Long Distance Drive "Paris - Beijing 2006" - E-Class Fleet Arrives in St. Petersburg

ST PETERSBERG, October 28 /PRNewswire/ --

- Seven Countries in Seven Days - Best Average Consumption at 6.8 litres/100 km

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Mercedes-Benz is demonstrating the worldwide potential of its diesel technology with an extraordinary long distance drive over two continents. One week after the start in Paris the marathon fleet of 36 Mercedes-Benz E-Classes arrived at the destination of the first leg in St. Petersburg after a drive of around 3550 kilometres. Together, the diesel saloons have already traversed more than 120 000 kilometres on their rout through seven countries.

Last Saturday the fleet of 33 E 320 CDI and three E 320 BLUETEC cars left the French capital on their way to St. Petersburg. In the former Russian capitals, the saloons will be taken over by a new group of drivers, who will complete the second leg of the "E-Class Experience" to Yekaterinburg within 5 days. Overall, approximately 360 drivers from 35 nations will take turns at the wheel before the diesel marathon reaches its final destination in Beijing on 17 November.

Best Average Consumption at 6.8 litres/100 km

The object of the drive, to test the emission levels, fuel economy, and cruising range of the state-of-the-art diesel cars under the most extreme conditions, was fulfilled by the teams from Europe, America and Asia on the first leg. Although the E-Classes carrying three to five persons with luggage have a heavier load and the route during the first few days included a high share of motorways and expressways, the average consumption of the fleet was just over eight litres per 100 kilometres. The best team with two Polish reporters, achieved average consumption of only 6.8 litres/100 km. The daily record posted between Riga and Tallin was even lower at 6.0 litres. At the same time the E-Classes demonstrated their high reliability in continuous operation. The only accident in the combined total of 120,000 kilometres travelled was a flat tyre.

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