New E 230 combines power, style and economy The new generation E 230 builds on a distinguished heritage. Automobiles produced by Mercedes-Benz have, for many decades, been renowned for their innovative engineering and design, peerless safety features, reliability and driving comfort. And, for much of that time, the E-Class range has been the most popular way of sampling that kind of legendary European automotive excellence: it has been the entry-level Mercedes-Benz for around 60 years and is still a yardstick for supreme quality at an affordable price. The new generation E-Class pretty much sums up all that is great about Mercedes-Benz the range draws deeply on the traditions of the marque yet, at the same time, is packed with state-of the-art features dreamed up by engineers at the Stuttgart headquarters of Mercedes-Benz. A consistently popular model in the stable is the E 230. It is instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz with its clean lines and distinctive three-pronged badge. To passers-by this immediately denotes that the driver is a person of taste and style - someone who values consistency and quality above novelty and faddishness. Constantly evolving This particular class has been evolving for six decades, an impressive heritage in the fickle world of automobiles where some models last only a few years and, indeed, some companies boast only a short history. The new generation E-Class models, including the E 230, have a distinguished pedigree - and are designed with 21st century motoring needs in mind, for drivers who want plenty of oomph, but also insist on top levels of comfort and safety for passengers. As with any new Mercedes-Benz launch, there are a host of exciting features to enjoy. Driving is made even more exciting with more powerful engines and the addition of the Direct Control package, which offers more direct steering, and new suspension tuning, so the car glides smoothly over the even bumpiest roads. Owners can choose from a new variety of colors, both in and out, as well as taking comfort from having the Pre-Safe, an anticipatory safety system, on board. One optional extra is the Intelligent Light System that allows low-beam headlights to adapt to any given traffic system, ensuring broader illumination on regular roads and a much further headlamp range on motorways. Handling tough conditions Driving on motorways is not so commonplace in Hong Kong - but going up and down hills and negotiating heavy traffic is part and parcel of everyday driving life. With that in mind, it is reassuring to know that beneath the bonnet is a muscularly powerful engine that can handle any conditions with the minimum of fuss, untroubled by the heat and humidity of summer months. Mercedes-Benz showed just how tough their products are with a recent test in the hot desert of Texas in the United States. Three standard E 320 CDI models, the stablemate of the E 230, all completed 160,000 kilometers of driving, zooming along at an average speed of 224 km/h, pausing only for fuel stops and maintenance checks. The marathon test, which amounts to many years of ordinary driving, was a world record, showing just what a star performer the engine is, not to mention the suspension and electronics which also held up well during the gruelling test. Special driving experience The new generation E 230 models offer a special driving experience thanks to the V6 engine with its 204 hp and fuel consumption of 9.4 liters per 100 kilometers. Mercedes-Benz engines have engineering that ensures tip-top performance with one eye very firmly on minimum fuel consumption and minimum amount of emissions. Shifting gears is similarly simple with 7G-Tronic. The seven forward speeds provide a larger ratio spread between the highest and lowest gears... meaning the shift between gears is hardly discernible. The ability to skip several gears provides faster mid-range acceleration. A great ride is also assured. In fact it is so comfortable inside the saloon of E 230 models that it feels like home. The surround-sound system brings a concert-level audio experience while on the move, with the music coming from a total of nine loudspeakers. There are three models in the E 230 range which suit different needs. The E 230 Classic has features such as electrically adjustable front seats and Thermatic automatic climate control plus Artico man-made leather seats, brake assist sysem and, of course, air bags, sidebars and window bags for extra safety. The Elegance model has 16-inch light alloy wheels, metallic paintwork, burr walnut wood trim and leather upholstery, while the Avantgarde has a host of classy extras such as blackbird's eye wood trim and bi-xenon headlamps with cleaning system. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, are the famous Mercedes-Benz safety features found on the E 230, way too numerous to list here in detail. Suffice to say that Mercedes-Benz is fully deserving of its reputation for constantly pioneering safety features that are designed to avoid mishaps and should an accident happen ensuring that vehicle occupants are protected from harm in the best possible way. The safety features are so numerous in Mercedes-Benz models that they are divided into categories ... Pro-Safe, Perform-Safe, Pre-Safe, Passive-Safe and Post-Safe. Virtually every conceivable safety option is covered on the E 230 and other E-Class models. Once the Mercedes-Benz ownership habit is formed, it is hard to break. And the E 230 is the place where so many people had their first experience of true automotive luxury - a car with a fabulous pedigree, a thrilling present and, without doubt, a glittering future. click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge