The new star in the luxury segment - the new Mercedes-Benz E-class has made its first appearance in Hanoi on September 6th at Inter-Continental West Lake hotel. Under the heading ‘Great name, great vision. Great name, great responsibility.”, the German automobile manufacturer presents two new E-Class models with a variety of cutting-edge technologies: E300 Sedan and the E350 Coupé.

 

“The new E-Class is an intelligent car for leaders and business people. Its exceptional safety is based on its intelligent systems and design, not only for the occupants, but also for the surroundings,” said Dr. Udo Loersch, General Director of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam.

 

 

 

We invest in 3.3 million USD for the new E-Class production line. Once again, we show that we are very fast in bringing in latest models of Mercedes-Benz worldwide to Vietnam as a manufacturer. The new E-Class has a variety of “intelligent” standard equipment available, with competitive price in its segment” emphasized by Dr. Loersch.

 

Mercedes-Benz Vietnam brings in Vietnam two versions of the E-Class: the E300 Sedan and the E350 Coupé. With this latest E-class generation, Mercedes-Benz is setting the new benchmark, particularly in terms of design, safety and comfort in the upper range car segment.

 

E-Class saloon – an international bestseller

 

With the launch of the new E300 Elegance saloon, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam is continuing a success story which is unique in the luxury-class car segment in Vietnam. In the world, since 1947, when the model 170V was introduced as the direct forerunner of the E-class, Mercedes-Benz has produced more than ten million saloons in this vehicle category. E-Class used to take the market share up to 40 percent makes its top seller in this market segment in Germany and many other countries in Western Europe.

 

The new generation – the E300 Elegance stands for status, quality, highly advanced technology and driving pleasure.

 

Design: a fresh and artistic masterpiece

 

While developing this car, Mercedes-Benz designers placed a high priority of customers’ wishes. The new E-Class follows the design philosophy which focuses on an overriding feeling of serenity, suggesting inner strength and effortless superiority. The new E-Class itself stands for status.

 

 

The new E-class Sedan (code W212) points the way ahead. New lines make the car appear even more effortlessly superior and imposing than before, lending it added masculinity. The identity features are unequivocal. The louvre structure of the radiator grille is classic Mercedes yet more striking. It radiates presence by virtue of its dynamic V-shape and is also far more steeply raked than previously, allowing the new E300 Elegance Sedan to emphasize its status without being brash while still remains the traditional styling of the model series.

 

The new E300 Elegance Sedan is seen with “new eyes” – the headlamps – previously all ways oval in shape – have been given a more progressive slant, drawing inspiration from cubism and its beguiling geometric. The result is an all-new look – surprisingly contemporary yet unmistakable as the traditional E-class. The 17’’, 9 double spoke wheel is another impressive feature.

 

A sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces is one of the hallmarks of today’s Mercedes design. Large concave and convex surface areas are structured by taut, clearly defined lines. The side contours become connecting features that influence the entire body design.

 

The rear section of the new E300 Elegance Sedan emphasizes the breadth of the body, thus lending it powerful shape. The taut, well-defined edge of the boot lid, the chromed handle and the bumper covering integrated perfectly into the body are the key elements that create this stylistic impression of width. The tail-lights with their classic Mercedes horizontal look really catch the eye, featuring LEDs for all the tail-light and indicator functions.

 

One of the key aspects the Mercedes engineers focussed on to create the exceptional level of comfort in the new E-class was the new dimensional concept for the body and interior, which differs from that of the previous E-class generation in many respects. The new E-class body is 16mm longer and 32mm wider than previously to set the new form: 4868mm x 1854mm x 1465 mm (L x W x H). Although the new E-class exterior is 10mm lower to enhance aerodynamics effects, reduce “cd” figures and therefore cut down fuel consumption, the interior is 14 mm higher than the outgoing series thanks to smart design. The wheelbase length has been increased by 20mm to 2874mm which is a major factor behind the enhanced ride comfort and interior spaciousness. The bigger boot capacity up to 540L also means that there is now space for four golf-bags (including clubs).

