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The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been launched by official distributor Al Haddad Motors and the company believes it will prove to be a pacemaker when it comes to safety, comfort and environmental compatibility.
Unveiled by Dr Hassan Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Dr Ulf Ausprung, general manager, Al Haddad Motors, the new car took centre stage at the official launch which took place at the Grand Foyer of the Ritz Carlton Hotel & Spa.
Dr Ausprung, who recently took up his position in Bahrain after 14 years of experience in the automobile industry working in Europe, the US and China, said: "In recent weeks we have been focusing on providing an improved service to customers.
"We believe this new Mercedes will prove very popular in the kingdom and there appears to be an upswing in the market too.
"With its unique combination of driver assistance systems, this saloon further consolidates the leading position of Mercedes-Benz in the luxury class.
"You really have to test it, drive it and feel it!"
Features include a drowsiness detection system, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and the proximity control system which is capable of performing automatic emergency braking when there is acute danger of a collision.
The first models to be launched in Bahrain are the E300 and the E350. These will be followed by other sizes later on in the year.
Mercedes-Benz has improved the already exemplary long-distance comfort of the E-Class even further in the new saloon, principally through the use of intelligent bodyshell technology with up to 30 per cent greater rigidity, further improved seats and a newly developed suspension whose shock absorbers automatically adjust to the current driving situation. The optional air suspension now works in combination with an electronic damping system.
The outstanding safety and comfort of the E-Class are matched by its environmental compatibility and economy: the four- and six-cylinder engines are direct-injection units, and consume up to 23 pe rcent less fuel than before.
Mercedes-Benz equips the V6 and V8-models as standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission, steering wheel selector lever and shift paddles.
Prices range from just over BD20,000 for the E300 and BD24,000 for the E350.
Dr Ausprung also told GulfWeekly readers to watch out for the E class coupe and CL class models coming later this year.
