E-Class (W213) [Spyshots] 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)

[Rainer271]

Why This Mercedes C-Class Prototype is Likely a Test Mule for the Next E-Class

Test mules are the chameleons of the automotive industry; they allow carmakers to evaluate the underpinnings of future models in real world conditions during the early development stages, without giving away their appearance. But, how can you tell that the C-Class body prototype caught by our spies here might be a test mule for the next generation E-Class?
While the future E-Class will share the same MRA(Modular Rear-Drive Architecture) with the W205 C-Class, it will be longer and wider, so when confronted with a test mule, the two things you need to check for are differences with the tracks (for width) and the wheelbase (for length).

Take a closer look at this C-Class-bodied prototype, and you will find evidence for both in the (camouflaged) wider fenders and the longer wheelbase. In regards to the latter, unlike the China-market C-Class Long in which the extra wheelbase aids the passenger area (longer rear doors), in the test mule, it's the front end that is elongated (see distance from the front door to the wheel arch).

Besides the obvious cost benefits for Mercedes, the (confirmed) use of the MRA platform for the next E-Class will return similar weight savings as on the C-Class that lost around 100kg or 220 pounds over the previous model. Hybrid as well as AMG performance versions are a given, while Mercedes will likely introduce the AMG Sport edition to the range too.

 

[Rainer271]

2016 E-Class W213 Mule Versus C-Class W205

Some of you may have noticed that earlier today we presented you with a rather peculiar Mercedes-Benz C-Class prototype, which we speculated that it must be an early mule for the future E-Class W213 generation.

While some of our press colleagues from other websites appeared to remain baffled at the sight of the model, some of them even speculating that the camouflaged model must be a future variant of the C-Class, readers of car sites around the world probably found our “early E-Class mule” story a bit too hard to swallow.

To better explain our take, we decided to compare an image of the mule with a similarly-angled photo of the current C-Class W205, just so that the “same wheelbase” theory will have less or even not a single follower anymore.

As our readers know, we based our "E-Class W213 mule" speculation on two distinct details easily seen on the prototype: the much wider front and rear track – which pretty much anyone without a sight defect could check out – and the much longer wheelbase compared with the regular C-Class W205 – which apparently not everyone saw.

Well without further ado, we think that our photo comparison will put any remaining doubts at rest. The much larger area found between the front door and the front wheel arch surely stands out now, doesn't it?

Either way, the following months should make the situation clearer from this point of view, as the preparations for the next generation of the E-Class should be well under way, so a fleet of pre-production prototype of the model should also start appearing.

2016 E-Class W213 Mule Versus C-Class W205

 

[ThroughandThrough]

Not sure about the proportions on this one. The rear looks like a a cross between a C-Class and an Infiniti. The c-pillar also looks strange..we will see.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Mercedes-Benz’s current E-Class has been on sale since the 2010 model year, and for 2014 it was given a major update. In Mercedes tradition, we should see the next generation of the car sometime in 2016, with it arriving in showrooms by the fall of that year or by early 2017. We now have photos of what’s likely to be one of the first test mules for the new E-Class.

The photos show a C-Class sedan

with substantially wider wheel arches at both ends and a stretched hood. Our photographer tells us that the overall length of the car is a few centimeters longer than even the long-wheelbase C-Class L introduced for the Chinese market, which suggests that hidden underneath are mechanicals for the new E-Class.

It also makes sense as the new E-Class will ride on Mercedes’ modular MRA platform that debuted in the 2015 C-Class, which means the new E-Class should be lighter and more rigid than the current model. The MRA platform makes extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminum and can also accept alternative powertrains.

The new E-Class will also benefit from a nine-speed automatic transmission, which has already been made available on the 2015 CLS-Class and versions of the E-Class sold overseas. We’ve also heard that a straight-six engine will be offered on the new E-Class. This will be a modular design, allowing it to share components and production lines with smaller four- and three-cylinder units also in the works. A similar strategy has already been employed by BMW

.

Though yet to be confirmed, though it’s looking likely given the length of this test mule, the new E-Class will have a longer wheelbase than the current one. The car is also expected to once again come in five different bodystyles: sedan, long-wheelbase sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible

.

With the 2015 C-Class slated to spawn new coupe and convertible models, designers are said to be making the two-door E-Classes more premium. They should be larger than the current versions and fitted with better materials too. The styling of the new E-Class is said to be sportier and more aerodynamic than what you see on the current model, though the dual-lens headlight theme is expected to remain. A third generation of the CLS-Class is also planned; like the previous two, the new CLS will essentially be a four-door coupe version of the new E-Class.

- 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Spy Shots

 

[klier]

Shouldn't we just put this in the E class thread?

It's clearly an E mule with C body.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Shouldn't we just put this in the E class thread?

It's clearly an E mule with C body.

It was time for a spied thread.

 

[klier]

We should merge threads and make it an all-in-one W213 E class thread!

 

[Wolfgang]

Comparo, W213 versus W205.

 

[Yaz]

It's weird that they're using the current C as a test mule. They normally start with current body of the replaced car, in this case a W212, with new internals.

 

[ThroughandThrough]

The generation after this will have the exhaust halfway up the rear of the car.

 

[Wolfgang]

It's weird that they're using the current C as a test mule. They normally start with current body of the replaced car, in this case a W212, with new internals.

Suspect the W205 may have been chosen since it's based on the MRA like the new W213?

 

[Wolfgang]

The generation after this will have the exhaust halfway up the rear of the car.

Perhaps SpaceX inspired?

 

[SKY]

I kind of doubt about the accuracy of this render since the author is not Larson, who is the one that always nails the renders.

 

[Amat46]

I think once the actual test mules start spotting, we will get better renders of the car

 

[klier]

I kind of doubt about the accuracy of this render since the author is not Larson, who is the one that always nails the renders.

Far from reality

 

[Keyonte]

Can't believe its time for a new E class already, i must say that am excited to see MB's new design language make it's way to the E class.

 

[SKY]

I think there won't be any more models with dropping shoulder line and the new MB will keep most pf the S-Class theme but making the design less bussy. I lile the profile of this last render a lot.

 

[EKaru]

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[GTA45E]

I like the profile of this last render a lot.

Agreed, not bad.
Classic and almost upright yet sleek and very modern. (Best renders yet) We still have a long way to go though.

 

[Wolfgang]

MB showed an improved Multibeam LED headlight which may appear in the W213. To demonstrate individual LED control some letters were projected onto the wall.

Neue Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse der Baureihe 213 erhält verbessertes MULTIBEAM LED Licht - Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog / Mercedes Benz, smart, Maybach, AMG