For the tenth generation of the E-Class, Mercedes-Benz did a great job with reinventing its mid-sized model. Then the T-Modell followed, after which an off-road variation is set to arrive on the market next year.
The bearer of chassis code X213 is currently known as the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain, though the All Terrain suffix hasn’t been officially confirmed by the German carmaker. If rumors are to be taken for granted, the All Terrain take on the E-Class could debut as soon as October 2016.
From the spy photographs sent by the carparazzi from SB-Medien, it’s easy to notice that the front and rear bumpers are molded for off-road duties. Then there're the extra large wheel wells, jacked-up ride height, and what appears to be black plastic cladding on the sides and wheel wells. It looks tougher than the T-Modell (S213), that’s for sure, but don’t think that this longroof is an out-and-out off-roader. It's just a tall wagon with AWD, that's all.
Underneath the skin, you’ll find the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system from the regular E-Class, complete with an ESP driving dynamics control system and a 4ETS electronic traction system. In terms of suspensions, all signs hint toward Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension.
In terms of powertrain solutions, word on the streets is the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain won’t be available with the entry-level engines of the T-Modell and sedan. Hence the two exhaust outlets. The E 400 (333 hp) and E 350 d (355 hp) six-cylinder powerplants will definitely make it, though.
At the present moment, no rumor indicates the potential availability of AMG-roused derivatives. While the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E 400 4Matic T-Modell has been confirmed to set foot on North American soil, the rugged All Terrain has slim chances of making it across the big blue pond.
In the Old Continent, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain will try to steal customers in the market for cars such as the Audi A6 allroad quattro (€55,800). BMW has yet to offer a rugged version of the 5 Series, which is why we’re dealing with a one-on-one rivalry in this segment.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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