 

The interior and exterior create a holistic harmony. The wide look of the body design is reflected in the horizontally oriented lines of the dashboard, emphasizing the pleasant feeling of spaciousness on board the E-Class. This overriding impression of width is predominantly down to the distinctive fine-wood or refined aluminium trim and the precisely integrated ventilation outlets. Besides the elaborate composition of beguiling forms, fine material and attractive contours, the high quality interior of the E-Class is characterised by a further key design element: light. Thin optical fibres located behind the trim elements on the dashboard and above the door centre panels create a harmonious band of light running around the inside of the car, ensuring the feeling of high quality and interior space can be experienced at night as well as during the day.

 

 

In the new E300 Elegance Sedan, the ambient lighting from Mercedes-Benz marks the introduction of an entirely new form of interior lighting and first time ever in Vietnam. Besides enhancing the interior design, it makes for a feeling of well-being when driving at night.

A narrow band of light fed by LEDs extends along the wood trim strips of the four doors and the dashboard. The ambient lighting creates a distinctive atmosphere on board and makes the interior seem more spacious and comfortable. The ambient lighting can be left on while driving – it will not hamper the driver’s vision.

Stylishly dynamic

 

Mercedes-Benz designers have made each individual element of the interior a beautiful piece which symbolizes the technology and aesthetics. The cockpit – including the 3D “sporty” instrument cluster and the “functional” center console reflects a dynamic stylish character. In this way, both looks and feel were always top priorities when the Mercedes-Benz designers came into designing the interior and controls of the new E-class. 

 

 

The new E-class marks the debut of the Mercedes-Benz developed automatic climate control system which, as well as being able to set individual temperatures in three zones (for driver, the front passenger and the rear passengers), additionally offers what are referred to as climate modes.

 

With the standard-fitted Thermotronic system in the new E300 Elegance Sedan, the car occupants now can choose from such modes as: “Diffuse”, “Medium” and “Focus” at the push of the button and thus adjust the air quantity and distribution to their liking without having to leave the convenient automatic mode. A separate climate control panel equipped at the rear also allows the rear passengers to select their ideal temperature or the “weather” mode manually.

 

The new E-Class fulfils a desire expressed by many people – for security, enjoyment and aesthetics – that has led to the development of new lifestyle in recent years: a new living and monitoring culture.

 

Safety: Unique system synergies create a “thinking” partner: greater vision and responsibility

 

Having achieved major advances in the field of occupant protection, Mercedes-Benz is focusing more than ever on preventing traffic accidents and reducing accident severity as part of its commitment to road safety.

 

ATTENTION ASSIST enables the new E-class to become an “intelligent partner” to “feel” us. The system’s sensitive sensors monitor the driver’s mood and, based primarily on steering wheel behaviour, detect when the driver is becoming drowsy. With this system, Mercedes-Benz is making a further contribution towards preventing accidents.

 

If the system detects drowsiness, it emits and audible warning signal and flashes up an unequivocal message on the display in the instrument cluster: “ATTENTION ASSIST. Break!” and illustrating a picture of a coffee cup.

 

 

PARKTRONIC WITH PARKING GUIDANCE - the audible alert based parking assistance system - Parktronic is now upgraded with the Parking Guidance which can help drivers even more when parking. Ultrasonic sensors will measure the length of spaces parallel to the car if the car drives past at a speed of 30 km/h or less. If a suitable space is found, Parking Guidance provides precise directions regarding the correct steering angle as well as the turn-in and turn-back points. With this system, Mercedes-Benz offers the utmost safety and convenience for drivers in parking.

 

 

The E300 Elegance Sedan comes equipped with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) with bi-xenon headlamps. Here, unlike conventional light systems, the light from the headlamps is adapted dynamically to suit the driving situation and weather conditions. It can operate like human’s eyes by automatically adjusting the light beam in 4 directions and more adaptive to the driver’s steering movements when taking a curve. In the highway, the light also increases its output for further visibility in 90km/h and even lift up the beam for a longer illumination band up to 200m in 110 km/h.

