Mercedes says it already has 50,000 orders for new E-Class

Mercedes Benz has been getting roughed up along with everyone else during the ongoing worldwide automotive downturn, but it appears that help is on the way in the form of the new E-Class. Mercedes' newest luxury ride has reportedly received 50,000 orders, with Q1 pre-sales in Germany double the sales from the same period in 2008.

Daimler knows the stakes are high when it comes to the new E-Class, and Mercedes has armed itself with plenty of tools for success. The new E-Class will be offered in coupe, sedan, convertible and wagon variants, along with the fire-breathing E63 AMG just introduced in New York. Der neue E-Class will also be available with a 211 hp, 3.0-liter Bluetec diesel.

The last E-Class sold over 1.5 million vehicles during its lifespan, giving the 2010 model a lofty target to reach over the next few years. With 50,000 orders already on the books, the E-Class is at least off to a promising start.

[Source: Automotive News]