Next Car logo

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG


17th March, 2004


E 55 AMG Estate Heralds the Arrival of High-Performance Mercedes-Benz Estates

  • Powerful AMG supercharged V8 engine with 350 kW of output
  • E 500 Estate model with powerful V8 engine

Mercedes-Benz will soon extend its E-Class model range in Australia with the addition of the new E 55 AMG Estate and E 500 Estate. Both models go on sale in April with the first customer deliveries expected in July.

“Since the release of the new E-Class estate last year, eight per cent of E-Class customers have opted for an estate model, choosing between the 2.6-litre V6 powered E 240 or 3.2-litre V6 E 320,” said Horst von Sanden, Managing Director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia/Pacific.

“The new E 500 Estate and E 55 AMG Estate will suit customers seeking the benefit of a larger capacity engine in the practicality of the estate body style.

“Whilst these new model variants will remain relatively modest in terms of volume, we are delighted to add further individuality to the E-Class model line-up in response to customer requests,” said von Sanden.

E 55 AMG Estate with dream figures

350/700/1930 – these are the new dream figures in the sporty Mercedes Estate segment. With a maximum output of 350 kW, a maximum torque of 700 Newton metres and a loading volume of up to 1930 litres, the new Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Estate has a starring role as a dynamic and practical Jack-of-all-trades.

The exceptional status of this new AMG high-performance estate is immediately obvious when one looks under the bonnet or opens the tailgate. The eight-cylinder AMG engine develops an output of 350 kW at 6100 rpm from a displacement of 5.5 litres, as well as an outstanding torque of 700 Newton metres at between 2650 and 4500 rpm. Depending on the position of the rear seats the load capacity varies between 670 and 1930 litres (VDA measuring method). No other series-production estate boasts as much output and torque or offers such a large, flexible interior as the new E 55 AMG Estate.

34 percent more output and 32 percent more torque

The new E 55 AMG Estate develops 34 percent more output and 32 percent more torque than its predecessor with a naturally aspirated V8 engine (previously 260 kW and 530 Newton metres). Its performance figures need fear no comparison with sports cars: the Estate accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds (predecessor: 5.9 sec), while the maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h.

Dynamic driving enjoyment and the greatest possible comfort are guaranteed by the five-speed automatic transmission with AMG SPEEDSHIFT, steering wheel gearshifting and a manual driving programme. More rapid gear changes, active downshifting when braking, and torque converter lockup after first gear provide extremely agile handling.

Unique high-tech innovations for the braking system and suspension

Technological exclusivity is the order of the day for the braking system and suspension of the E 55 AMG Estate. Large, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs ensure outstanding deceleration figures and fade-resistance. In conjunction with the electrohydraulic braking system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC™) this makes for optimal driving safety. The AMG sports suspension AIRMATIC DC, with an adaptive damping system (ADS II), features new spring struts with a reduced air volume and thicker stabilisers. The springs and dampers instantly adapt themselves to the style of driving at any given moment by microprocessor control, and the driver is able to select the required configuration in three stages from comfort-oriented to sporty/stiff at the touch of a button. Whatever the load carried, the rear axle with its standard level control system guarantees an identical spring travel at all times – providing the ideal conditions for maximum ride comfort.

Characteristic AMG bodystyling and an AMG sports exhaust system

Just one look is sufficient to identify the new E 55 AMG Estate as a member of the dynamic AMG family. The new high-performance Estate features AMG bodystyling as standard, including the striking front apron with large air dams, prominently contoured side skirts and the new rear apron with a black facing. The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin oval tailpipes and the attractive 18" AMG twin-spoke wheels with mixed-size tyres accentuate the sportiness of this model even further.

The interior is characterised by an atmosphere of exclusivity: electrically adjustable AMG sports seats, seat heating and a memory function are included in the unusually generous standard appointments of the E 55 AMG Estate, as are the luxurious nappa/nubuck leather upholstery in three different colour combinations, the ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel with gear-shift paddles and the AMG instrument cluster.

EASY-PACK: practicality and variability to a new level of perfection

The term EASY-PACK also stands for intelligent load compartment management in the new Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Estate. The practicality, variability and safety of the up to 1930-litre large load compartment meet even the most demanding standards. The standard appointments include a 1/3 to 2/3 division in the folding, adjustable rear seat backrests, a stowage box behind the rear seat backrests, an automatic load compartment cover, third row folding bench seat in luggage area with two seat belts and cupholders in side panelling and a tailgate that stays open in any position during the last third of its travel. Available options include an electrohydraulic power unit for the tailgate, hydraulic load compartment floor (no-cost replacement for third row seating) and the EASY-PACK load-securing kit for the secure stowage of luggage.

New E 500 Estate with 7G-TRONIC and air suspension as standard

A further new arrival to the E-Class Estate range is the E 500. This smooth and powerful eight-cylinder engine produces 225 kW and, reaching its maximum torque of 460 Newtonmetres at a mere 2700 rpm, holds this constant up to 4250 rpm. The luxury estate thus achieves the performance of a sports car: acceleration from nought to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, interim spurt from 60 to 120 km/h in 6.2 seconds. In the EUDC cycle, the E 500 Estate shows a consumption of 11.6 litres of premium fuel per 100 kilometres (overall consumption).

Like the E 500 Saloon, the new V8 E-Class Estate is characterised by its attractive standard specification, which meets all expectations of comfort: seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, AIRMATIC DC air suspension, four-zone automatic climate control and speed-sensitive power steering are just a few of the standard features of the luxury Estate.

Australian recommended retail pricing

E 500 ELEGANCE Estate $161,900
E 500 AVANTGARDE Estate $163,900
E 55 AMG Estate $229,900







Receive the latest news by e-mail, SUBSCRIBE to our free newsletter here.

Yes, Mercedes-Benz is mentioned in our Newsletter from time to time.



Next Car logo
Click logo for home page


E-mail Next Car Pty Ltd

Next Car Pty Ltd   (ABN 106248033)
Copyright © 2004. All rights reserved.