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China Daily | Updated: 2016-03-07 08:27

Mercedes-Benz new E-Class

Mercedes-Benz showcased its new E-Class for the first time in Europe at the Geneva International Motor Show 2016 on Tuesday. The carmaker said it would bring a long-wheelbase variant of the model to the Beijing Motor Show in April.

The long-wheelbase variant is designed for China and will be produced locally, the automaker said.

As the 10th generation of the executive saloon, the new E-Class will come with a choice of two engines at market launch: the E 200 with a four-cylinder petrol engine and the E 220 d with an all-new four-cylinder diesel engine.

Further model variants will be added to the range after the market launch, including the E 350 e, a plug-in hybrid. Its four-cylinder petrol engine, in conjunction with a powerful electric motor, gives it a total system output of 210 kW (286 hp) with a system torque of 550 Nm.

Compared with its predecessor, the new E-Class' wheelbase length has grown from 2,874 mm to 2,939 mm, and its overall length has grown from 4,880 mm to 4,923 mm.

All models available at market launch are equipped with the new 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. This enables fast gear changes and allows low engine revs.

All engines for the new E-Class are equipped with the ECO start/stop function. The petrol engines meet the requirements of the EU 6 emissions standard, while the new OM 654 four-cylinder diesel engine is already configured with future RDE limits in mind.

"The new E-Class takes another major step toward fully autonomous driving," said Thomas Weber, member of the board of management of Daimler AG responsible for group research and Mercedes-Benz cars development. "In addition, it enhances efficiency, safety and comfort, reduces the stress level when driving and intensifies the motoring pleasure."

Infiniti QX30

The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover made its European debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, and joins the Q30 as part of Infiniti's new premium compact model lineup.

The automaker said the model would reach the Chinese market in the second half of the year.

The QX30 comes equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system. The drive train is able to send up to 50 percent of the engine's power and torque to the rear axle to maintain traction on slippery surfaces and in inclement weather.

A seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission system is also available as standard.

There will be a choice between responsive diesel and gasoline engines for the model in different markets.

The QX30 stands 30 mm higher than the Q30 Premium, and 45 mm higher than the Q30 Sport, with satin chrome roof rails fitted as standard.

The QX30's wheel arch cladding is 5mm wider than that on the Q30, adding to the premium active crossover's purposeful appearance.

The QX30 will be built at new manufacturing facilities in Sunderland, the United Kingdom, becoming part of Infiniti's first car production in Europe, the automaker said.

Skoda Octavia RS 4x4

The Skoda Octavia RS 4x4, an all-wheel-drive model of Skoda's RS range, made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday.

The all-wheel drive model is based on an electronically controlled multiplate clutch, and is available for the Octavia diesel 2.0 TDI/135kW (184 PS) combined with six-speed DSG transmission.

The Octavia RS 4x4 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and can reach a top speed of 228 km/h. Maximum torque of 380 Nm is achieved between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm.

The model consumes 4.91 of diesel per 100 km and corresponds to CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.

It has an adaptive Dynamic Chassis Control and integrated wireless smartphone charger, available for the first time in a Skoda.

"The Skoda Octavia RS is a huge success; deliveries of our sporty hatchback and estate variants are greatly exceeding our expectations," said Christian Strube, Skoda board member for technical development.

"With the first all-wheel-drive Octavia RS, we are extending our RS range to include a new, very attractive top-level variant. This once again demonstrates our expertise with regards to all-wheel-drive technology," said Strube.