New 03 E-Class, Bye Bye Bimmer!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

WOW.... I want this car..

I'll start out with the interior
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e05.jpg
Is that a 5spd?? images/icons/shocked.gif

Some other shots..
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e14.jpg
I'm in heaven!!!
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e07.jpg
I'm seriously thinking about selling my left nut.
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e22.jpg
Drool...

[ 01-17-2002: Message edited by: ThereturnofHammerman ]

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Ok, now for some exterior shots

http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e08.jpg
Nice!!
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e11.jpg
This car has the sport package.
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e17.jpg
What's up with her hair? Do all girls in Germany look like that?
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e06.jpg
Optional solar roof, with sliding glass panel!
http://www.jes-mercedes.de/photo/bigpics/e09.jpg
Here's that roof outdoors.

For more pics, and information (if you read German) goto: http://www.jes-mercedes.de/indexie.htm

Taken from this month's auto express:
"If you think this first official picture of the new Mercedes E-Class is amazing, just wait until you hear the story of the car itself! The product of a four-year development programme which cost a staggering £1.3billion, it's one of the most advanced models ever built.
Air suspension, brakes operated by wires rather than hydraulics, and a sharp fresh interior are only a few of the technical highlights of the varied new range that is set to take on BMW's 5-Series and the Audi A6 at its launch in March.

On paper at least, it looks to have everything it needs to go to the top of the class. The project's stylists have worked hard to give the newcomer a smoother, more aerodynamic shape than before. As a result, lights, roofline and even the boot have been sculpted to reduce the car's apparent size, and it gets a much more distinctive look than the outgoing model. Inside, lessons learned during the S and C-Class design have helped free up more room.

Central to the line-up is the five-strong engine range, which includes three petrol units and two diesels. The entry-level E240 and E220 CDI have 2.4 petrol and 2.2-litre oil-burning motors respectively, while extra performance comes from the 3.2 petrol V6 of the E320 and 2.7 diesel of the E270 CDI. The flagship E500 will have a 5.0-litre V8, and replaces the existing E430.

Much of the engine range is all-new, with improved power and economy on offer. Six-speed manual gearboxes will be standard on the E240, E220 CDI and E270 CDI, but the Sequentronic semi-auto that debuted on the C-Class will also be available. The rest of the range gets a slick-shifting six-speed auto that also features a sequential-style set-up.

Those looking for all-out performance must wait until spring 2003 for what promises to be the ultimate fast saloon, the AMG E55 Kompressor. Using the same 469bhp engine as the recently launched SL55, it will have the muscle to blow the 400bhp BMW M5 and Jaguar's S-Type R off the road. Computer-controlled active suspension and four-wheel drive will ensure it has the handling to match.

All the suspension systems are developed from the one first shown on the S-Class, and are capable of retuning damper rates to ensure a smooth ride. They can also sense hard cornering and stiffen to improve stability. And while the car is working out ideal suspension rates, it also measures electronic throttle and brake pedal usage, compensating for sudden movements and ensuring the car responds as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Safety is equally impressive. As well as offering the electronic brake system, dual-stage airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, the E-Class has new crumple zones and aluminium boxes designed to spread the force of an accident. Prices will be revealed shortly, and the car will hit showrooms in September. Demand is likely to be high, as it looks to be the new pace-setter in the executive class."

[ 01-17-2002: Message edited by: ThereturnofHammerman ]

[Deadpool]

I like the interior. It looks much more of higher quality then the current Mercedes. I don't however expect manual transmission to make it to USA as it seems like a European spec car. It looks ok. Rear end looks like the new Camry. But it looks better on this E class.

[FanaticZ]

wow, that is dam nice. i like how the seats fold down and the interior is one of the nicest i've ever seen. like the exterior better than the current model also, if that came to the us with manual that would probably be my number 1 choice in the midsize luxury category.

[TwinTurboZX]

Sorry, still no BMW... images/icons/cool.gif

[GroovinGTR]

DUDE, have you seen the supposed next-generation 5-series pics? They are hideous - barf! I for one am glad its not a Bimmer w/ their future design theme.

[thearabian]

you know, the interior does not look as "german" as previous E-classes

i like it a lot!

[Hudson]

I do like that "thing" on the girl's head. As for the car, it's okay...just another Mercedes-Benz to me.

[Nismo]

That's one of the classiest interiors I've ever seen in a modern automobile.

[SHIFT_6speeds]

There is just something about Mercedes that I just cannot warm up to. Maybe it is the snob appeal of them, but anyway, here is my review so far...

This is an all new car, right? Well, I do love the grey interior shot, with the aluminum guages and black trim. VERY TASTEFUL.But way too many buttons and looks like it could be a nightmare trying to find the right button as you are driving the machine.

But..if it is an all new car, than why can I not tell it is new from the front end? Still has a cow-catcher grille (with a horrible, old folks STAND UP hood ornament),and the predictable two rooundish headlamps. It is a not too new looking front-end.

The profile is great, nice shape. But the c-pillar reminds me of the Lin-colon LS. The tail lamps are too rounded. I think tail lamps in the fashion of the SLK's sharp cornered triangulars would have been nicer. I love the rear of the SLK.

I am not saying this is a bad car. Just not to my tastes. Like others have said, It ain't no BMW!

[**DONOTDELETE**]

images/icons/shocked.gif
Damn! If I am rich and old now, I would go buy one right now. Since I am not, I am going to wait until I am old and rich, then I'll buy one. I don't care how long I'll have to wait, I am getting one.