 

ADAPTIVE HIGH-BEAM ASSIST - One step further, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling an innovative system which adjusts the range of the headlamps automatically based on the distance to oncoming vehicles or moving vehicles in front of the car with their lights on. The system, called Adaptive High-beam Assist, standard-fitted in the new E300 Elegance Sedan, always selects the optimum illumination range of the headlamp, allowing the driver to see the course of the road, pedestrians or danger spots at an earlier stage.

 

This innovative Mercedes technology is based on a camera, located on the inside of the windscreen, which monitors the traffic situation in front of the car. Thanks to an intelligent image-processing algorithm, the camera is able to detect other vehicles and the distance to them. The illumination range of the variable-control bi-xenon headlamp is set based on these findings and adapted continuously depending on the distance to the vehicle in front or the oncoming traffic. The Adaptive High-beam Assist is ready to act at speeds above 55km/h and operates autonomously once the driver has moved the rotary light switch to the “Auto” position and seleted High-beam using the multifuncion stalk on the steering wheel. 

 

When it comes to road safety, being seen is as just as important as seeing – and not just at night. This is why the standard equipment package for the new E-class includes daytime driving lights which switch on automatically when the engine is started. They are deactivated when the Low-beam is switched on.

 

It features a total of 14 elegantly arranged LEDs which boast a very high output but have a very low energy consumption of just 10 watts.

 

ADAPTIVE BRAKE - With the Adaptive Brake, the new E300 Elegance Sedan offers an innovative braking system incorporating additional assistances for even greater comfort and safety: HOLD function and START-OFF Assist. In parallel, the integrated flashing Adaptive Brake LED of the tail light will also activate at 70km/h.  

 

While the HOLD function help drivers to stop the vehicle without holding the brake pedal in the Stop-and-Go traffic, the Start-Off feature will automatically remain the vehicle’s standstill on an uphill slope in seconds without rolling backward when the driver releases the brake pedal to accelerate.

 

 

 

In the new E300 Elegance Sedan, occupant protection actually begins in the phase leading up to a possible accident. The Mercedes PRE-SAFE® invention activates protective measures if there is a risk of an accident, allowing the seat belts and airbags to operate with maximum effect as well as the sun-roof or windows to be closed automatically in the event of a collision.

 

A basic network of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), the Brake Assist System (BAS) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), is also a vital assistance to the driver. Besides, such advanced safety features as Agility Control suspension, Cruise Control & Speed Limit, central locking system, automatic locking and emergency unlocking, 5 adjustable head restraints, NECK-PRO cash-responsive head restraint for front seats, tyre pressure loss warning system... are indispensable to make the new E-Class prominent in its range.

 

 

The new E300 Elegance Sedan with the new V6 engine has an impressive performance. The 2.996 cm3 total displacement generates 170kw/231 hp at 6000 rpm, delivering maximum torque of 300Nm at 2,500 rpm – 5,000 rpm. The new E300 Elegance Sedan accelerates from 0 - 100km/h in only 7,4s before quickly going on to a top speed of 247 km/h. 

 

This engine will team up with the world’s first 7-speed transmission in passenger cars – 7G-Tronic to form a perfect partnership for dynamic driving pleasure and outstanding performance.

 

Thanks to smooth gear changes of 7G-Tronic, the new E300 Elegance Sedan also ensure the ease of shifting, lower noise level, enhanced driving enjoyment and especially the fuel efficiency. The E300 Elegance Sedan posted its maximum fuel consumption at 6,7/100km for highway motoring.

 

 

With the convenient Direct Select on the steering column, the driver can easily select gears with simple moves of the fingers to the shift stalk behind the steering wheel in automatic transmission mode or change to the manual transmission using the shift paddle +/- for further sporty feelings.  In short, the feature is also a key factor for driver’s convenience and safety due to less movement of the hands, which often cause the distraction in driving.

 

 

The newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension with standard-fit amplitude dependent damping system is one of the major factors behind the high-degree of long-distance comfort provided by the new E300 Elegance Sedan. The shock absorbers adapt to the current driving situation, reducing the damping force automatically when driving normally with low shock-absorber impulses and increasing the force up to the maximum as required when cornering at speed or performing evasive manoeuvres. In this way, the chassis and suspension meet driver requirements in terms of road roar, tire vibration and agility – without ever compromising on active safety.

