Test drive Mercedes Benz E-class w211 2002-2006 sedan

Everything is possible!

In Russia, the station wagons are wary. And to the universals prestigious, wary doubly. Well, is it seriously going to the barn with a jeep of security behind? Sedans, and only they! However, public opinion is subject to mutations, it changes thanks to the factors of strong influence. To which the emergence of a new version of the most popular e-klasse in the station is without a doubt. It is this car, which, with all its advantages, has a harmoniously solid appearance, seems to be able to adjust the system of values \u200b\u200bof domestic motorists. The explosion case on wheels, which has become the hallmark of Mercedes-Benz products in the 90s of the last century, today is the property of stories. To understand how radical the changes in the last generation Mercedes are not even necessary to put a new station wagon next to the old. The appearance of the car is rapid and light, despite its cargo -passenger essence. The side line is gracefully displayed, which begins somewhere below at the hood and sharply goes up to the stern. The racks of the luggage compartment are very compressed and rounded in the manner of the last C-class, and only the large rear overhang (the station wagon is 32 mm longer than the sedan) slightly weights the appearance of the car. From whatever angle, take a look at the new car, he is elegant and at the same time solid. Awesome combination!


The technical filling of the car corresponds to its high looting status. The engines that are offered for the station wagon are already familiar to us on the sedan. The countdown begins with a small 1.8-liter unit equipped with a mechanical supercharger. Further in the list is two V-shaped engines with a volume of 2.6 and 3.2 liters. The gamut of gasoline engines crings a five -liter V8 for a top set.


There are two diesels: a four-cylinder with a volume of 2.2 liters and a five-cylinder 2.7-liter. Both with turbocharged and the Common Rail system. Whether the 4-liter V8 turbodiesel will not be reported yet. It is planned to issue a factory sports version of the car. It will differ from the standard by external elements (body kit, 17-inch wheels), sports settings of adjustable suspension and the corresponding interior decoration.


By the way, about the suspension. Perenial schemes are used in front and rear. The height of the rear of the car above the surface of the highway is exposed automatically, depending on the load. At the request of the client, the adjustable pneumatic suspension can be installed in front. It is called Airmatic Dual-Control. In the movement, its characteristics change depending on the driving style and the properties of the road surface. Naturally, for the top version of the station wagon, a 4Matic all-wheel drive system will be offered, which is already tested on S- and C-classes. The constant all -wheel drive is automatically adapted to the changing conditions of movement, in the normal position the distribution of torque along the axes is as follows: 35% on the front, 65% on the rear.


One of the main trump cards of the novelty included in the standard equipment electronic brake system. The pedal in the cabin is not directly related to the brakes of the car. It only gives an electronic signal, which drives the mechanism always ready to work at full power. Like in a computer game. The system greatly facilitates the life of the driver. The electronic brain instantly calculates the degree of adhesion of each wheel with the roadbed and provides appropriate brake force. In practice, this means one maximum rapid slowdown in any situation. Well, another ESP system will help effectively and feel more confident in turns.


Another little thing in a large piggy bank Active Light System. Bixenon headlights turn after the movement of the steering wheel, illuminating those sections of the highway that, when moving, usually remain in the darkness. Naturally, the system takes into account not only the movement of the steering wheel in its actions, it focuses on the testimony of several other sensors, for example, speed.


Unlike their direct and not very competitors in the station wagon market, the new Mercedes, having a sports appearance, is not deprived of this type of body of freight capabilities. Standard trunk volume 690 liters! And it can be easily increased almost three times to fold the rear seats.


But not the volume of the unified trunk of a universal E-class is alive. Thanks to the proprietary Easy-Pack scheme, the owner is provided with unlimited possibilities for transformation and efficient use of the cargo compartment. We will not go into details, we only note that with the help of a simple but well -thought -out stock of special devices, you will be able to place any load as rationally as possible. As an option, it is proposed to go beyond the borders of the car, which facilitates manipulations with especially heavy objects. Another option on its own opening and closing the fifth door. Click on the button and, without bothering yourself, admire yourself.


The synonym for the foreign word Mercedes can be considered Russian comfort. And to whom, if not the new e-klasse, to be as friendly as possible in relation to each passenger who has fallen on his board! Perfectly convenient planting for any movement mode is provided by multi -contouring seats, which are able to change the degree of lateral support if necessary.


A color display is mounted in the central console, which display the control functions of several systems of this DVD player, and the navigation system, and the six-discs for six discs. Together, this is called Comand (Cockpit Management and Data). In standard configuration, an audio system with ten speakers and the Dolby Surround volumetric sound processor. If this is not enough for you, the Harman Kardon Logic 7 equipment will be optionally installed. There are already twelve speakers and seven channels. Separate climate control for two passengers today, few people will surprise few. At the request of the customer, the car can be equipped with a personal blowing system for four people. Definitely, progress does not stand still.


Well, a little more about passive safety. The car is equipped with smart airbags and belts that work differently depending on the seriousness of the collision. Having considered the information from responsible sensors with lightning speed, the system gives the appropriate command to open up to the pillows, and press the belts with an effort laid for each specific case.


The last moment is price. Everything is simple here. The station wagons have always been more expensive than sedanov (this is on the issue of prestige). In the case of a new E-class, the difference in cost will be approximately four thousand euros.
 
Leonty Tyutelev
 

A source: Motor magazine [May 2003]