Review: Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class sedan (2002-09)

Review: Mercedes-Benz W211.I E-Class sedan (2002-06)

Overview

Released in August 2002, the Mercedes-Benz W211 Series I (W211.I) E-Class was an executive sedan. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive W211 E-Class range initially consisted of the E 240, E 270 CDI, E 320 and E 500 models. In October 2004, the E 200 Kompressor was introduced as a new price-leading model. In September 2005, the range was revised as the E 270 CDI was replaced by the E 280 CDI, the E 320 was replaced by the E 350 and the mid-range E 280 was introduced.

Please note that the Mercedes W211 E 55 and E 63 AMG has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Mercedes-Benz W210 E-Class which preceded it, the W211 E-Class sedan was the same length (at 4818 mm), but 23 mm wider (1822 mm), 12 mm taller (1452 mm) and had a 21 mm longer wheelbase (at 2854 mm). Furthermore, torsional rigidity increased by 18 per cent, in part due to the greater use of high-strength steel alloys.

The W211 E-Class had newly developed four-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution (Mercedes Benz’s ‘Sensotronic Brake Control’), electronic stability control, traction control and front and outer rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The Sensotronic Brake Control system also included a brake-drying function.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2002 Mercedes-Benz W211 E 220 CDI received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.95 out of 37; this result, however, included two points for seatbelt reminders which were not introduced to Australian-delivered models until mid-2004. In the frontal offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious injury for the front occupants; in the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury.

Features: W211 E 200, E 240 and E 270 CDI

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W211 E 200 Kompressor, E 240 and E 270 CDI included 16-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker Audio 20 sound system with a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning (‘Thermatic’), ‘twin’ leather upholstery (combination synthetic and genuine leather), power adjustable front seats, cruise control with variable speed limiter (‘Speedtronic’), front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

W211 E-Class: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde variants

In addition to the individual models, the E-Class sedan range was available in a range of variants: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. The Classic variants featured six-hole 16-inch alloy wheel designs, ‘calyptus linea’ wood trim and green-tinted thermal insulation glass, while both Elegance and Avantgarde variants were further equipped with interior lighting (with night light), automatically dimming door mirrors with ambient lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, body-coloured door handles, interior-coloured seatbelts and side rub strips with chrome inserts.

Beyond this, the Elegance was distinguished by its thirteen-hole design alloy wheels, brown burr walnut wood trim, instrument cluster with chrome surrounds, chrome bumper strips and high-gloss atlas grey radiator grille with four vanes. The Avantgarde, however, had five-spoke alloy wheel designs, 15 mm lower suspension, combination fabric/leather upholstery, high-pressure headlamp washer system, black bird’s eye maple wood trim, chrome-ringed instruments with white dials, blue-tinted thermal insulation glass, LED brake lights, high-gloss black radiator grille with five vanes, matt chrome gearshift lever panel and side skirts.

Features: E 280, E 320, E 350 and E 500

Compared to the entry-level models, the Mercedes-Benz W211 E 280 and E 280 CDI were further equipped with dual-zone climate control air conditioning. Beyond this, the E 320 and E 350 added Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND APS (Mercedes-Benz’s Cockpit and Data Management System) with satellite navigation and 6.5-inch colour display (from January 2003), DVD player, full leather upholstery, additional front seat adjustment, memory settings (front seats, steering wheel and mirrors) and ‘parameter’ speed-sensitive power steering.

The Mercedes-Benz W211 E 500 featured 17-inch alloy wheels, four-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermotronic’), a power-operated glass sunroof and a power adjustable steering column. The E 500 was also fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s Airmatic DC (dual control) air suspension system and Adaptive Damping System, which controlled both springing and damping by monitoring road conditions, driving style and chassis loadings to select optimal shock absorber and spring settings.

February 2005: E-Class Sedan update

From February 2005, standard features were extended to include an anti-glare rear view mirror and front and rear parking sensors.

From August 2005, the E-Class was available with an optional Sports Package, which included 18-inch alloy wheels with a 10 twin-spoke design, 245/40 R18 front and 263/35 R18 rear tyres, sports suspension, larger brakes with internally ventilated and perforated front brakes, a faster steering ratio, contoured front seats, a four-spoke sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, sports pedals and footrest. For the E 350 and E 500, the Sports Package included leather sports seats, velour inlay mats and AMG body-styling (18-inch AMG alloy wheels with a five-spoke design, front and rear apron, AMG twin-pipe exhaust system, chrome AMG tailpipes). Visually, the Sports Packages could be identified by their silver painted front brake calipers, rear apron, side skirts, twin oval exhaust tail-pipes.

Review: Mercedes-Benz W211.II E-Class sedan (2006-09)

Overview

Released in September 2006, the Mercedes-Benz W211 Series II (W211.II) E-Class sedan introduced mechanical upgrades and a subtle facelift. Furthermore, the E 500 was fitted with a 5.5-litre V8 engine (previously a 5.0-litre unit) and all models other than the E 200 Kompressor were fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. Other changes included firmer suspension for provided crisper handling, a faster steering ratio and reduced steering rack rattle. Elegance and Avantgarde variants were also fitted with rebound buffer springs to reduce body roll.

Visually, the Mercedes-Benz W211.II E-Class sedan could be identified by its deeper V-shaped grille, new bumpers, front fog lights, tail-lights and door mirrors. Inside, there was a new four-spoke steering wheel (shared with the CLS-Class), climate control unit, upholstery and auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Safety equipment

Compared to its W211.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz W211.II E-Class sedan was improved with the introduction of active front seat head restraints (‘NECK-PRO’) and Pre-Safe (which anticipated and prepared for collisions by tensioning the seatbelts, adjusting the front and rear seats and closing the sunroof). Furthermore, the ‘Sensotronic’ braking system was discontinued and replaced with Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Adaptive Brake’ system, which included a hill holder function.

Features: W211.II E-Class

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz W211.II E-Class were revised to include a nine speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, mobile phone preparation and tyre pressure monitoring; the E 280 and E 280 CDI also gained speed-sensitive power steering.

AAugust 2007: W211.II E-Class Sedan update

In August 2007, the E-Class sedan range underwent a minor update. Changes included:

• Power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings were made standard across the range;
• The E200 Kompressor was fitted with speed-sensitive power steering and the Classic variant was discontinued;
• Avantgarde variants were fitted with features – as standard – from the optional ‘Sports Package’ such as perforated/vented front brake discs, lowered sports suspension, directional bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic range adjustment, cornering lights and headlight washers.

2008 Mercedes-Benz W211.II E 280 and E 280 CDI Sports editions

In July 2008, limited-run Sports editions of the Mercedes-Benz E 280 and E 280 CDI were released. The Sports Edition models were distinguished by their 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, COMAND APS with satellite navigation, steering wheel gearshift paddles, power-operated glass sunroofs and dual chrome exhausts.

Brochures

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W211/S211 E-Class (International) (March 2006)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W211/S211 E-Class (International) (March 2008)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W211.II E-Class (April 2006)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz W211.II E-Class Sedan and S211.II E-Class Estate (September 2006)
• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W211 E-Class