2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Makes Its Driving Debut

NAPA VALLEY, CA – The 2007 E-Class line is making its on-the-road debut this week. The highly successful full-size E-Class line of sedans and wagons has been restyled for the 2007 model year, and three new models feature an impressively wide range of innovative engine technologies.

New Look for New Models
With a more aggressive front bumper and lower air dam as well as a restyled front grille and headlights, the 2007 E-Class sports a fresh look, which includes more aerodynamic side mirrors as well as a redesigned rear bumper and tail lights.
Inside, the E-Class reveals a new steering wheel and shift lever, a revised layout for the automatic climate control and four new interior colors. New standard equipment includes a glass sunroof, six-disc CD changer and harman/kardon Logic 7 ™ 420 watt premium audio system. In addition, the wagon model now includes a power tailgate.

PRE-SAFE Added to 2007 E-Class
The E-Class line now comes with PRE-SAFE – the breakthrough Mercedes-Benz safety system that made its industry debut several years ago on the larger S-Class line. The world’s first system that can sense and take protective measures before a crash, PRE-SAFE opens an entirely new era in vehicle safety.

The innovative PRE-SAFE system first tensions the seatbelts if the car senses an impending collision. (The system uses resettable electric tensioners in addition to the existing pyrotechnic belt tensioners).
What’s more, if the front passenger seat is overly reclined or forward, PRE-SAFE moves it to a more favorable crash position. If the seat cushion angle of the front passenger seat is too shallow, it is also re-adjusted to help prevent submarining.
Finally, if the vehicle skids (sometimes a precursor to rollover), the system can automatically close the sunroof and side windows. If a crash is averted, the electric belt tensioners automatically relax and are ready to deploy again.
If necessary, PRE-SAFE reacts to fishtailing (or oversteer) as well as “plowing” (or understeer) by using existing sensors for ESP stability control to measure steering angle, vehicle yaw and lateral acceleration. Emergency braking can also trigger PRE-SAFE, which monitors sensors for the Brake Assist system as well. The development of PRE-SAFE was based on the findings of Mercedes-Benz accident researchers, who concluded that about two-thirds of all accidents are preceded by driving events that indicate the possibility of an impending crash, such as skidding, emergency braking or a sudden evasive maneuver – all of which can provide valuable seconds of advance warning before impact.

New V8 Power for the E-Class
While the E350 continues to use the latest four-valve-per-cylinder V6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, the E500 has been replaced by the E550 model, now powered by a new-generation 32-valve 5.5-liter V8 delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. Rounding out the E-Class line, the high-performance E63 AMG replaces the previous E55 AMG model. Marking the debut of the first engine developed entirely by AMG, the E63 AMG is powered by a 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 507 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the new engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG’s highly successful racing efforts.
A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the new 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. The engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.

BLUETEC – A Blueprint for the World’s Cleanest Diesels
The E320 CDI is now the E320 BLUETEC, which combines several technologies to minimize exhaust emissions. BLUETEC is built on a foundation of advanced engine design that includes four valves per cylinder, centrally located piezo-electric injectors, third-generation CDI direct injection, a turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation. Central to the E320 BLUETEC is a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine producing 208 horsepower and 388 lb.-ft. of torque, which replaces the in-line six found in the previous E320 CDI.
Next, the BLUETEC system depends on the use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel (less than 15 parts per million) that becomes available throughout the US this fall. Sulfur is a natural element in most mineral oils that has a corrosive effect on engines as well as increasing particulate emissions. The availability of very low-sulfur fuel enables the use of reliable particulate filters and efficient nitrogen-oxide after-treatment.
The E320 BLUETEC incorporates four after-treatment units in the exhaust stream – an oxidizing catalytic converter, a particulate filter, an advanced “denox” storage converter, and a SCR catalytic converter. Called SCR, for selective catalytic reduction, this process creates the most effective method of exhaust gas after-treatment currently available.

kart1 - 7/20/2006 7:17:36 PM

+2 Boost

Except the power there are some upgrades that are worth noting. The word "new" continues to deceive even more day in day out.

