Mercedes-Benz presents the new generation E-Class at the New York International Auto Show 2006

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The world premiere of the new-generation E-Class will be the focal
point of Mercedes-Benz' presentation at the New York International
Auto Show 2006. After four years in production and around a million
vehicles sold, the facelift of the world-beating executive saloon is
cleaner, safer, more powerful and of better value than ever before.
The new-generation E-Class once again sets the benchmark first and
foremost through its outstanding safety features. The standard
equipment includes the anticipatory PRE-SAFE(R) system whose
"reflexes" respond before an impending collision by activating
protective measures for the driver and front passenger. What's more,
the safest car in its class takes agility and driving pleasure to new
heights. This comes courtesy of the DIRECT CONTROL package, with more
direct steering and a retuned suspension, and six new or enhanced
engines which develop up to 26 per cent more output and 18 per cent
more torque whilst maintaining the same excellent levels of fuel
economy. Tying in with the E-Class premiere, the new-generation SL is
also making its US debut at the New York show.

"The new generations of the E- and SL-Class make it clear that
Mercedes-Benz offers its customers attractive vehicles featuring
state-of-the-art technology," explained Dr. Klaus Maier, Board of
Management member with responsibility for Marketing and Sales, at the
Mercedes-Benz Press Conference. "Both new models," Maier continued,
"reinforce Mercedes-Benz' claim to building the best cars in the
world. The most recent example of this is the new-generation E-Class,
the cleanest, safest and most powerful E-Class of all time."

For over 60 years the E-Class and its predecessors have been the
"heart" of Mercedes-Benz, representing basic brand values like
safety, comfort, innovation, economy and quality. Since 1946
Mercedes-Benz has delivered some ten million luxury saloons to
customers. In June 2006 the E-Class will be unveiled with an even
more dynamic concept, additional pioneering innovations and an
upgraded standard specification. 29 model variants will be available
- 16 Saloons and 13 Estates.

As such, Mercedes-Benz will be offering the largest, most varied
model range in this market segment. With outputs ranging from 100
kW/136 hp to 378 kW/514 hp, the new-generation E-Class outpaces the
previous model range (90 kW/122 hp to 350 kW/476 hp) and its
competitors in all displacement and output classes. A revamped
front-end design reflects the power, poise and assurance of the new
model range.

E 320 BLUETEC - the world's cleanest diesel vehicle

Since 2004, the E-Class in the guise of the E 320 CDI is the first
diesel model in the premium-class segment in the United States.
Starting in the fall of 2006 Mercedes-Benz will launch the first
BLUETEC production vehicle. The trailblazing BLUETEC technology
significantly reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. The E 320 BLUETEC is
the world's cleanest diesel vehicle, using 20 to 40 per cent less
fuel than comparable petrol-engined vehicles. In Europe Mercedes-Benz
plans to launch BLUETEC in a passenger car model by 2008.

New SL generation: US debut at historic site

52 years after the first SL (W198) was unveiled in New York, its
latest successor is now making its US debut in the same city. Just as
with the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz has once again significantly enhanced
the new model range of the iconic sports car in every respect, thanks
amongst other things to a completely new range of engines.

Originaltext: DaimlerChryslerAG
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Contacts
Global Communications Mercedes Car Group
Johannes Reifenrath, tel.: +49 711 17 75834
johannes.reifenrath@daimlerchrysler.com

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