Mercedes is said to have dumped around one billion euros into the E-Class mid-life facelift, a record sum. Many technologies they invented were so ahead that they first had to wait until the S-Class was launched and install them there as well to conserve its halo status. Now, the Germans are working on a brand new E-Class sedan model and this time, it's the midsize model that benefits from the S's tech.
Our spies stationed in Germany have managed to scoop the interior of the all-new W213 sedan for the first time and it seems heavy inspiration was drawn from the current S-Class. The dash is packed with screens and has four air vents in the middle, just like its bigger sibling.
The design looks significantly more upmarket, which is exactly where Mercedes is taking the E-Class. The actual length of the car isn't going to change very much, but by pushing the front wheels further forward, a longer wheelbase will be created, great for that planted-to-the-road feeling.
This prototype is also the first ever fitted with the production taillights. Even though they are heavily camouflaged, you can still see where the design inspiration came from. The lights flow nicely with the curved shape of the boot lid, giving off a futuristic look.
Let's talk platforms and cylinders
Even though the E-Class interior looks more elegant than sporty, we are really glad they didn't stick the infotainment and navigation screen on top of the dash like on all the FWD compacts based on the MFA platform.
Speaking of platforms, the new sedan is based on the Mercedes stretchable MRA architecture, the same one used by the new C-Class and the GLC, which is an SUV replacement for the GLK. It uses lots of aluminum in order to keep weight down.
Reports indicate the E-Class will be powered by the German firm's next generation of modular engines. Not a big deal? We'd beg to differ, especially since these could include the first inline-6 engines in many years.
At least two hybrid models will be available and there's a possibility even an EV is coming further down the line since both the Porsche Pajun and the next-gen Audi A6 are rumored to have over 400 kilometers of battery life.
The bosses of the AMG division have repeatedly hinted there aren't going to be any new models powered by the 5.5-liter biturbo V8 after the S63 AMG, which means the next hot E-Class will likely have the new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 from the Mercedes-AMG GT. However, development has not yet started.
Just a week before our photos were taken, the E-Class prototype was seen on the roads near Stuttgart. See if you can spot what's changed in that time.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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