MB3494 - 7/20/2006 8:30:53 PM

0 Boost

Not a fan of the E but Im looking forward to the E63

LS430Z06 - 7/20/2006 10:35:07 PM

+2 Boost

I had a fully loaded '03 E500. I loved the car but it was in the shop so many times it really soured me on MB. My S4 before that was way more reliable. I could be lured back by the E63 or a CLS63 though!

Steve - 7/20/2006 11:17:58 PM

+2 Boost

I am not sure I can see any differences between these pictures and the previous E-class, but I must say, it is still one of finest looking sedans ever made.

quizz - 7/21/2006 1:26:25 PM

0 Boost

"restyled", "new look for new models"...?? Definitely deceptive. A different steering wheel and barely noticeable modifications to the bumpers is all it takes to be "restyled"?

As long as the reliability and construction is better, consumers actually don't care if there's a "new look". It's attractive already, just please make it reliable.

I too am looking forward to seeing the AMG-63 engine used other cars... like the SLK? Dang, that thing would love to take on the M-roadster and BoxsterS.

audirevolution - 7/21/2006 11:25:14 PM

+2 Boost

and whats the difference?

LWKH - 7/22/2006 5:10:17 AM

-1 Boost

THE MERCEDES E CLASS IS AN EXTREMELY UGLY CAR, ESPECIALLY THE STANDARD VERSION! NO WONDER BMW 5 BEATS IT AND SELLS MORE THAN THIS PIE FACED CAT!

Look what a mess they have made! Congratulations, Mercedes, you have dug your own grave once again! The 5 Series is definately a cleaner and more futuristic design than this. Oh, look how they tried to copy BMW 3 Series' bumper and look how ugly it looks on the E with all the trimmings. Shame, can they not have their own designs? But the good thing is that it looks like a mess now. So the 5 will still sell more than the E worldwide by far because the E looks worse. The 5 is beauty! This Merc is destined to FAIL, WHATEVER THEY HAD IN MIND. NOW LOOKE LIKE A PIE FACED CAT WHICH its ugly face HAS BEEN SCRATCHED BY THE CLAWS OF A LION (BMW 5 SERIES).Bow to the KING - THE MIGHTY BMW 5 SERIES, This E class looks worse than before, a messed up, scratched, flabby, fat, old cat which is about to die. Shame on Mercedes!

THE TITLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE FATTER, FLABBIER, UGLIER PIE FACED CAT BUBBLES IN WITH MORE FAT TO DROWN THEIR CLASSLESS DRIVERS

M53R - 7/22/2006 7:16:16 AM

0 Boost

calm down LWKH, at least they tried! Im with u 100%. this is the most ugly car in the 21 century without any doubt. MB must learn from Kia .(they r already learning and the proof is the S class/elentra)

BMW530i - 7/22/2006 2:17:48 PM

0 Boost

@ LWKH & M53R

What an idiotic response. Mercedes has a completely different design philosophy than BMW at the moment. The Mercedes trend is to style "elegant" and "evolutionary" cars, not "sporty" and "revolutionary" like BMW at the moment.

What's so ugly about the E-Class? I think it looks better than before, way better. And no matter what you say or think, people will buy the refreshed E-Class because many people think it is a beautiful car, and more importantly, they love the values and personality it offers.

And despite being a BMW fan, I happen to think that the BMW 5-Series is hands down the ugliest car in this class. Sorry, but Bangle's design team styled a monstrosity. I'd actually take the BEAUTIFUL E-Class over the 5-series based on looks alone, especially since I am reaching that age where I sport is becoming less of an issue.

Agent63 - 7/22/2006 2:36:31 PM

0 Boost

BMW530i, I couldn't have said that better myself. LWKH that is the lamest response I have ever heard. You must open a small compact sports car with riced out tricks done to it and is into the whole 'pure sport' look. You can't pinpoint elegance? but you can pinpoint uglyness? Shows what taste you have in cars.

The E-Class is not an ugly car it is a lot better than the previous generation and like BMW530i said, they have a different design philosophy. MB is known for Elegance/Luxury not Sport/Luxury. There's a big difference in types of designs. BMW is more edgy whereas MB is styled with more curves.

