Kuala Lumpur, 26 June 2008 – The much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz E 230 Avantgarde has arrived.  Boasting even more equipments including 7-GTRONIC, COMAND APS, LINGUATRONIC, Intelligent Light System, Mercedes-Benz E 230 Avantgarde is certainly an exciting new entrant in the executive class segment and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is once again setting the benchmark as the technology trendsetter.

The Mercedes-Benz E 230 Avantgarde features a newly developed V6 engine designed to provide enhanced performance and higher torque delivery.  This includes infinitely variable adjustment of both intake and exhaust camshafts, thereby ensuring that all 24 valves open and close at the most favourable time according to engine load.  In turn, the charge cycle operates more effectively, thus energy losses are minimised resulting in improved efficiency.  The refinement and inherent balanced qualities of a naturally aspirated V6 engine results in minimal engine vibration.  The smoothness in torque delivery enhances drivability, therefore allowing the driver to gather speed without straining the engine.

Aside from enhanced engine smoothness, lower fuel consumption is also realised when used in tandem with the two-stage intake manifold.  The Mercedes-Benz E 230 Avantgarde consumes petrol at a meagre rate of 9.7- 10.0 litre per 100 km (combined travels).

With an output of 150 KW /204 hp, the naturally aspirated V6 engine displays exemplary torque characteristics, delivering a peak torque of 245 Nm across a broad range of 2,900 – 5,500 rpm.  From standstill, it takes just 9.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h.  The new engine also enables the car to achieve a top speed of 240 km/h. 

The environment is also an important consideration for the new Mercedes-Benz E 230 Avantgarde.  Thanks to variable camshaft adjustment, internal exhaust gas recirculation, secondary air injection and other relevant measures, exhaust emission remains low during the combustion process.  In order to further reduce emission well below EU4 limits, a powerful exhaust emission control is employed, featuring two catalytic converters placed close to the engine.

Other standard equipments include the THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control, anti-theft alarm with interior motion sensor, PARKTRONIC, COMANDS APS, LINGUATRONIC and mobile phone preparation, and 17-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels.

In addition, the new Mercedes-Benz E 230 Avantgarde comes with 7G-TRONIC as standard equipment.  The 7-speed automatic transmission represents leading-edge gearbox technology.  Seven forward gears make it possible to widen the overall spacing between the bottom and top gear while at the same time reducing the spacing between one gear and the next.  The result is optimum engine speed at all times plus virtually imperceptible gear changes.  Also, this transmission can shift down more than one gear at a time, for faster intermediate acceleration. 

The Mercedes-Benz E 230 Avantgarde also offers more agile handling with DIRECT CONTROL.  The Mercedes engineers have made remarkable progress with this standard-fit package in terms of handling dynamics, without compromising the combination of safety and long-distance comfort – the consistent hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon.

Reducing the steering ratio by around 10 percent makes the Mercedes-Benz E-Class more responsive to steering movements.  Nonetheless, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues to reassure drivers with its superb handling safety and stability.  Newly developed spring link bearings also support lateral forces more effectively when cornering and enhance the neutral cornering characteristics.  Rebound buffer springs, effectively limit body roll when cornering.

For customers who already own Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, they have the option to purchase a Bluetooth phone Hands-Free Profile (HFP) Module via any authorised service centre.  This HFP module is compatible to most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones on sale in the local market.

Pioneering innovations help the Mercedes-Benz E-Class continue to set the pace of passenger car safety in its market segment – equipped as standard with the anticipatory PRE-SAFE® system whose ‘reflexes’ respond before an impending collision by activating protection measures for the driver and front passenger.  As a result, the seatbelt and airbag provide maximum protection in the event of a collision. 

PRE-SAFE®, a world first which went into series production in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in 2002 and since then has received numerous international awards, heralds the start of a new era in vehicle safety.  No other premium-class model can offer this kind of anticipatory protection system.

Additionally, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system is taken from the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and provides new safety and comfort features thanks to the electronic control of the hydraulic dual-circuit brakes.  An automatic tyre pressure loss warning system also forms part of the extended standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The standard-fit NECK-PRO head restraints on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class are equally unique.  During a rear impact, the sensor-controlled head restraints are moved forward to provide protection for the driver’s and front passenger’s heads within milliseconds.  The crash-responsive head restraints prevent the upper spinal column from bending as a result of the accident, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries, which is one of the most common accident injuries.

The new Mercedes-Benz E230 Avantgarde is priced at RM398,888.00.