WITH just over a month to go before its UK debut, final details of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate have been announced.
Prices for the entry-level E 200 Kompressor Classic start at £27,355.
Due to be launched in the UK on June 19, the new E-Class Estate costs an average of about six per cent more than the outgoing model.
However, Mercedes says that it represents significantly better value, because of the extra standard equipment and improved engines.
All models are fitted with a variety of safety and convenience features as standard, including six airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, and a roll-over sensor that activates airbags in a sequence.
To help keep the car on the straight and level is standard rear self-levelling suspension, which maintains a constant ride height whether empty or fully-laden.
Advanced Sensotronic Brake Control now comes with two new functions as standard, Hold and Stop.
Hold relieves driver strain when performing tricky hill starts, when manoeuvring on steep slopes, or when stopped in traffic, by keeping the car stationary without the driver having to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Stop is available with automatic transmission, which comes with cruise control and a speed limiter package. Once the accelerator is released below a certain speed, the car automatically brakes itself to a complete stop without the need to press the brakes. The brakes are released once the driver accelerates.
Prices are as follows:
Model OTR
E 200 KOMPRESSOR £27,355
E 240 £30,535
E 320 £36,015
E 220 CDI £28,440
E 270 CDI £29,920
E 320 CDI £35,360
Fleet World magazine has heralded the new E-Class Estate as the Best Estate Car of 2003, even before it goes on sale.
Fleet World editor Ross Durkin said: "Any company executive faced with the need to transport a reasonable load over a long distance would automatically opt for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, and almost certainly a diesel.
In saloon form the E-Class is a technological masterpiece, while the Estate version simply builds on this formidable platform to offer a higher level of practicality, without compromising looks and style."
Former IBM Fleet Manager George Emmerson, a member of the judging panel, commented: "When you combine the engineering sophistication of the E-Class chassis with a series of superb diesel and petrol engines you already have the basis for an exceptional executive car. The Estate version is simply an extension of this concept, and is hard to fault.''