OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- First Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé delivered following the market launch at the customer centre in Bremen

- Bremen plant manager Peter Schabert: "The new E-Class Coupé is manufactured exclusively at our Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. I am therefore extremely pleased to be handing the key to the first owner today."

- For a few weeks, the Bremen customer centre has also been supplying the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY featuring the new four-cylinder diesel engine and which is likewise made in Bremen

Bremen, Germany, May 11, 2009 – Siegfried Möller (56) was able to pick up the key for his new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé today from Peter Schabert, manager of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. This makes him the first customer to receive the Coupé with its striking design from the customer centre of the Bremen plant as soon as the model was launched. Siegfried Möller chose an E 500 Coupé in palladium silver, including an extensive range of optional extras such as the AMG Sports package and the COMAND multimedia system. His vehicle also has the lighting package with Intelligent Light System: it provides five different light functions designed specifically for typical driving situations and weather conditions.

Plant manager Peter Schabert: "The new E-Class Coupé is manufactured exclusively at our Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. I am therefore extremely pleased to be personally handing the key to the first owner today. The E-Class Coupé is an exciting vehicle – I am sure that its new owner will enjoy it from the very first kilometre."

Siegfried Möller owns the Hermann Möller joinery firm in Hamm, Germany: "I have been driving Mercedes-Benz vehicles for over 25 years and my father was also a Mercedes customer. Now I’m looking forward to driving my new E 500 Coupé for the first time." Siegfried Möller knows the route from Bremen to Hamm well, having collected some of his other Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the Bremen customer centre in the past.

The new E-Class Sports Coupé

An exciting product idea makes a comeback: at the Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new E-Class Coupé which is manufactured solely at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen. Three months after the presentation of the Saloon, the brand is launching a new highlight in the new model series while continuing a tradition that has repeatedly met with great enthusiasm throughout the history of the E-Class.

The new E-Class Coupé offers a very special combination of two attributes for which the Mercedes brand is known: fascination and efficiency. With its classic coupé side aspect – no B-pillars and fully retractable side windows – the new two-door car is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class’s dynamic design. At the same time the most aerodynamic variant of the Coupés achieves a new world best in terms of drag coefficient: with a Cd-figure of just 0.24, this model is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series-production car. The model programme includes two new 4-cylinder engines, which consume up to 17% less fuel whilst offering a significant increase in performance and torque. The best example is the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé which consumes 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres and, at 135 grams of CO2 per kilometre, is one of the most economical vehicles in its class.

First GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY supplied with new four-cylinder diesel engine

For a few weeks, the Bremen customer centre has also been handing over to customers the GLK 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY featuring a new, highly economical four-cylinder diesel engine. This compact SUV is manufactured exclusively at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen.

More powerful, more economical, cleaner: The GLK 220 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY comes with a brand new generation of diesel engine under its bonnet that redefines standards for power output, torque, emissions characteristics and fuel economy. The compression-ignition engine also delivers impressive environmental performance and, like all diesel engines for Mercedes passenger cars, features exhaust gas recirculation, an oxidising catalytic converter and a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. The smooth-running four-cylinder unit limits itself to 6.9 litres of diesel for every hundred kilometres.

Mercedes-Benz-Blog — Unmistakable. Unique. Classy. Mercedes-Benz.: First Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé delivered following the market launch

