2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the '07 E-Class at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The 2007 model returns in both 4-door sedan and wagon form, though the sedan goes on sale first, in June of 2006. The '07 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a rear-wheel-drive premium midsize car that competes with vehicles like the Acura RL, Audi A6, and BMW 5-Series.
E-Class was last redesigned in 2003, and the makeover for 2007 is more of a freshening than a redesign. Exterior dimensions are largely unchanged. Buyers will note the new model's more aggressive front air dam, restyled grille, and new head- and taillights. Inside there's a new steering wheel and shift lever, revised layout for the automatic climate control and new colors. New standard equipment includes a sunroof, 6-disc CD changer, and Harmon/Kardon premium audio system. Wagon models add a power liftgate.
The entire line adds PRE-SAFE. It's a safety system that was introduced on the S-Class earlier this year. According to Mercedes-Benz, the system can sense an impending crash and take protective measures like tightening the seatbelts and adjusting the seats. The system can also close the windows and sunroof if it senses an impending rollover.
Four models will be offered: E350, E550, E63 AMG, and E320 BLUETEC. The E350 is powered by a 268-hp V6 engine. The E550 has a 382-hp V8, 80 more horsepower than the E500 it replaces. The E63 AMG gets a 503-hp V8, which Mercedes claims is the most-powerful engine in its class.
Replacing the E320 CDI is the E320 BLUETEC. It features a diesel engine that combines four-valve design, direct injection, and a turbocharger to make 221 hp and have a range of 780 miles on each tank of fuel. According to Mercedes-Benz, the new BLUETEC engine will be the cleanest diesel, in terms of emissions, in the world and use the new ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel that becomes available in the U.S. in the fall of 2007.
The E65 AMG replaces the E55 in the E-Class lineup. At its heart is a naturally aspirated all-aluminum V8 that shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines. Mercedes-Benz did not discuss pricing of the '07 E-Class, but we'd expect the new model to cost only slightly more than the outgoing model. That means the '07 E350 would be priced at about $50,000.
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 2006 New York Auto Show |
