However, the new car is better than its predecessor in many respects.
The buyer has a choice of more than ten engine options in total (and the 5-cylinder 2.5-litre E-Class diesel engine is specially supplied to the markets of Italy, Greece and Portugal).
In March 1997, the 2.8 and 3.2 L inline 6-cylinder engines were replaced by V-6 units.
In the index, following the letter designating the class, the engine displacement is indicated in cubic centimeters without the last zero. For example, the E-230 model has an engine displacement of 2295 cm³. The letter "D" means "diesel engine".
The bold decision was rewarded twice. The new E-class was on par with racing cars. It displaced the Mercedes C-class, which was in great demand, from the German market. And in the very first year of serial production (1996), it took seventh place in demand among such popular models as VW, Opel and Audi.
(Material taken from a web resource www.mercedesman.ru)
The new models have an unconventional appearance for Mercedes: four round headlights and a silhouette more typical of a coupe than of a luxury sedan. Being slightly larger than their predecessors, the new E-class cars look lower and longer.
The level of passive safety in the new E-class is very high. The complex structure of the body is designed to guarantee optimal deformation when hitting an obstacle. If desired, the car can be equipped with side airbags for the driver and the passenger sitting next to him.
Along with eight engine models, the buyer is offered three body trim options – Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde, 15 paint colours and 12 samples of interior trim materials.
The main differences between the body options are in the interior trim, as well as in decorative elements, such as moldings. Any of the engines is installed in all body options.
Many natural materials in E-class cars have been replaced with synthetic ones, which are easily recycled.
Strong and lightweight materials, elegant streamlined shape and, finally, effective corrosion protection are the symbol of a reliable, safe and durable vehicle.