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Press Release

The X6 from HARTGE – the new crossover dimension
Two ton diesel sprinter with a top speed of 256 km/h
Herbert Hartge and his team have pushed the skilful stylistic blend of a four-wheel drive vehicle from the SAV segment (below the waistline) and a coupé (above it) into a new dimension. His X6 xDrive35d is more than an extraordinary symbiosis of a high-street thoroughbred and a crossover workhorse. Although the diesel engine with Twin turbocharger is already the most powerful in its class, the specialists from Germany’s Saarland region have breathed on the power plant so it now generates no less than 241 kW (328 hp) at 4400 rpm and a mighty 675 Nm of torque low down at 2000 rpm. At the same time, the emissions remain well within limits for such a powerful vehicle at 220 g/km. Indeed, the X6 xDrive35d from HARTGE uses half a litre less diesel per 100 kilometres than its series counterpart under comparable conditions. Equally impressive are the performance figures. Despite a weight of 2,185 kg, the X6 takes only six seconds to reach 100 km/h and is thus significantly quicker off the mark than the standard xDrive35d (6.9 sec.). The maximum speed – there is no electronic limiter on the HARTGE model – has been measured at 256 km/h.
Visually underscoring the concentrated power hidden beneath the bonnet is the HARTGE aerodynamic kit in high quality PUR-RIM material. Wheel-arch extensions linked by side sills provide sufficient room for the HARTGE suspension, which includes a set of sports springs with or without level-control system for the rear axle and lowering by 30 mm, and the company’s "CLASSIC 2" wheels (10.5 x 22" offset 33 at the front and 12 x 22" offset 23 at the back).
These attractive aluminium wheels are fitted with ultra-wide tyres (295 / 30 ZR 22 at the front and 335 / 25 ZR 22 at the rear). Rounding off the kit are a front spoiler and a rear skirt with an integrated diffuser while carbon casings for the exterior mirrors, stainless-steel tail pieces with quadrilateral tail pipes (large version) left and right for the exhaust system, HARTGE emblems and insignia emphasize the individual outfit of this X6.
The interior is dominated by a sporting atmosphere à la HARTGE. Via the HARTGE 3-spoke leather steering wheel with carbon inserts – alternatively, carbon steering-wheel covers are available – the driver’s glance falls on a 300 km/h speedometer and rev counter with dials in silver metallic and red needles. Plenty of room for personal touches to the "interior architecture" of the X6 is given by a variety of accessories including decor and interior trim, carbon parts for the dashboard and consoles, aluminium foot rest and pedal set, as well as black velour foot and load-area mats.
A full HARTGE conversion for the X6 xDrive35d – including fitment and painting work – costs EUR 29,353.94 including 19% VAT. Naturally, all parts can also be retrofitted individually.

PRESS RELEASE:

Cleanest diesel technology, excellent fuel economy, great fun to drive

* E250 BlueTEC
* Unique combination of a highly efficient four-cylinder diesel engine and SCR exhaust technology
* 50-State Bin 5 compliance
* Refined power delivery makes concept car great fun to drive
* Technical data

BlueTEC is the keyword for the future of diesel engine technology. Thanks to the highly- efficient exhaust treatment system developed by Mercedes-Benz, BlueTEC vehicles fulfill the strictest global emissions standards to make them the cleanest diesels in the world. With the E250 BlueTEC concept, which was created specifically for the North American market, Mercedes-Benz is now demonstrating how BlueTEC technology in the E-Class can be combined with a four-cylinder engine with optimized fuel consumption. When fitted to the seven-speed automatic transmission, the E250 BlueTEC boasts fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway (estimated). The E250 BlueTEC concept fulfills the strictest emissions standards, including Bin 5, and would even meet the considerably toughened limits laid down in European EU6 legislation not due for implementation until September 1, 2014. The EU6 standard specifies maximum nitrogen oxide emissions that are less than half of those permitted by the current EU5 standard. The following is an overview of the current and future limits for diesel vehicles in the EU*:

EU 5 All new vehicles after 09/01/2009 EU 6 / All new vehicles after 09/01/2014

CO (g/km): 0.50 / 0.50
NOx (g/km): 0.18 / 0.08
HC + NOx (g/km): 0.23 / 0.17
Particulate emissions (g/km): 0.005 / 0.005

Group M1 – passenger vehicles with no more than eight seats plus driver. Max. total permissible weight 3,500kg. Test procedure NEDC 2000.

For the E250 BlueTEC, the modern 2.2 liter four-cylinder CDI engine underwent a detailed redevelopment program in order to further reduce the internal raw emissions generated by the engine and to fulfill the legislative requirements for on-board diagnostics (OBD), as well as other factors. The power unit hardware incorporates features from the series production engines, such as four-valve technology, fourth-generation common-rail piezo direct injection, 2-stage turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation. A highly sensitive electronic engine control system reacts precisely across the full range of operating conditions to optimize the combustion process. The exhaust gas treatment system incorporates an oxidation catalytic converter mounted close to the engine, as well as a diesel particulate filter, which is located at the rear bulkhead in order to shorten its regeneration time.

At the heart of the BlueTEC system are two SCR catalytic converters (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with an "AdBlue®" injector positioned upstream. "AdBlue®" is a synthetic, aqueous urea solution that enables the nitrogen oxide (NOx) to be converted into harmless nitrogen gas in the SCR catalytic converters. The monitoring and diagnosis of the sophisticated exhaust gas treatment process is handled by several sensors, including a differential pressure sensor, a Lambda probe plus NOx and temperature sensors.

