E-Class (W211) Semi-Official pics of Mercedes-Benz E class facelift

[Kleemann_SL]

Im really getting weird about those official pics!!

 

[Michael]

Oh wow! I haven't been in here for a while.

That MB looks rather...um....different! I can't take it, I don't like it! Maybe it will grow on me or something. I am not to sure about the car overall.

 

[Top Secret]

Oh gawd man stop.....It doesn't look anything like no darn Kia and Kia got that grille from a 1/2 dozen cars to begin with.

There hasn't been that much change on the FL E to make such a comparo. The current E looks basically the same so you must think the current car looks like that Kia too.

CLUE: Kia got that design from Mercedes and Jaguar, not the other way around.

M

Am I not allowed to express my opinions here?

Yes, I do know Kia 'copied' the design from MB, I've already stated that in an earlier post. But the thing is, there was enough differentiation with the E-Class and the Opirus to make the E-Class an E-Class and the Opirus an Opirus, noticabely through the grille.

However, with the new grille, with the heavily chromed horizontal slats, I believe it looks mighty similar to the Kia Opirus, which also has heavily chromed horizontal slats on it's grille. That, to me, is what makes the E-Class look similar to the Opirus. Sure, the copied design contributes a lot to it, but with the introduction of the new grille, it's more apparent the similarities with the E-Class and the Opirus.

Case in point:

The pre-facelifted E-Class -



See how the horizontal slats on the grille are not so shiny?

The facelifted version changes that -



And thus, makes the grille look similar to the heavily-chromed grille of the Opirus.

While I'm not accusing of MB copying a MB-inspired design through the Opirus (oh, such irony), I feel that I have to acknowledge the fact that the Opirus and the E-Class look more similar than ever.

 

[Merc1]

Am I not allowed to express my opinions here?

Yes, I do know Kia 'copied' the design from MB, I've already stated that in an earlier post. But the thing is, there was enough differentiation with the E-Class and the Opirus to make the E-Class an E-Class and the Opirus an Opirus, noticabely through the grille.

However, with the new grille, with the heavily chromed horizontal slats, I believe it looks mighty similar to the Kia Opirus, which also has heavily chromed horizontal slats on it's grille. That, to me, is what makes the E-Class look similar to the Opirus. Sure, the copied design contributes a lot to it, but with the introduction of the new grille, it's more apparent the similarities with the E-Class and the Opirus.

Case in point:

The pre-facelifted E-Class -



See how the horizontal slats on the grille are not so shiny?

The facelifted version changes that -



And thus, makes the grille look similar to the heavily-chromed grille of the Opirus.

While I'm not accusing of MB copying a MB-inspired design through the Opirus (oh, such irony), I feel that I have to acknowledge the fact that the Opirus and the E-Class look more similar than ever.

Yes you allowed to express opinions here, no matter how ridiculous they are.

All this about the E-Class and a Kia is just silly because the Kia got its look from Mercedes and/or Jaguar in the first place. What nonesense! Who cares?

No one sighted will ever confuse the two cars because the E is sleek and elegant whereas the Kia looks like a barn from the side, no amount of similar grillework will change that. And the grille on the Kia is much taller and has a different overall shape than the E's anyway.

If anything the Kia looks like a Jaguar S-Type, not an E-Class.

M

 

[Monster]

that is exactly what i was thinking Mer1

 

[131172]

The pre-facelifted and facelifted photos that Top Secret posted above clearly showed how the E-Class which is elegant and had perfect flowing lines became somewhat of a disproportional looking car. They try to use all the styling elements from the new S-Class, the Merc emblem on the grille, the wing mirrors and long chrome strip on the back of the car but it just mess up the orginal look of the E-Class. Perhaps the only improve update is the headlamps. Again, this is just simply an individual opinion.

 

[PHYBENZ]

The chrome pieces around the fog lights look better in these pictures, not as cheap.

