Masterpiece of intelligence, made for China

Mercedes-Benz launches its All New E-Class Long Wheelbase in Beijing

As the world's largest passenger vehicle market, China has increasingly become the focal point for new market trends and technologies.

The long-anticipated All New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long Wheelbase, which was launched in Beijing on Monday, is the company's ambassador to a new era for the premium executive sedan.

"The new E-Class L establishes pioneering benchmarks for the industry in terms of design, assisted driving and connectivity and is the most intelligent executive limousine in the world today," said Nicholas Speeks, president and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd.

The model is entering the market with three launch editions - the E 200L, E300 L Style, and E 300L Exclusive - offered in both Sedan and Sport Sedan variants, and listed with manufacturer suggested retail prices of 436,800 yuan ($65,578), 474,800 yuan, and 499,800 yuan, respectively.

"Our customers in China have been clear about their demands for a car of this class from Mercedes-Benz," Speeks said. "We have spared no effort, not only to meet those demands, but exceed them."

Since holding its world premiere in Beijing this spring, the All New Mercedes-Benz E-Class L has attracted enormous and positive attention both within China and overseas.

With its cutting-edge appointments and industry leadership within the areas of intelligence and connectivity, this vehicle is poised to lead the premium executive sedan segment with its polished quality and forward-thinking design.

A "masterpiece of intelligence", the All New E-Class L integrates intelligent design features into the "Sensual Purity" design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz.

It marks another milestone toward autonomous driving with features such as Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, which can automatically follow and maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front. Other features, including Active Braking Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, deliver a safer on-road experience.

Meanwhile, the vehicle's "Mercedes me connect" service acts as a versatile private concierge for modern automobile lifestyles, providing nearly 40 services, including maintenance management, online map updates and the WeChat Mycar service.

In addition, standard front wireless charging provides greater convenience to smartphone users.

"The All New E-Class Long Wheelbase lets us feel the power of the intelligent technologies," said Duan Jianjun, executive vice-president, responsible for sales and marketing of BMBS. "Its ability to observe, judge and 'think' provides numerous active driving assistance and safety measures that mark another milestone on the way to autonomous driving."

"I believe the All New E-Class Long Wheelbase will join the backbone of society in their great achievements, and this backbone becomes even more capable of creating a larger and broader pattern of brilliant success," Duan said.

Ten years ago, the first generation of the locally-produced E-Class rolled off the assembly line in China, the latest realization of Mercedes-Benz' spirit of innovation, the 10th generation E-Class L begins a new chapter for Mercedes-Benz's localization in the country.

"The All New E-Class L is made in China and designed for China, exclusively for China," said Li Hongpeng, senior executive vice-president of BMBS. "We are confident that it is the ideal executive sedan for Chinese customers and another milestone for Mercedes-Benz in China."

The interior of the All New E-Class Long Wheelbase provides a high-tech and luxurious atmosphere, with a widescreen cockpit with two 12.3-inch displays as standard, giving a wide lateral view that is second to none in its segment.

The high-resolution digital instrument panel offers three different styles: Classic, Sport and Progressive, while the new touch-control buttons in the steering wheel emulate a smartphone interface for added convenience.

Furthermore, the vehicle's third fixed window in the C pillar, inspired by the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, combines with large rear armrests and luxury rear head restraints to provide a first-class, private riding experience.

More than a century ago, Mercedes-Benz changed the world with the invention of the automobile, writing a new chapter in human history. Today, with the "most intelligent executive sedan", the All New E-Class L, the German premium auto brand is again rewriting automotive history.

With its beautiful design, intelligent driving systems and connectivity that brings human-machine integration and connectivity to a new level, it embodies the realization of Mercedes-Benz' ambition to offer Chinese consumers the fruits of its pursuit of the best.

"With the new E-Class L, we provide all premium car customers in China with a choice of car and a set of services that, we hope, will delight them," Speeks said.

"With an untiring spirit in pursuit of the best in all that we do for our customers, we are confident that this is increasingly being recognized and valued by an ever increasing number of our Chinese friends, something for which we are very grateful."

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/23/2016 page15)