Mercedes may be working to reinvent itself, but while moves such as changing the nomenclature and introducing the GLE SUV-coupe might seem complicated, they’re not. At least not when you compare them to the work the Germans have to perform on the next-generation E-Class, which we’ve recently caught testing in Spain.
The mid-size premium sedan used to be a pillar for Mercedes-Benz and while it still is, some of the shine has been lost over the years. As the competition upped the ante and Mercedes itself came up with more and more models, the E lost a part of its reigning status. The automaker tried to compensate by investing EUR1 billion into the mid-cycle refresh, making this the most expensive facelift in the history of the car, but what they really need is a brand new model.
New platform will be covered in a more dynamic design
Under the 2017 E-Class, we’ll find Mercedes’ all-new MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform, the same used by the C-Class. The car will grow in size compared to the current vehicle, with most of the extra length being invested into the wheelbase.
Stuttgart engineers aren’t the only ones facing a challenger here, the designers have an uber-serious task on their hands too. While all the models launched after the S-Class follow its styling direction, the E-Class has perhaps the most difficult mission due to the fact that it is the closest in size to the flagship sedan. Basically, the new E has to look like an S-Class without looking like an S-Class.
Speaking of styling, the crucial battle is taking place in the roof and C-pillar area. On one hand, the E-Class needs a slooping roofline to follow the ever-more-sportier design trends of the market, but there are two factors that limit this.
First of all we have the CLS four-door coupe, while the need for rear headroom is also a key target. In fact, the cabin is the weak spot of the current E-Class and this will be addressed in two directions. The aforementioned wheelbase boost will take care of the rear space, while the new styling will solve the appearance problem.
A revolution under the hood
The engine compartment of the W213 E-Class will bring a revolution, starting with the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 powering the Mercedes-AMG GT and the new C63. Since the unit can be installed in multiple states of tune, it is expected to replace the current 4.7-liter 500 models, as well as the 5.5-liter in the 63 AMG models.
Mercedes is currently lagging behind its competitors on the oil-burning front, as they are still relying on a single turbine. A new 2.9-liter unit is coming and this is expected to deliver between 315 and 405 hp.
The timetable
The new Mercedes-Benz E-class will land in late 2015 or early 2016, arriving as a 2017 model. While the sedan will be followed by a station wagon, a coupe and a convertible, the last two will show massive changes compared to the current models. You see, the E-Class Coupe and E-Class Cabriolet we have today ride on an elongated platform from the now-defunct C-Class. The new ones will obviously benefit from the fresh architecture and you can bet we’ll be dealing with seriously impressive models.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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