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

Actually it doesn't look as bad as those Photoshops from earlier. The jaggedness is not as pronounced, so it doesn't detract from the natural elegance as much...I kind of like it now actually....however all that extra chrome on the bottom, still not so sure about that...

 

[LaArtist]

yep to me it looks pretty tight now.. i think it will be a superb update

 

[Zafiro]

going to be a mini S-class..

 

[bum-man]

Lets hope so.

 

[Merc1]

For the U.S. market this is reportedly a letter that was sent to U.S. dealers about the 2007 E-Class:

Interior
MY07 FACELIFT (mid-July 2006)
Model Year 2007 welcomes a facelift for the E-Class, and introduction of 3 new engines:
-E320 BLUETEC: 3.0L V6 with 221hp, 376 lb-ft. torque
-E550: 5.5L V8 with 382hp, 391 lb-ft. torque
-E63 AMG: 6.3L V8 with 507hp, 465 lb-ft. torque
Other key exterior product changes include:
-a more aggressively styled front air dam
-new front grille
-revised head lamps and tail lamps
-aero mirrors (similar to CLS)
-new side skirts
-2 new paints: Arctic White and Jade Green
Key interior product changes include:
-PRE-SAFE
-new steering wheel (CLS steering wheel)
-re-designed HVAC operating unit
-new shift/selector lever
-4 new upholstery colors: Black, Cashmere, Black/Sahara Beige (Sport Models only), Black/Cognac Brown (Sport Models only)
Photos of the Facelift will be forthcoming.
Equipment Modifications
Value Enhancement
The following options will become standard equipment at no-additional charge:
-Glass Sunroof (414)
-harman/kardon LOGIC7 Digital Surround Sound System (810)
-6-disc CD Changer (819)
New Packaging
Owing to the new standard equipment listed above, we have further streamlined our packaging. Based on the successful E-Class Premium Package, launched with MY06, two "premium packages" will be offered - P1 and P2 - each of which offers significant value and includes options with proven customer demand.
P1 - E350/E320 BLUETEC: $2390 / E550: $2840 / E63 AMG: $2000
-DVD Navigation
-SIRIUS Satellite Radio
-Hands-Free Communication System
-Heated Front Seats (Active Ventilated Seats with Heating Feature for E550 and E63 AMG)
-Power-Rear Window Sunshade (Rear Side-window sunblinds for E350 4MATIC Wagon)
P2 - E350/E320 BLUETEC: $4290 / E550: $4740 / E63 AMG: $3900
Includes all items in P1
-Bi-Xenon low-beam and high-beam headlamps with active curve illumination system
-Keyless Go
-Heated Headlamp Washers
Sport/Luxury Strategy
In addition to the enhancements planned for the upcoming MY07 Facelift, we would like to announce the start of a new E-Class Sport/Luxury product strategy, similar to the successful C-Class strategy. This strategy allows you the flexibility to tailor you inventory to meet growing customer demand for more aggressive and sportier styling. The E350W, E350W4, E550W and E550W4 will adopt a 2-prong approach (Sport and Luxury) while the E320 BLUETEC and E350S4 will remain exclusively Luxury.
The E-Class Sport Sedan will be based on the 333 Sport Package launched late last year. This package, which is no-charge for MY07 Facelift, features key "sport" elements including 18" 10-twin spoke wheels, sport rear bumper with dual exhaust tailpipes, lowered sport suspension, blue-tinted glass, Black-Birdseye Maple Wood, and matte chrome surrounding the gearshift with a white-gauged instrument cluster.
The E-Class Luxury sedan will be similar to the current, stylish model commonly seen today. Key "luxury" features include 17" wheels (for the E350 and E550 models only), an elegant rear bumper, comfort suspension, green-tinted glass, and Burl Walnut Wood complementing the well-dressed interior.
Exterior
The following colors are new:
-Arctic White (650) replaces Alabaster White (960)
-Jade Green (300) replaces Everest Green (816)
Wheels: For MY07, the E350 models will receive a new 7-spoke 17" design. Additionally, the E63 AMG models will receive a new 5-spoke 18" design. Please note: the E320 BLUETEC, E550 Models, and the Sport Package will retain their current wheels.
Also new for MY07 E-Class are Chrome wheels (R86). These wheels will be based on the same 5-spoke 17" design seen on the MY06 E500, and will be available as an option on select Luxury Models only. Please see the Product Highlights section for wheel updates.
Other
E-Class Station Wagon:
In our continuing efforts to streamline our portfolio and provide you with products which support your market requirements, we will offer just a single variant of the E-Class Station Wagon: E350S4. The E350S and E550S4 will no longer be offered for MY07.
Additionally, the Power Tailgate (890) becomes standard equipment