 

Mercedes-Benz also offers the E300 Elegance Sedan with the standard Direct Control Steering that has proven such a resounding success in Mercedes-Benz sport car models. It has a more direct steering ratio and reduces the steering effort required in the case of large steering angles, for example when parking or taking tight bends, thus enhance the car’s agility and steering comfort. In short, it delivers even more driving enjoyment. Hence, the Direct Control Steering still offers all the benefits of the famous Speed Sensitive Power Steering system – less steering effort is required at low speed, when manoeuvring or parking whilst also boost handling dynamics at high-speed….

The panoramic sliding sunroof, available as a standard extra in the new E300 Elegance Sedan, is perhaps the easiest means of making the interior appear even roomier. The panoramic sunroof not only makes for a better view, but for an entirely new sense of spaciousness and freedom as well.

 

 

Besides the basic Bluetooth connection for hands-free mobile phone conversation in the new E300 Elegance Sedan, the cockpit also features the Universal Media Interface (UMI) that can be used to connect an iPod, USB stick or other external audio devices to the built-in infotainment system – the Audio 20 with 6 CDs changer/MP3 playback. The interface includes a control unit that links the external music memory to the vehicle’s on-board display and control systems, like the tittles of all tracks stored in the iPod can be shown on the front LCD screen. The battery in the audio device is also charged for as long as it is connected to the car via the UMI.

 

What is more? An integrated Rear Seat Entertainment system with a DVD player (located at the rear centre console) and two large colour display (8”) makes the ride even more entertaining for the rear passengers in the new E300 Elegance Sedan. The system also includes connection options for external AV devices (like game consoles, video cameras…) to bring more individual relaxing zones for each rear passenger.

 

 

As the youngest member of the Mercedes-Benz Coupé family, the new E-class Coupé (code C207), with the same essences, distinguished comfort and progressive technologies as the new E-class Sedan, is now certainly lives up to the spirit of the Mercedes-Benz Coupé family – fascination and dynamism

 

The new two-door 4-seater E350 Coupé – a sporty interpretation of the new E-class dynamic design is setting the new standards in luxury sport car segment.

 

 

The design of the new two-door E350 Coupé includes styling elements which give Mercedes-Benz Coupé their unmistakable identity: for example the side windows, which are not interrupted by the B-pillar and are fully retractable. Another hallmark of this Coupé design is the sport radiator grille with the large central Mercedes star. At the same time, the new E350 Coupé points the way to the future with an exciting, contemporary design idiom.

 

The Coupé shows its close family resemblance to the new E-class Sedan: the twin-headlamp face, the 17’’, 10 double spoke wheel, the powerful contour of the rear wing – a styling cue which also gives the car an athletic appearance and exotic side lines showing a great sense of passion.

 

 

The seats of the E-Class Coupé are new developments whose design and technology reflect the sporty nature of this two-door Mercedes. They are electrically

adjustable for seat height and backrest angle as standard. The high, sports carlike

seat backrests have a practical Easy-Entry function to make access and

egress easier for rear-seat passengers.   

 

  

 

The V6 engine for the new E350 Coupé with total displacement 3.498 liters offers great output, comfort and driving enjoyment thanks to the immense torque of 350Nm which is available between 2,400 – 5,000 rpm, ensuring outstanding agility when accelerating from rest and exemplary flexibility when accelerating in any gears of the standard 7G-Tronic transmission: the vehicle accelerates from 0 – 100km/h in 6,4s. The engine now has an output of 200kw/272hp.

 

Despite the high output and torque, fuel consumption is considerably low, amounting to just 7,1 L/100km for high-way motoring, equivalent to 222g/km of CO2.  – Please check consumption data!!!

 

 

Besides such the unique characteristic, the new E350 Coupé must be proud of its traditional “blood” of the E-class family, representing all the state-of-the-art systems and prominent technologies: ATTENTION ASSIST, Parktronic with Parking Guidance, Intelligent Light System, Adaptive High-beam Assist, the new-gen Thermotronic Climate system, Panoramic sunroof, PRE-Safe, Adaptive Brake and even the extra Universal Connection Interface as well. 

