Mercedes-Benz has supplemented the already extensive standard equipment in the E-Class with features that further improve safety and comfort in the new model series. Such features include a fatigue recognition system, adaptive shock absorbers, a driver kneebag, an active engine hood, daytime running lights, a Bluetooth cell phone interface, and a large colour display on the instrument panel. The V6 and V8 models also boast as standard equipment a direct steering system and a seven-speed automatic transmission with a steering wheel selector lever. The E 500 eight-cylinder saloon is additionally equipped with pneumatic suspension and an electronically controlled damping system.

The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE design and equipment lines offer further possibilities for special design and equipment features in the new E-Class. The ex-works surcharges for the lines are €1,921.85 for the ELEGANCE and €3,361.75 for the AVANTGARDE – and thus remain unchanged from the predecessor model, despite a broader range of equipment features. The ELEGANCE line stands out, for example, through ambience interior lighting, newly developed seats in vertical fluting design, burr-walnut wood trim, and 16-inch light alloy wheels in ten-twin spoke design.

In the AVANTGARDE line, Mercedes-Benz emphasises the modern and innovative character of the new E-Class with a distinct front-end design, sporty suspension tuning with lower body positioning, bi-xenon headlights with five different lighting functions, LED daytime driving lamps, LED taillights, 17-inch light alloy wheels in five-twin spoke design, 245/45 R 17 wide base tyres, and ambience interior lighting.

Mercedes-Benz also offers an AMG Sports Package and an Exclusive Package for more demanding customers. These contain valuable equipment features that are mostly not available individually. The AMG Sports package, for example, includes AMG-design bumpers and side skirts, sports seats with outstanding side support, three-spoke steering wheel, and 18-inch AMG light alloy wheels. Depending on the model variant in question, the AMG Sports Package costs between €2,915 and €4,046 ex-works. The Exclusive package (€4,284 ex-works) enhances the new E-Class through the inclusion of a wood-leather steering wheel, an Alcantara roof lining and pillar trim, nappa leather seat upholstery, and a high-quality upholstered instrument panel.

No other automobile offers such extensive and cleverly aligned interaction between state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. In order to help drivers benefit to the greatest extent possible from these technologies, Mercedes-Benz offers optional packages containing specific sets of innovations. This ensures that the systems in question operate perfectly together and ideally complement one another. The Lane package (€892.50 ex-works), for example, includes the Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. The first of these two innovations supports drivers when they veer out of the lane they’re travelling in, while the second assists them when they intentionally change lanes.

The Driver Assistance package (€2,558.50 ex-works) brings together systems from Mercedes-Benz that actively help prevent rear-end collisions: the DISTRONIC PLUS radar-based proximity cruise control system, Brake Assist PLUS, and the automatic PRE-SAFE® braking system. This package also includes the lane assistant and blind-spot assistant.

Mercedes-Benz has also put together the Light package for customers who do a lot of driving at night. This package consists of bi-xenon headlights, the Intelligent Light System, LED daytime driving lamps, and the new adaptive Highbeam Assist. Depending on the model and equipment features in question, the Light package costs between €238 and €1,689.80 ex-works.

Customers who care a lot about comfort can purchase an Active Multicontour Seat package for their new E-Class. Costing €1,487.50 ex-works, this package features newly developed multicontour seats with a massage and driving dynamics function, as well as special comfort headrests. The Rear Comfort package (€3,718.75 ex-works) includes leather upholstered and heated individual rear seats, integrated sun shades in the rear doors, and an electric shade on the inside of the back window.

Overview of prices for the new E-Class (standard equipment):

All prices are ex-works and include sales tax of 19%

Mercedes customers will be provided with a broad range of information material on the new E-Class during the run-up to the model’s market launch. For example, the brand has put together an Internet Special that will enable an interactive look at the new model, which, among other things, will be presented in detail in various film episodes. The Internet Special will focus here on a movie showing a trip taken in the new E-Class by former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi and four-time Grammy winner and American jazz singer Dianne Reeves. In the film, Alesi drives the new E-Class over a route rich in curves, while the back of the saloon is transformed into a concert venue in which Dianne Reeves sings the classic tune “Better Than Anything.” This “Concert in E” is made possible by the fact that the E-Class offers the highest levels of safety and comfort even in extraordinary driving situations, thereby lending its occupants a unique feeling of protection and security – in accordance with the claim of the campaign “Welcome Home.” Alesi and Reeves exit the new Mercedes saloon at the end of the trip looking as relaxed – and as fascinated – as can be. The Internet Special goes online on January 12, 2009, at www.concert-in-e.com.

In Germany, those who visit the special can also order the free history book “Zeitreise“, which presents the history of the E-Class model series and includes powerful and emotional photos. The history of the model will also be the subject of a special exhibition at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart that will begin in February 2009. An exhibition room at the museum, especially renovated for the event, will feature not only the history but also the actual new E-Class model. Smaller exhibits and personal stories complete this special exhibition. At www.mercedes-benz.tv the internet television station of Stuttgart-based car manufacturer also broadcasts detailed information on the new car in its Drive magazine.

Information on the new E-Class can also be obtained via mobile devices at www.e-class.mobi. The site’s mobile configurator enables users to put together their own personal E-Class dream car, and mobile visitors to the site will also find an extensive entertainment programme that includes exclusive downloads. What’s more, beginning in late February, users in Germany who visit the site will be able to call up a “Wine-and-Dine Guide” recommending exclusive hotels and restaurants.