Much better way of packaging the options and more standard equipment and better availability of the Sport version now. The only thing I don't like is that there will be no E550 or E55 AMG wagon anymore, a pity.

Now can we get the official press release???? Gee whiz the New York show next week!!!!!!!!

M

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

Wow, MB Sales strategists might have actually put some more thought into the selection process here....MORE STANDARD FEATURES?!?!?!?!?!? FROM MB?!?!?!? WHAT?! CRAZY!!! CD CHANGER STANDARD?! Welcome to the future MB!!

Ok, sarcasm off. Awesome news for consumers, more standard features, sport models, big V8 engines, new rims....sounds like a sweet deal to me.

Only wish they would through in the CGI Engine for the V6, give us an extra 20 hp hehehe. I'm excited because the family may be interested in 350 Wagon

 

[EnI]

So, press release out today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday)?

 

[Merc1]

Yeah that press release, where the hell is it? If its going to be today WCF should have it in a few mins..........!

M

 

[131172]

Hope to see the press release soon. I had been following this facelift since day 1.

 

[Merc1]

No chance today, all they have is a lousy photo update of the R-Class. The R-Class of all things! I guess we'll have to wait another 24 hours.

M

 

[EnI]

Mercedes-Benz presents the new generation E-Class in New York: High voltage in the Big Apple


Stuttgart/New York, Apr 10, 2006

With a thrilling live performance Mercedes-Benz will celebrate on Wednesday April 12 at the New York International Auto Show 2006 the world premiere of the new E-Class generation: The roll-out at America’s most popular automobile show will be accompanied by an artistically staged electrical storm, in which lightning bolts of up to 14 million volts will impressively illuminate the potential of the upgraded luxury model.

The new generation E-Class is the cleanest, safest, most powerful, and most valuable E-Class of all time. These product messages from Mercedes-Benz will be proclaimed loud and clear on Wednesday April 12 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York. For the highly-charged premiere of the meticulously revised business saloon, the Stuttgart automobile manufacturer has committed the California-based special effects experts at “kVA”. The abbreviation stands for Kilovolt/Ampere – and this name defines the objective: By means of a so-called “Tesla Coil”, bolts of lightning will be discharged which will not only be impressive to see, but will also be impressive to hear. Professional stuntmen in futuristic protective clothing will stimulate the electrical energy required for extremely striking scenes, and spark excitement among the public.

Source: DCX Press

 

[Zonda]

Wow, sounds cool. I'm more excited about the car than the sparks though

Does anyone know if there will be a live webcast like there was with the Audi TT?

 

[Andaluz]

Maybe are just the colours. But those E-Class don't look good in those pics. The white one looks bland, Only the Touring and the Blue one that looks fairly decent. I don't like the red one either, although I liked the rear treatment.

As far the front grille is concern. I don't see any resemblance at all with that Horrible freak called Kia Opirus. The face-lifted E-Class may not have the best grille, to be brutally honest, I much prefer the pre-facelift model. It looks more sleek and the grille flows with the rest with the car. This new one...I don't know...the grille doesn't look right.

I like the steering wheel and I even like the little chrome bar on the boot lid. But the front grille...err...I'm not so sure about that. I need to see the car in real life and in black, to see whether it improved or Mercedes simply screwed-up the perfectly good looks of the E-Class W211.