The E63 is a beast and if I'm not mistaken, did beat the M5 in a trackrace or a dragrace I don't remember. All I know is that I read it somewhere. Perhaps one of these topics but I don't recall.

BMW530i - 7/22/2006 2:58:19 PM

0 Boost

No problem Agent. ;)

I'd like to add that Mercedes' customers also seem to expect "slow and gradual change". This appears to have always been the case.

Either way, I do feel that the new SLK, CLS and S-Class have been pretty "radical" designs from a conservative-design oriented company like MB. And they're all good-looking too, especially the CLS.

When the BMW 5-Series first appeared, I was mortified. I'm glad I still drive my E39 530i and I probably will not be going back to BMW because I feel Bangled ruined it. However, the new E-Class and CL-Class look interesting to me and my wife.

LWKH - 7/23/2006 8:19:33 AM

-1 Boost

BMW 530i and Agent63,

First to BMW 530i. I feel sorry for you that you are slowly but surely aging and losing touch of reality. But this is normal for old men. Although I do not know how old you are, but from your words and decisions, I know. It will be a sad moment for me to hear that you are changing from BMW to Merc whereas everyone i changing from Merc to BMW. Perhaps you have not yet heard of their quality and reliability issues ot their poor aftersales service. I believe that life is too short to make the wrong choice, especially older people! You must learn from other's mistakes, please! Look at their slaes record, look at BMWs. Look at their financial records and look at BMWs. BMW is the no.1 luxury car maker in the world, they sold the most cars in all the segments in which they compete in in 2005, includin the 5 Series. Other people choose them for a reason, not just because of the badge! I know that you will not listen to me, like all people of your age won't, but do consider my wods. If you buy a Merc, it iwll be a start of a very unpleasant ownership! That's why their sales are falling and they have to come up with stupid models like the R and B class.

Agent63, are you 63 this year, because to me that will justify what you are saying! How can you say the E is beautiful??? in what way, If you look at it from the back, it looks like a fat woman who needs a liposuction, the front looks like a pie faced cat! UGLY AS A DIRTY PIG! All Merc designs are too similar, that is why thei cars have to character! DO YOU? You are what you drive!!!

LWKH - 7/23/2006 8:38:39 AM

-1 Boost

BMW DESIGNS ARE THE BEST: STRIKING, FUTURISTIC, FASHIONABLE, YOUNG MINDED, SPORTY!

You know, all you people who are complaining about BMW's recent design is just jealous of them! BMW is the no.1 luxury car brand in the world and the 3, 5, 7 sold the most cars in its market segment in 2005 worldwide, beating Merc and Audi BY FAR!

So this simply says it, BMW's design is the way the people want it, togather with reliable first class innovation, quality and character, it can be nothing but the choice of sensible and educated buyers! The new 3 Series design is a work of art, look at the sharp front and muscular side, what car in the world can match that??? It is something potent, first and striking. It stands out from the normal cars like Merc and Audi!

That's why BMW's 3 is World car of the year and top 3 for World car design of the year! If you want to moan, why not try the ugly CLS, look what Sh1t it looks like: ugly headlights with an overcurved shoulderline (looks like it has been crashed from front and rear), ugly rear lights, too! Shame, what a piece of TRASH! The other one is the new S class - headlights so dull and fogged, can't they ever come up with something orginal and exciting?

I suppose because they appeal to the almost dead old population, who still think that Merc is a respected brand! I don't even want to get to the snoek fish degin of the Audi grille and the crying taillights of the A4, the sales show! By the way, why did Merc copy the iDrive, bootlid and interior design of the 7 if it was so ugly to some brainless bigmouths? Bangle is King and he should stay! BMW is not BMW without his works of art! Too bad for those who do not like it, you must then close your eyes, but the majority of thsi world loves it and that's what matters. We cannot help it that you lack taste!

