What does the 'e' in car model 1.5e mean?
3 Answers
The 'e' in car model 1.5e indicates that this is a mid-range configuration vehicle. If the letter 'g' is used after the number, it means the car is a high-end configuration model, while models without any letters denote standard configuration. The relevant introduction to vehicle configurations is as follows: 1. Standard configuration: Includes basic electric controls such as power windows, power steering, air conditioning, etc. 2. Mid-range configuration: Slightly more advanced than standard, including all standard features plus additional configurations like airbags, sunroof, leather seats, power seats, seat heating, etc. 3. High-end configuration: Higher than the above configurations, usually priced about 1/3 more than the basic model. This can be considered the flagship version of the model, often distinguishable by exterior features like alloy wheels, tires, emblems, etc., and includes additional electronic controls such as shock absorbers, navigation system, trip computer, panoramic sunroof, EPS, etc.
I previously drove a car with an 'e' badge, which actually stands for economy tuning. The manufacturer made special optimizations based on the 1.5-liter engine, such as lowering the power output curve, improving fuel injection efficiency, and adding a start-stop system. This results in about 10% lower fuel consumption compared to the standard version. However, it's important to note that the power is also reduced, and throttle response is noticeably slower when overtaking on highways, making it more suitable for city commuting. With current high fuel prices, these economy-tuned cars are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the family car segment.
Having worked in the automotive industry for over a decade, I've noticed that tail badges with 'e' generally indicate energy-efficient designs. This system typically incorporates three core technologies: electronic throttle control for more linear acceleration response, exhaust gas recirculation to reduce emissions, and most crucially, an intelligent thermal management system. The latter's water temperature control is particularly smart—it heats up quickly during cold starts and maintains high cooling efficiency in high temperatures, ensuring the engine always operates within its optimal temperature range. The practical benefits are faster cabin heating in winter and minimal power loss when using air conditioning in summer.