For on-board storage of the "AdBlue®" solution, the E250 BlueTEC has a 25 liter tank equipped with a membrane pump, valve, pressure and temperature sensors. The tank volume is sufficient for the duration of a full service interval and is refilled as part of the regular maintenance schedule. The "AdBlue®" tank is integrated into the spare wheel well in the trunk.

E250 BlueTEC combines environmental awareness, driving fun and comfort The combination of the powerful four-cylinder engine with SCR technology makes a convincing argument not only in terms of fuel economy and emissions, but also with impressive performance and the associated fun factor. Thanks to a pair of Lanchester balancing shafts, the concept vehicle’s powertrain boasts the exceptionally smooth characteristics expected of a Mercedes-Benz.

Summary technical data for the E250 BlueTEC:

Engine/cylinders – Diesel/I4
Transmission – 7-speed automatic
Displacement – 2143 cm³
Nominal power output – 204 hp
Nominal torque – 369 lb-ft at 1600-1800 r/min
U.S. fuel economy* City Highway – 28 mpg 39 mpg
U.S. emissions compliance – Bin 5
*preliminary figures

In Europe, this BlueTEC technology is available in a series production model starting fall 2009 with the E350 BlueTEC. Under its hood is a V6 diesel engine with 211 hp and 540 Nm of torque. This means that Mercedes-Benz will very soon offer a series production passenger vehicle that complies with the EU6 emissions standard not scheduled for implementation until 2014.

New York 2009: Mercedes E250 Bluetec concept would get 28/39 city/hwy rating

How interesting if this would go on sale here. This engine should be in the GLK and C-Class right now.

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Diesel Decision: Torque does the talking in a gasoline-versus-diesel sports sedan smackdown.

We’ve given high praise to the modern diesels we’ve tested (usually in Europe) over the last several years, as these engines are a world away from the diesels you might unfondly remember. Advancements in turbochargers, fuel injection and urea systems, along with the advent of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, mean today’s turbodiesels are far cleaner and quieter than previous oil burners. Yet they still deliver the technology’s promise of low fuel consumption and generous torque.

Slideshow >>

Now, clean diesels are becoming available in the U.S., such as the blood-red BMW 335d. It would take a sharp ear to realize there’s a diesel engine under its newly-shaped-for-’09 hood if it were to drive past you. Diesel clatter? Virtually nil. Stinky black smoke? None. Slow as molasses in wintertime? With 425 lb.-ft. of torque, not likely.

Okay, we can agree diesels are much improved. But that doesn’t mean we want one providing the motive force in a BMW 3 Series, right? After all, it’s hard to envision true back-road thrills with an engine that tops out at 4600 rpm. How does it respond when driven hard? Is it slow and heavy? More importantly, how does the BMW 335d compare to a state-of-the-art direct-injected gasoline-powered sports sedan, in this case Audi’s excellent A4 3.2 Quattro?

So many questions, so little time, so many miles of back roads to cover.

Full Story: Road and Track -2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro vs 2009 BMW 335d

Video: Road and Track -2009 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro vs 2009 BMW 335d – Video

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It’s E for Efficiency! Mercedes is going green with its new E-Class, as every model in the range – bar the petrol V8s – uses BlueEFFICIENCY technology.

Weight has been reduced, aerodynamics improved and low-rolling-resistance tyres fitted. But by focusing on the environment, has Mercedes forgotten what the E-Class is all about: a luxurious driving experience? We drove the version predicted to be the top seller – the E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – to find out.

Under the bonnet, an all-new four-cylinder diesel engine develops 168bhp and 400Nm of torque. Offered with a five-speed auto transmission from launch, it returns an excellent 47.1mpg combined and emits 159g/km of CO2.

If it wasn’t for the badge, you’d be hard pressed to tell this is a diesel. It’s smooth at all times even if, despite the huge torque output, it could do with better overtaking pick-up. The more powerful E250 CDI is faster, although refinement still impresses, with road roar from the harder-compound tyres and wind noise virtually eliminated. Adaptive dampers are standard and work magnificently, staying compliant in regular driving and firming up in fast bends. Throw the E-Class into a corner and the steering doesn’t offer the same feel as a BMW 5-Series or Jaguar XF. As a long-distance cruiser, though, the big Merc is peerless.

Full Story: AutoExpress – Mercedes E220 CDI

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