Some cars make it hard for their drivers to be civilized. Their makers have solved the problem of reaching 180 km/h in the shortest possible time, but not the problem of how to arrive calm and fresh after 6 hours driving.
The dynamic double overhead camshaft fuel injection engine under the bonnet of the all-new Mercedes-Benz 280E is impressive certainly. But more impressive is that the driver isn't tempted to play the aggressor and use its speed all the time. For Mercedes-Benz power isn't an end in itself, it must match the brakes, running gear and size of the car.
A team of 800 engineers devoted eight years to the development of the incredible 280E.
Never has there been a car that handles so magnificently.
The new zero offset front suspension is an engineering masterpiece. It provides uncanny directional stability and braking on the worst roads And the system is entirely maintenance free.
With the Mercedes-Benz independent suspension, each wheel has its own gas filled shock absorber and coil spring. Two separate and exactingly designed anti-sway torsion bars keep body roll in check.
A host of Mercedes-Benz engineering achievements have contributed to the unrivaled safety system, making the world's safest car even safer. Front and rear crumple zones have been further developed for the controlled, pre-determined absorption of shock.
A combination of extremely tough pillars, solid door hinges, burst-proof safety locks and strong door sills has produced more flexible lateral impact resistance than has ever been achieved in any production vehicle.
The petrol tank is over the rear axle, away from the impact zone. All controls are either padded or recessed, the steering wheel not only collapses on front impact, but also on side impact.
In the interior design, safety has been the overriding factor.
The Mercedes-Benz philosophy of Active Safety, that is accident prevention, has come to full realization in these cars.
Slimmer, lighter windscreen and roof pillars give greater visibility, yet they are stronger than before.
Wipers now have a wipe area of 78%.
Anatomically designed seats keep you relaxed, alert.
Servo assisted disc brakes on all four wheels have braking power far beyond the car.
The technology embraced by this car of the late seventies is advanced enough to ensure it will have few equals even in the late eighties.
The 280E combines the panache of a sports car with the practicality of a luxury saloon. For an exhilarating experience, test drive one today.
Mercedes-Benz. Engineered like no other car in the world.
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