“The World’s Best Business Sedan” Mercedes-Benz New E-Class officially enters the China market

[21 July 2009, Shanghai] Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd has officially announced that the eagerly-awaited new E-Class officially hits the China market today. Two imported E 300 models will be available, with the ELEGANCE or AVANTGARDE version, priced at RMB 618,000 and RMB 668,000 respectively. The all-new E-Class carries on the legacy and spirit of eight preceding generations while featuring a host of all-new and upgraded technologies, bringing aggressive design, all-around safety, luxurious comfort, and a superior driving experience together in one car. Embodying all of the core values of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the all-new E-Class once again fulfills its promise as “The World Best Business Sedan,” delivering to China’s elite consumers a vehicle in a class of its own.

“The E-Class has always been a guiding star for the Mercedes-Benz brand, with each succeeding generation continuously pushing forward the development of the luxury segment. The all-new ninth generation E-Class continues that trend, setting a new standard for executive sedans.” expressed Klaus Maier, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. “Bringing such a high-profile vehicle at the earliest possible time is a clear mark of Mercedes-Benz’ long-term commitment to the China market, and as a timely response to the overwhelming enthusiasm of Chinese consumers.”

Since the birth of the first model in 1947 the E-Class has been an outstanding success, selling over 12 million cars worldwide through eight generations, making it worthy of the title “The World’s Best Business Sedan.” Further, the classic elements of the preceding generations have been reinvigorated and combined with the latest modern technologies, creating a seamless new E-Class model that is the benchmark for its segment – whether in design, comfort, driving, or safety, the all-new E-Class holds the distinction of representing the highest standards.

Bjoern Hauber, General Manager, Sales & Marketing of Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd commented: “We have been pleased to see that in the first half of this year, Mercedes-Benz sold a record of 27,000 units, representing a year-on-year growth of over 50 %. From its first appearance and Asian Premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show, the all-new E-Class has amassed over 6,000 pre-orders in China, further building our confidence in the Chinese luxury auto market.”

The all-new E-Class presents a new take on the classic twin-headlamp face, with a geometric design setting the tone for a more dominant and dynamic overall stance. The body design draws inspiration from the classic ‘Ponton Mercedes’ style, with a waistline that runs to the rear fender and connects with the tail. Altogether the dynamic new body design gives the all-new E-Class a segment-leading drag coefficient of 0.25. With a larger body, the interior design has been made more comfortable and luxurious than ever, with a panoramic sunroof adding to the light and spacious feel, and a selection of colors and material that are at once beautiful and utilitarian. The interior of the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE models features discreet yet effective lighting: the AMBIENT LIGHTENING ensuring that the feeling of high quality and interior space can be experienced at night as well as during the day. The addition of Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) in the E 300 AVANTGARDE model rounds out the compelling passenger experience to watch DVD or TV. Besides, E 300 AVANTGARDE offers a further parking and maneuvering aid in the shape of a reversing camera which projects the image behind the car to give the driver a precise and vivid perception.

Ergonomics play a key focus in any Mercedes-Benz design, and the new E-Class shows those roots with newly designed seats, increased legroom, and three-zone THERMOTRONIC climate control meeting the high expectations of Mercedes-Benz customers. Further, the selective damping system that is a feature of the DIRECT CONTROL suspension actively responds to road condition and driving style providing exceptional dynamic handling and a comfortable ride. The 3.0L V6 engine introduced on the new E 300 has an output power of 230 hp at up to 300 NM of torque, which work together with the advanced two-mode 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission to give the E 300 an unparalleled driving experience. Safety has also been enhanced even further with the introduction of ATTENTION ASSIST, a breakthrough system measuring over 70 different factors to predict microsleep and drowsiness which brings driving safety to a new height. Together with the newly improved PRE-SAFE® and Intelligent Lighting System, along with the only 9 airbag system in the segment which also includes an innovative knee airbag, the ninth generation E-Class represents the new benchmark for automotive safety.

Without question, the excellent luxurious comfort, uncompromised driving, and higher safety of the new E-Class sedan has positioned it to become the preferred choice of quality-conscious elites and entrepreneurs from the business community. To help even more Chinese customers better enjoy the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz participating dealers have introduced a ‘Trade-in service program’ in coordination with UC dealers and brokers to assist customers in trading in any make or model of vehicle for the all-new E-Class sedan.