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Both V6 power plants employ three valves per cylinder and, using two sparkplugs per cylinder, phased dual ignition for precise combustion and reduced emissions. All the gasoline engines feature an electronic control unit that uses an adaptive accelerator pedal. This means that the engine responds either more gently or aggressively depending on the driver's previous demands for acceleration. The long-travel accelerator helps makes for easy modulation of the ample power of the V6 engines. To maintain the sharp handling and smooth ride that the midsize Mercedes has been famous for, the chassis employs a four-link front suspension that acts similar to a double-wishbone system, and a rear five-link system forged mostly from aluminum. Also formed from the lightweight material are the hood, front fenders, trunklid, front-end/rear-end modules and parcel shelf. All of the E’s body panels have been changed from the previous version.
The chassis swallows bumps and uneven road surfaces, transmitting nothing but a smooth, controlled ride into the cabin. Despite the formidable torque of the standard engines, we can imagine it’s not even working that hard. Probably true, because the chassis was made to easily handle the power of such engines as the 700-Nm AMG 5.5-liter V8, and speeds well in excess of 250 km/h. The interior eschews fancy controls for a clear layout, with intuitively operated switches. Not only are the seats and steering wheel electrically adjustable for reach and height, but they also retract when the infrared key is pulled from the ignition, to allow for easier entry and exit. The leather seats incorporate an active seat ventilation system, for comfortable driving even in sweltering heat. The four-zone Thermotronic aircon system enables the temperature and airflow to be individually controlled for each of the four seats. The remote keyless transmitter also retains memory for the seat and mirror positions as well as the aircon settings. |
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