THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class will be presented at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, together with the new CLK which will be based on the C-class’ chassis and hence will not be a derivative of the new E-class – although it’ll grow quite a bit.

Our spy-photographer spotted the new Mercedes E-class, while undergoing final testing at the German Nürburgring. It will be slightly bigger than the car it replaces: 4.85 metres overall length. And also the four-lamp front-end design will remain, although in a more modern, in a sleeker and more elegant layout and equipped with modern light technology.

Since the new E-class will be equipped with V6-engines only (the 320 CDI has been changed from in-line layout to V as well), the bulkhead could be moved forward which made the cabin slightly roomier.

At the lower end, the engine range will start with the 2-litre CDI with 115 HP and will be crowned by the E55 AMG Kompressor with about 450 HP. The E400 CDI will be powered by the new V8 diesel with 250 HP. The new E-class will be among the first cars to receive Mercedes’ new direct injection petrol engines.

While Mercedes testers were speeding the car around the challenging former Formula-One circuit in the middle of Germany, colleagues of Mercedes’ own AMG tuning company were testing the E55 in the arctic winter of Northern Scandinavia.

Our spy-pictures prove that the car will get two visible pairs of double exhaust pipes and slightly widened wheelhouses. As in today’s car, the engine compartment of the new E55 will be housing the 5.4-litre V8 unit with 24 valves. However, with the aid of a supercharger (German: Kompressor) power will rise from the current 354 to then around 450 HP.

Apart from the powerful engine, the E55 will be given other fine features such as a six-speed automatic with steering wheel-controls, ABC, the super-break SBC and a lowered sport-chassis with 18-inch wheels.

As seen on our pictures, AMG is still testing different rims in order to find the best. The new E55 will also be available in estate guise and with 4Matic all-wheel-drive.

FACTS
· Final testing of Mercedes-Benz C-Class
· 115 bhp – 450 bhp
· Testing at Nürburgring
· Testing in Northern Scandinavia
· E55-features:
· V8
· Supercharger (Kompressor)
· 6-speed automatic gearbox
· Steering wheel-control
· 18 inch wheels

E55 must beat
1. Future BMW M5 V10
2. New Audi RS6
3. Up-coming Jaguar X-Type R-version


Images
1) Mercedes-Benz E55 winter testing.
2) Coming MB E55 with 18-inch wheels – tested by AMG test drivers.
3) Interesting E55 feature: 6-speed automatic gearbox.
4 + 5) E-Class final test at der Nordschleife, Germany.

Photos: AutoMedia