June will see the arrival in Ireland of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class range. It has been billed by the German carmaker as a car of unparalleled quality. Indeed, the new E-Class is seen by many as being the benchmark in its class in terms of luxury, safety, comfort, and environmental compatibility. In appearance, it is significantly different from the current model.
Striking is its powerful wedge-shaped profile, muscular rear section, modern styling and impressive detailing reflected in its distinctive V-shaped face with new twin-lens headlight design. Front daytime running lights set below the bumper line add a sporting touch. First to arrive in Ireland will be the E 220CDI which is due for launch in June.
Following in September will be the E 200CDI - the first E-Class to have a 200CDI engine - the E 250CDI and the E 200 Kompressor. All new E-Class models come in a choice of three design and equipment lines that include higher-spec Elegance and Avantgarde versions. Though final figures have yet to be agreed, Mercedes-Benz sales manager Ciaran Allen confirms that the new E-Class will be ‘aggressively priced’ when matched against its rivals.
To this, Mercedes-Benz also adds the results of a recent independent study in which the new E-Class is predicted to retain its value better than any other car in its segment. In its report, German research institute Bahr & Fess forecasted that the new E-Class E250 CDi would be worth 62.5 per cent of its current value in three years.
Safety remains a major element. Standard features include the very latest assistance and protection systems. One such item is Attention Assist, a drowsiness detection system that uses feedback from more than 70 sensors to monitor behaviour and alert the driver when the need to take a break becomes evident. Other items include lights that dim automatically to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, proximity control, parking guidance and reversing camera, improved pedestrian protection, plus the full array of driver and passenger airbags.