 

 

The efficient aero-dynamics and aero-acoustics philosophy in both the new E300 Elegance Sedan and the new E350 Coupé make substantial contributions to driving safety, ride comfort, least noise as well as contributing to lower fuel consumption. These various measures aimed at making the new E-Class the benchmark in luxury car segment in this respect.

 

 

For many people, the E-class is the definitive Mercedes. It therefore goes without saying that the brand values Comfort, Safety and Reliability have all been integrated into the new generation E-class (Sedan and Coupé versions).

 

For more than 60 years now, the E-Class has been the most successful business sedan in the world, with ten million units delivered over eight vehicle generations. And now finally, the best aspects of previous eight generations of the E-Class are combined with further innovation in the ninth, make it a top intelligent car to accompany top business people and leaders.

 

The new E-class Sedan, the third latest generation of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam, will continue to be the most luxurious car produced in Vietnam. The new E-class Coupé becomes the latest import Coupés directly from MB Germany to team up with other fascinating CBUs in MBV showrooms. It has been the top business sedan for business people, the self-employed and leaders. E-Class used to take great responsibility to serve transportation for heads of state in APEC Vietnam 2006, for VIP guests of luxury hotels in Hanoi and HCMC recently or become the featured cars among the official MB cars for Miss Universe Pageant 2008... Since the year 2000 until now, there have been more than 1,500 E-Class units delivers to business customers in Vietnam.

 

 

 

Some 100,000 readers of the German’s largest motoring magazine - AUTO BILD have voted the new Mercedes-Benz E-class the best-looking car in the world. As well as electing the Sedan as the overall winner amongst all new models, AUTO BILD readers also picked the new E-class Coupé into top place in the respective segment. In making these choices, the readers have recognized two automotive personalities which deliberately seek to stand out with their individual character and bold, distinctive design, which embodies all the efforts of the Mercedes people, typically the Chief Designer Gorden Wagener, in writing a new chapter of the legendary E-class series.

 

 

The new E300 Elegance is priced at 2,104,000,000 VND (approximately 116,900 USD), while the E350 Coupé is at 2,502,000,000 VND (approximately 139,000USD); 5% VAT is included.

 

Exterior color of the E300 Sedan is available with obsidian black, cuprite brown and palladium silver, all with metallic paint; while its leather upholstery is available with black, mocha brown/almond beige and reef grey/alpaca grey.

 

E350 Coupe’s exterior also comes with metallic paint for obsidian black, stannite grey, irridium silver, and interior is with black, almond beige/black, flamenco red/black and alpaca grey/black.

 

Alongside the traditional customers for the new E-class Sedan who are business people and leaders, the new E-class Coupé also increasingly appeals to target groups: self-employed, freelancers and top executives who almost focus on individuality, emotionality and driving pleasure. For the last quarter of 2009 only, Mercedes-Benz Vietnam plan to deliver more than 250 units of the new E-Class.

 

The special characteristics of the new E-Class include not only a high level of environment friendliness but also a unique combination of driver assistance systems such as the Attention Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Parking Guidance, etc that make the E-Class a “thinking partner” that can not only see, feel, and respond to dangers by means of its “reflexes” but also act independently to prevent accidents or minimize their effects. With the new E-Class’s latest technology, the driver will always be able to gaze further down the road. With any assistant features and 80 sensors, the new E-class doesn’t just care for its occupant’s safety, but everyone’s in its vicinity as well. This is why the new E-Class exudes the nature of a leader with great vision and great responsibility.

 

 

The new E-Class launch event in Vietnam will have one special activity along with the theme “great responsibility”: to auction the right to own the first E-Class in Hanoi with a special golden key. Together with MBV’s fund, the money from the auction will go to Operation Smiles, to bring smiles to 2,000 children across Vietnam in one week in November. This is also to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Operation Smiles in the world. Johnie Walker also gets involved to the charity auction with a Blue Label Anniversary Edition valued at 4,000USD. The similar charity auction will be in HCM city on 12 September 2009.