Photo: SB-Medien
With Mercedes-Benz engineers working overtime to complete the development of the 2017 E-Class, our spy photographers were able to bring their lens inside the car.
This is the first time when we can get clear shots of the cabin and the partially-revealed dashboard brings us a bit of a surprise. We are referring to the analogue instrument cluster here.
Many expected the new E-Class to borrow the S-Class' digital instrument cluster. However, it seems that, at least in the lower trims, the speedometer and the rev conter will come in analogue form. Sure, we could be dealing with a combination between physical contours and digital centers, but the point is that this is a far stretch from the all-digital instrument cluster of the S-Class flagship.
Other than that, the cabin of the E-Class is buiness as usual for the German carmaker. We can see familiar elements such as the latest Comand infotainment system or the center stack.
Going outside the car, we see the prototype using a lighter form of camo than before. And while the details, such as the fascias, are still covered, we can now observe the silhouette of the E-Class.
The rear appears to bring an even greater S-Class resemblance than we expected. In addition, we get a conservative roofline, which leaves room for the future of the sloped-roof CLS E-Class derivative.
This feature, along with what appears to be a greater wheelbase, is part of the treats that will alow the 2017 E-Class to offer a roomier cabin, especially for the rear passengers.
The interior space generosity will derive from the new MRA Platform of the car, as the E-Class will ride on a modified version of the MRA architecture we've seen on the C-Class and GLC (the GLK's replacement).
The new underpinnings will also bring an interior space bonus for the Coupe and Cabriolet versions. Speaking of which, these will move slightly upmarket compared to the current versions, in order to be differentiated from the corresponding versions of the C-Class.
In the powertrain department, we'll get a choice of engines wider than ever before. We'll start at the green end of the line-up, where a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid are expected.
The new E should also mark the automaker return to straight six powertrains, with Mercedes set to follow BMW down the modular engine family path - the L6 should share components with smaller four-and three-cylinder motors.
The 9-speed automatic we've already seen at work on multiple Mercedes models currently on sale will also be present.
As for what Affalterbach will gift the E-Class, the current 5.5-liter V8 will make room for the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which will offer close to 600 hp.
The new E-Class is expected to introduce new automated driving technologies, so it might lead the field in terms of production cars when it comes to this.
Mercedes-Benz is expected to introduce the new E-Class in the first half of next year and, as mentioned, the vehicle will come as a 2017 model.
Many expected the new E-Class to borrow the S-Class' digital instrument cluster. However, it seems that, at least in the lower trims, the speedometer and the rev conter will come in analogue form. Sure, we could be dealing with a combination between physical contours and digital centers, but the point is that this is a far stretch from the all-digital instrument cluster of the S-Class flagship.
Other than that, the cabin of the E-Class is buiness as usual for the German carmaker. We can see familiar elements such as the latest Comand infotainment system or the center stack.
Going outside the car, we see the prototype using a lighter form of camo than before. And while the details, such as the fascias, are still covered, we can now observe the silhouette of the E-Class.
The rear appears to bring an even greater S-Class resemblance than we expected. In addition, we get a conservative roofline, which leaves room for the future of the sloped-roof CLS E-Class derivative.
This feature, along with what appears to be a greater wheelbase, is part of the treats that will alow the 2017 E-Class to offer a roomier cabin, especially for the rear passengers.
The interior space generosity will derive from the new MRA Platform of the car, as the E-Class will ride on a modified version of the MRA architecture we've seen on the C-Class and GLC (the GLK's replacement).
The new underpinnings will also bring an interior space bonus for the Coupe and Cabriolet versions. Speaking of which, these will move slightly upmarket compared to the current versions, in order to be differentiated from the corresponding versions of the C-Class.
In the powertrain department, we'll get a choice of engines wider than ever before. We'll start at the green end of the line-up, where a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid are expected.
The new E should also mark the automaker return to straight six powertrains, with Mercedes set to follow BMW down the modular engine family path - the L6 should share components with smaller four-and three-cylinder motors.
The 9-speed automatic we've already seen at work on multiple Mercedes models currently on sale will also be present.
As for what Affalterbach will gift the E-Class, the current 5.5-liter V8 will make room for the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, which will offer close to 600 hp.
The new E-Class is expected to introduce new automated driving technologies, so it might lead the field in terms of production cars when it comes to this.
Mercedes-Benz is expected to introduce the new E-Class in the first half of next year and, as mentioned, the vehicle will come as a 2017 model.
Google News