Yonder7 - 7/23/2006 1:17:47 PM

0 Boost

LWKH: Is sad but You have no Idea about what BMW530i and Agent63 are saying. But you are a perfect example on Why "some" people think that BMW buyers are people looking for fast cars with no education. I Like the BMW 5 series more than the MB E series but is very easy for me to understad the diferent trends from "Educated" People like Agent63 or BMW530i. MB and and BMW are very near but the are built on diferent Philosophy. Did you undertood that word? If you don't, the next time do not buy a a BMW: invest the money in colledge for at least one year you will get some culture that will show you respect. About "How old are we" Well I know smart people most of the time Is always Old and for the way that you talk , is very likely that you were using diapers just a few years ago. You should know that you can learn most of the things from the "Old" People. Now regaridng to the point that Old people does not know about adrenaline...You are wrong again..Most of the best test pilots are mature or old people that knows how to drive (that's why the are old or mature people)..Is very likely that you will never be old If you are not willing to learn. The best way to answer your Ignorance, Is the silence of BMW530i and Agent63. But I willing to attemp to save your self from your ignorance. Get more info before to talk because Ther is a lot of people moving from Bimers to Merc and about reliability I-drive is a very bad example of that. If that is your point, get a Lexus, I will stay with Merc or even with BMW if they are able to improve the Cheap plastic external apperance even if they are not so reliable like the lexus...Hey......do not forget the colledge boy...
have a nice day. >:-)

LWKH - 7/23/2006 2:53:29 PM

0 Boost

What the hell is colledge, Yonder7? Did you mean college? Yeah I am at college, but also running my own business, that's why when I looked for a manager, I only considered those who are below 35. The reson for that is because sometimes, the older one gets, the more conservative one becomes, the more ignorant and arogant they become and think that they know it all! I would rather die than to work with these kind of people! I must say, because I employed this young manager, great ideas and adventures are present in my company and that's why it is successful. You must lean from other companies - theres a reason to push for early retirement! Most Merc drivers think thay own the fast lane while travelling at 80kph. I am so sick of this, and when I flash my lights for them to move over, they have to delay it for a minute or two before doing to! Do you call this daring? I say that they are conservative or feeling the need forslow driving in a Merc as the car cannot handle sheer speed??? You tell me!

Yonder7 - 7/23/2006 4:00:58 PM

0 Boost

LWKH, 63 Stand for the times that the AMG 63 is kicking the V10 of Bimers and it is just a v8. And do you realy think that just a few tenth make a better car?. If you want the very ultimate driving machine, buy a Porsche. Also if you realy want to success in the life, do not underestimate the expirience...if not soon or later you will pay the price son...and again wrong... I am old but when I am alone I do not remember a Bimer passing me...Most of the statistics, will tell you that most of the people the drive a 50 miless have accidents very offten. Drive fast but be careful with the others.
Regasrding speed Well I think that bimers are great in proper hands. Like an example the SMG is great but most of the Magazines do not understad that SMG is for a few people that do undertand it. Sadly , most of buyers of M5 think the have a beauty and the beast. The M5 is the beast , E63 is both and thats final , but is something that only will be apreciated for a mature person and you got a point on that, but you are wrong if thing that just because two or three person prefer a diferent car, the are arrogant. When you see a car you are using your heart. Use both Mind and Heart to get the balance.
I like Merc but I am not blind. BMW drives better. Most of the time is because Mercs are heavier due a lot of gadgets anad security stuff. I I have to sacrifice a few tenths to get a more comfortable and secure car, Merc is the choice...today, tomorrow? Just God knows..Now every time that BMW try to do cars like Merc, They end with heavy car that is not Up to the chalenge (M8 or 850 CSi) or aslo Z8. Luxury cars are the Main domain of MB. Sports Cars are the Main Dommain of BMW but do not be blind. Actualy MB is doing a better job... let see what happen in the next year, now that they are starting to Xperiment with turbos..

BMW530i - 7/23/2006 4:33:45 PM

0 Boost

@ LWKH

I wasn't going to respond to your childish comments, but then I thought, "Why not educate the kid a little bit?"

From your flaming of MB, it is clear to me that you are not a BMW fan but a BMW troll. People like you give BMW fans a bad name. I don't even know why I am wasting my time with you, since you will not comprehend what I am trying to explain or tell you. You will simpy gush over it and keep smashing other car brands because "BMW is the best".

