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2002 Mercedes E-Class
2001-06-28 - By ciaran
These are pictures of the least disguised prototype of Mercedes' new E-class so far, due for presentation in 2002.
The car was snapped while undergoing cold-climate tests in northern Sweden. The computer retouching shows what's hidden underneath the disguise.
Although with a traditional three-box layout, the new midsize saloon looks more elegant and almost like a sporty coupé. Main reason for this is the semicircle roofline.
While overall length remains at about 4.80 metres, the wheelbase will be stretched a few centimetres to improve comfort and interior space. The bonnet of the internally called W 211 will be much flatter than at the current car, the front will be dominated again by two pairs of round headlights.
Contrary to today's E-class, the single lamps of each pair will be closer to each other but will not melt together as seen at the current S-class or the recently introduced new C-class. Side indicators will be mounted in the mirrors.
 The new W 211 will be loaded with technical innovations such as Active Body Control, ESP, Distronic, Linguatronic, Keyless-Go, DynAPS, Command, Tele-Aid, Active Anti Noise, Bi-Xenon lights, Airmatic chassis and ventilated seats - most of which are known from the latest S-class.
Also safety features will be improved: while front and side airbags need not to be mentioned, the new E-class will be the first car to get a foot airbag, an electric-hydraulic brake and four controls for tyre pressure. The anti-skid program ESP belongs to the standard equipment.
The new GDI four-cylinder fuel engines will be ready by 2002, the six-cylinder engines will be adopted to the stricter exhaust regulations. New super-catalysts, for both fuel and diesel engines, will insure ultra-low emissions. The 4-litres common-rail V8 diesel engine with 560 Nm of torque and the 5-litres supercharged V8 with 650 Nm will mark the tops of the engine line-up.
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