Mercedes is officially launching the new E-Class All-Terrain, adding a new member to the E-Class family, one that’s arguably the most versatile yet.

The jacked-up wagon bodystyle is hardly a novelty but Mercedes feels that their take will become the segment’s favorite against models like the Audi A6 Allroad and the Volvo V90 Cross Country.

The new E-Class All-Terrain comes with the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard and a 29mm higher ground clearance when in Normal driving mode (15mm from the air suspension + 14mm from the bigger wheels/tires), with owners able to choose between five transmission modes, including a model-specific All-Terrain function which tunes the chassis and powertrain for off-road driving.

When the All-Terrain mode is enabled, the standard air suspension lifts the body by 20mm and up to speeds of 35km/h (21 mph) and the ESP, active yaw control and the ASR are tuned accordingly. The driver has also access to information like steering angle, vehicle level, the angle of slope and angle of the inclination, the accelerator/brake position and a compass.

Mercedes will initially offer the E-Class All-Terrain with one engine option in the E220 d, meaning a 191hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel paired to a standard nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Later the company will also add a six-cylinder diesel version in the E350 d version which is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 with 254bhp and 457lb ft of peak torque, mated to the same automatic transmission.

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