My age? My age is irrelevant. Just know that I have been happily married for 34 years and have a wonderful family. And me considering a Mercedes over a BMW is not a disgrace, and frankly, none of your business. It is my money after all. Unlike you, I have testdriven these cars and experienced them. The last generation E-Class was nice, but I didn't like the driving feel that much, and hence went for my E39 530i. Times change. Right now, I prefer the E-Class over the E60 BMW 5-Series. I found the current E-Class to be a good handler (although that is not a priority for me anymore) and comfortable. Oh, and I happen to think cars like the CLS and new S-Class are some of the most beautiful cars out there right now. I cannot stand the current 7-Series.

In another post, you claim MB copied the 7-Series rear? Take a look at some Maybach prototype shots from the early or mid 1990s, then comment.

Reliablity? FYI, my E39 BMW 530i hasn't been perfect either. The car never left me stranded but it were the little electrical gremlins which were a bit annoying. Windows not functioning on day A but working properly on day B, that kind of stuff. Don't you go hammering on MB just because JD Power says so. I know a lot of Audi, BMW, MB, Lexus etc. owners who are happy / unhappy with their rides. MB has been making a lot of improvements to their cars, I am willing to risk it.

And like many posters here said, BMW and MB are both premium brands, but they focus on different aspects of luxury. BMW is about sport, Mercedes is less about that and more about comfort and luxury. Please read this and try to LEARN SOMETHING.

LWKH - 7/24/2006 1:49:29 PM

+1 Boost

@ BMW530i

Thank for your kind words and time, but I knew all that already! You see the thing is that if BMW did not introduce the rear boot design to their 7 Series, Merc would not have had the guts to do so. They are so scared that people are going to moan about new stuff like they moaned a BMW's. So to many people, Merc is a copy cat.

With regards to brand image, it is really a BMW game, Merc is no where near! I am sure that you have read about Merc disguisting cover ups with regards to their automatic braking systems with warning as one gets colse to the car in front. This just shows how they try to lie to the public with their so called innovations which has not been tested enough! And with all these other quality and reliability issues from Merc: I do not want to be associated with that brand in any sort of way!

Yes, BMWs also very rarely have problems, but at least they will fix them withpleasure in the shortest time for you and still says sorry for the inconvenience caused. With Merc, from what I heard, they will try to blame it on you and only fix it when they are free, they will also try to bill you for it to cut their cost!

All I can say is that you will experience something very different at Merc and in time you will know whether it is better or, most likely if I say - worse.

LWKH - 7/24/2006 2:02:20 PM

0 Boost

Yonder7

Thanks for your comments. I still don't understand what you mean when you say don't under-estimate the experience? I know that people who drive slowly are always in accidents, that's why I always drive to the limit! After all, that's the speed that my BMW deserves! You are also wrong on one thing - I see and feel a car with my whole heart and that tells my mind as well! You definately have not been folloing your heart lately that you have to think so much about the cars. The golden rule is that which ever one you see and drive makes your heart beat faster and faster and makes your chest sweat after the experience is the one that you love. And to get that sensation, you need to drive the car hard, around bends on mountain passes, work that machine to its limits and still want more because of the magnificent expeirence although you are tired and smelly - THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF A SPORTINESS! Do you know what I mean??? Can a Merc or Audi give that to you? Do you feel you wawnt to drive more after a drive in your car? If not, go to a BMW dealership tomorrow and you will understand why!

BMW530i - 7/24/2006 7:16:36 PM

+1 Boost

LWKH,

Three different people buy an Audi, BMW or MB. They're all looking for three different things. You claiming that BMW is this and that shows your ignorance. BMW is sports-oriented, Audi and MB are less sports-oriented. It cannot get any simpler than this.

FYI, I've also driven the new C-Class and A4, and of course the 3-Series. In everyday driving, these cars are all equally matched. The BMW will have the edge on a track. I've found the A4 and C-Class to be capable enough on twisty roads, more than capable of satisfying a sporty driver. Drive the cars, then talk.

incognito - 11/27/2006 9:17:25 PM

+1 Boost

I think BMW-5 and Mercedes-E are up for a model upgrade in '09. Which car you guys think will best retain its resale value on the long run? I am about to buy one of these two cars and that may be an important factor in my decision. Please advise.