There’s a new E-Class brewing in Mercedes-Benz’s product pot and we have the first photos of a prototype model wearing a real body.
In the summer, we nabbed Mercedes’ engineers evaluating an E-Class mule concealed under a modified shell of the current C-Class, but the Germans have now moved on to real testers showing the new car’s shape.
The front and rear ends of the next E-Class, codenamed W213, are still under wraps, but it’s evident from the rest of the car that Benz’s design teal led by Gorden Wagener have replaced all hard edges with softer and curvier surfaces more akin to the latest C-Class and S-Class models.
Under the skin you’ll discover a longer and wider version of the German firm’s new modular MRA platform shared with the C-Class, which should allow the W213 to shed some pounds.
The latest reports mention that the new E-Class will debut a new range of smoother inline-six petrol and diesel engines that will replace the V6s that served the automaker (in different forms and generations) for some twenty years. These new straight-sixes are believed to produce from around 200hp to 400hp.
Below them will be Mercedes’ current crop of four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, while right above, you’ll find a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 for the E63 AMG. In addition, both regular and plug-in hybrid powertrains will enhance the lineup, depending on the market.
Naturally, many of the safety, comfort and technology items seen on the S-Class will trickle down to the E-Class, which is expected in 2016 as a 2017MY for North America.
The sedan model pictured here will be followed by Wagon, Coupe and Convertible body styles.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
Photo Gallery
