Mercedes-Benz Classe E Wagon 2011
Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 6:14 pm
The 2011 E-class wagon is unusually close to the sedan in terms of style. While most T models sported taillights that differed sharply from those on the sedan, the new wagon's horizontal units bear a striking resemblance to the four-door’s. The rear side windows slope down in a somewhat coupelike manner, but the roofline remains high, allowing the cargo hold to swallow a whopping 69 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seats folded down. The wagon sports the inevitable roof rack, and overall, it shares the sedan's somewhat forced sportiness—or "dramatic overall effect," as Mercedes puts it. For even more drama, Mercedes offers a Sport package and AMG wheels. Europeans get an impressive set of engines, from a 168-hp four-cylinder turbo-diesel to a 382-hp gasoline V-8, with more engines coming. The U.S., on the other hand, will get only one version of the wagon when it comes to market in June 2010: the E350 4MATIC, powered by a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and equipped with all-wheel drive. It's a good engine, smooth and economical, but it doesn't provide particular thrills or head-snapping performance.
Standard Electro-Nannies
Apart from the three-pointed star and its seemingly indestructible image, the E-class wagon is distinguished from its competition by various nanny systems, such as Attention Assist, a so-called drowsiness detection system; nine air bags; and the Pre-Safe system, which tightens belts and initiates emergency braking when an accident is deemed unavoidable. We like station wagons, as they offer the practicality of an SUV with the performance and roadholding of a sedan. When the E-class wagon comes to market, it will face the Audi A6 Avant, the outgoing BMW 5-series wagon, and the rather stunning 2010 Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. We hope it does well—and we definitely would like the team at AMG to get their hands on it for a reprise of the E63 AMG wagon, which is offered for 2009 but may not reappear in the U.S. due to low sales.
( dans une grosse brette comme ça = ZZZzzzzzz )