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.
By John Halas
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
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