New 2017 Mercedes E-Class Spied: Here Are the Close-Up Details
Now that Mercedes has launched the 2015 C-Class, the Germans are preparing to hit us with the next-generation E-Class. Judging by how often our spy photographers cross paths lenses with the prototypes, it’s clear that test engineers are working overtime these days.
If you’ve been following the E-Class, you know the model has lost a part of its mojo. Sure, Mercedes-Benz may have invested EUR1 billion into the E-Class facelift, making this the most expensive revamp in the history of the automobile, but the competition, as well as other Mercedes models have come a long way.
We are now bringing you a set of close-up shots of the E-Class and there’s one conclusion that stands above all: the design will be sleeker than before.
Cooler styling on top of a new platform
While the E-Class will offer more appealing design details, we mustn’t forget that it still has to serve as the base for the third-generation CLS, so don’t expect it to turn into a four-door coupe. And like any model launched after the
S-Class, the E will borrow the design direction of the flagship sedan.
Regardless, the mid-size sedan will be underpinned by the company’s all-new MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform. Yes, this is the same platform used by the new C-Class. There will be a slight increase in size, but the real difference will be made in terms of the wheelbase.
The elongation will bring some extra legroom in the rear, but this won’t be the only important cabin change. In fact, we expect the interior to bring the greatest transformation. It’s no secret that the current cabin is behind the overall level of the car - with the new one once again borrowing elements from the S-Class design, we expect nothing short of a lavish approach.
Under the hood
This is an area that will hold a massive list of novelties and the E-Class is expected to be the first Mercedes in many years to be powered by an inline-six engine. This will be part of a larger scheme that will see Merc follow BMW down the modular engine architecture pathway.
Thus, we could see the company come up with three-, four- and six-cylinder mills sharing many parts. The 3-pots probably won’t make it into the E-Class, but the rest will. For instance, we should get two version of a 3-liter inline-six, delivering 367 PS and 435 PS.
On the diesel front, the E will receive a 2.9-liter unit that will mark Mercedes’ switch to twin-turbocharging in this displacement class. The unit will offer 315 and 405 PS. A bouquet of plug-in hybrids and AMGs will complete the line-up.
The schedule
The E-Class will land in the form of the usual family, meaning the sedan will be followed by a station wagon, a coupe and a convertible. Nonetheless, while the current E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet are built on a stretched version of the now-old C-Class platform, the new ones will get what they deserve. Thus, expect an increase in terms of interior space. The models will start arriving in late 2015 or early 2016, being introduced as 2017 developments.
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