By George Kacher so far were always clearly distributed the roles: Mercedes is the spaceship, BMW the speedy space transporter. Into the automobile German translates: Place against power. Wherebythe E-class with the large flap is the place deer. Already 1977 presented the natives of stuttgart the first T-model (basis W 123) and took up thereby the combination thought to the upper class.
The rivals from Munich needed 14 years, in order to let be convinced of the advantages of this Fahrzeugklasse. In January 1991 they sent the first5er Touring (work code E 34) to their dealers - with sportier requirement. It was only five centimeters more briefly than Mercedes (4.77 meters), its load volume however clearly smaller. In it to today nothing changed. The current 5er Touring moved close to the T-model of the E-class up to the centimeter (4.85 meters), with the transportation volume limps it however still clearly afterwards (500/1650 litre to 690/1950 litre).
Who believes now that that could change in four years, which we must disappoint. Mercedes wants to defend also with the new T-model for 2010 again the Bestmarke. BMW increased the trunk volume by 50 litres to 550 litres, with the native of stuttgart is to remain it however despite more fashionable form with 690 litres. Mercedes becomes still another shot more dynamic than so far. The body becomes more strongly swept, the lateral sheet metal crease (“character line”) rises to the rear more strongly, the roof drops easily, and the third side window runs out narrowly.
The Bavarian designers set on an evolutionary form, which connects elements of the predecessor and elementsof the new 7er-Reihe with larger wheels and a longer axle base. This beginning unites relatively progressive proportions with rather reserved details. Instead of polarizing, the stylistic idiom radiates in the future more leaving. Who wants to arrange its 5er Touring particularly individual, can do nevertheless - either with the bulligeren sport package or the extroverted, again created styling package.
Naturally both manufacturers prepare for the stricter exhaust and consumption standards. Urea admixture for the Diesel and mild-hybrid, but also the brake suppl. IE recuperation and an asynchronous operation mechanism, which already celebrates to the spring 2007 in the new 3erCabrio 320i premiere, are not only planned. But first it remains with conventional drive solutions. Here planning for the 5er Touring: • Six and eight-cylinder petrol engines, also as Biturbo, in the first stage of development with 218 to 408 HP. In addition as flagshipof the M5 Touring V10 with approximately 535 HP. The Diesel pallet reaches from the two-litre four-cylinder over the two six cylinder up to 300 HP strong three-litre with register loading.
And that intends Mercedes: • V6 and V8-Benziner, both also as Biturbo direct A SPLASh with 354 to 476 HP. Possible, but a 6,8-Liter-V10 with 680 HP is not yet decided as small series over fliers. Instead of the complex 6,3-Liter-Saugers with 514 HP for the AMG variant 544 HP of strong 5,5-Liter-V8-Biturbo one kolportiert. The Diesels get more achievement by the bank. The only new CDI engine is a 2,2-Liter-Vierzylinder with 204 HP.
Additionally to earn both marks with fastidious comfort and safety features want money. Although the new E-class takes over many extras ofthe S-class, engineers have further innovations in petto. In addition an interesting trace retaining system, stronger brakes (when desired with disks from composite material) belong, a brake assistant with genuine emergency brake function, in button operation by Comand as well as against surcharge a night-vision device and a new spacer automat with emergency brake function and improved Nahbereichsradar, which can seize transverse traffic in the beginning even.
BMW works for the new 5er on the electrohydraulical brake EHB - and thus on exactly that system, which Mercedes threw only few months ago because of substantial problems from the program. The residents of Munich want to integrate EHB into central electronics and to interlace so the brake with chassis, steering element and drive. The hoped for effect: faster delay and still more driving stability. Likewise in preparation are active steering element, trace retaining assistant (TLC), adjustable absorbers and Stabis, larger wheels to 19 tariff and part-active rear axle kinetics. The system with the contraction QMVH takes up transverse forces with rapid driving along curves not punctually, but distributes it over the longitudinal axis. Consequences: softer responsing mode, improves controllableness in the frontier.
The combination-specific characteristics of the two combat cocks hardly change. A separately opening back window, level control, additional stowage boxes in the load soil and in the side panels, rear flap manipulation on push of a button, luggage and fastening assistance as well as the Rollo Trenngitter combination belong here like there to the good clay/tone. Again electrical issuing windows are in the back, a Sonnenrollo with noise damming function, integrated into the roof lining, and a large panorama glass roof with Mercedes.
BMW works on a no-draught four-zone air conditioning system with walzenförmigen air discharge openings, on a horizontal divided XXL Handschuhfach with CD/MP3-Abteil and on a clearer separation of the instrument panel in driver and front seat passenger zone. The combination duel achieves thus a new high point. The signs remain the same, for everyone defend its niche. See times, how AUDIwith the A6will in the future set up itself there
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