Mercedes-Benz Delivers Engine Upgrades Across Its E-Class

Automaker Packs In More Power, Efficiency as Sales Rise

HAVERHILL, MASS. (05/19/2011)(readMedia)-- Sporting greater power and expected to make gains in fuel efficiency, a trio of new engines will inhabit popular Mercedes-Benz E-Class models starting this fall – a move that should further bolster already strong 2011 sales of the Three-Pointed Star's most comprehensive car platform. The engine revamp will bring an increase of 34 horsepower and 15 pound-feet of torque to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 and a rise of 20 horsepower and 52 pound-feet of torque to the 2012 E550. Just as important are the expected fuel-economy improvements – the new V6 in the E350 is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 20 percent, while the refreshed V8 in the E550 should result in a 17 percent increase in miles per gallon.

As the standard bearer of the E-Class, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 luxury sedan will be fitted with a new direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 producing 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Not to be outdone, a new 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged direct-injection V8 will provide Mercedes-Benz E550 owners with 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the new Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG will play host to a dominant 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, an improvement of 31 pound-feet.

"These new engines bring significant upgrades in power to a lineup that was already known for its superior driving experience," said James Buckley, general manager of Massachusetts Mercedes-Benz dealer Smith Motor Sales. "The engineers at Mercedes-Benz really outdid themselves though by making these engines more fuel efficient while still boosting performance. Mercedes owners won't notice these extra miles per gallon when they're passing other drivers, but that's the point."

Replacing naturally-aspirated powertrains in the E-Class, the new engines are anticipated to deliver most of their fuel-efficiency improvements from their direct-injection technology. A revised seven-speed automatic transmission with reduced slip is also part of Mercedes-Benz' plans to reduce pain at the pump. With new federal fuel-economy standards requiring that cars average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, Mercedes-Benz is expected to continue to develop innovations that will improve the fuel economy of their lineup without sacrificing performance.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will look to build on the sales of current models, which are up 17 percent through April of this year compared to the same time period in 2010. More than 20,000 E-Class vehicles have already left Mercedes-Benz dealers for more permanent homes around America in 2011. Available as a coupe, convertible, sedan or a wagon, the versatility of the E-Class has been helping to draw a variety of buyers into showrooms.

"Mercedes-Benz's E-Class is a true chameleon, in that it has a model for every driving situation," Buckley added. "From a top-down summer fun car to a winter mountain getaway vehicle, Mercedes-Benz owners have come to appreciate that the E-Class has multiple personalities that share the same standards of luxury, styling and amenities. Now, customers can expect these benefits with even more power and efficiency, compliments of these revamped engines."

About Smith Motor Sales:

For more than 75 years, Smith Motor Sales has brought Mercedes-Benz ownership to customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Smith Motor Sales has remained an elite Mercedes-Benz dealer throughout the years through their commitment to customer service and their wide selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as their expert service and parts staff. Browse their inventory online at www.smith.mercedesdealer.com, stop by their showroom at 420 River Street in Haverhill, MA, like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SmithMercedes, or reach them by phone at 978-372-2552