The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class - the aerodynamics and acoustics

With a cw value from 0.23, the new E-Class performs very well in its vehicle segment. It thus matches the very good value of its predecessor when it was launched. The fact that this high level has been maintained with only a slight spread between the individual variants is remarkable. This is because a number of factors make aerodynamic performance more difficult: These include the large wheel portfolio of 17 to 21 inches as well as the rear-axle steering with additional links and larger openings in the underbody. At 0.236 m2 , the frontal area A of the new E-Class is slightly larger than that of its predecessor (0.234 m2). Many early simulations on the computer increased the degree of maturity. This meant that fewer optimization loops were needed in the wind tunnel. Working in close cooperation with their design colleagues, the aerodynamics team made targeted improvements to the E-Class in numerous areas. In the process, some details such as wheels with cladding inserts were adopted from the famously efficient Mercedes-EQ models. When it comes to aeroacoustic development, Mercedes-Benz always works on two tracks: on the one hand, as little noise as possible should be generated at the source, i.e. when the air flows around the vehicle's outer skin with all its add-on parts. On the other hand, the quality of the seal and the sound insulation help to ensure that unavoidable wind noise in the interior is barely perceptible or not perceivable as annoying.