EQUIPMENT - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

In addition to outstanding performance and lower emissions, the new V6 was designed with reduced operating costs in mind. The platinum-tipped sparkplugs were designed to last 100,000 miles, and a new Flexible Service System (FSS) monitors stresses on the engine oil to determine optimal service interval. The system can tell the difference, for example, between urban driving and highway driving. The minimum service interval is now 10,000 miles (up from 7,500 miles), and FSS will allow as much as 20,000 miles between oil changes. The driver is alerted to the service interval by an instrument panel indicator. The new Mercedes V6 is teamed to the company's electronic five-speed automatic transmission that adapts to an individual's driving style as well as to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for climbing power and downshifting on descents for engine braking). The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver who frequently encoun±ers highway merging, on the other hand, will find the transmission holds each gear longer for quick acceleration. The doubie wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension are shared with the Mercedes E320 sedan. Standard automatic rear level control allows the wagon to carry heavy loads without compromising the car's ride and handling characteristics, and also keeps the headlights level for maximum visibility and safety. Xenon gas discharge high-intensity headlamps are available as an option.

ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE AVAILABLE - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

For unparalleled grip in poor weather, the Mercedes-Benz E320 wagon offers a new all-wheel-drive option. This new full-time system uses a 35/65 front-rear torque split and requires no driver intervention. Advanced four-wheel electronic traction control is used to very torque distribution to individual wheels under slippery conditions. Even if three wheels lose traction, the Mercedes all-wheel-drive system can direct power to just one wheel, front or back, left or right; to keep the car moving. The all-wheel-drive system is also avaitable for the E320 sedan, and it retails for $2,750 on both models. To the driver, the E320 all-wheel-drive system remains transparent in operation, and even the turning radius is identical to the rear-wheel-drive version. The system is light (under 200 pounds and offset by the reduced engine weight) and compact, so passenger and cargo space are not affected. For the ultimate in vehicle control, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) can be combined with the all-wheel-drive option on the both the E320 wagon and sedan.

A WAGONLOAD OF LUXURY - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

The lengthy list of standard features for the E320 wagon leaves no doubt that this is a luxury vehicle. The E320 wagon includes automatic dual-zone climate control,10-way power front seats and head restraints, one-touch (up and down) power windows, power tilt and telescoping steering column, three-position memory (for the front seats, mirrors and steering wheel), genuine burl walnut interior trim, integrated HomeLink® compatible three-button garage door opener and high-performance eight-speaker cassette audio system. For cold weather, the climate control system can recirculate warm air through the interior for up to 30 minutes while the car is parked. Auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors are standard, making night- time driving safer and more comfortable. Reflecting the more rugged use that many wagons endure, the durable MB-Tex upholstery and trim is standard for the E320 wagon. Leather upholstery and trim is optional, as is a Bose® high-end sound system. Automatic rain sensor windshield wipers, first introduced on the S-Class models, are optionally available for the E320 wagon. This system uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to measure rain intensity on the windshield to regulate wiper speed according to rainfall intensity. The optional Parktronic system, also first introduced on the 1997 S-Class line, uses sound waves to detect unseen obstacles in front of and behind the car, warning the driver with visual and audible signals. Parktronic can detect children's toys in the driveway, pets, high curbs, shrubs and even children.

WARRANTY - Buy The Mercedes Benz E Class Here

All 1998 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period. In addition, all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year, are covered by the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program. This peace of mind can include a free jump start, mounting the spare tire or a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.

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