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2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Drops Heavy Camouflage, Reveals Silhouette in Latest Spyshots

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots 8 photos
Photo: Carpix
2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots: side view2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots: front fascia2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots: profile2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots: rear2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class spyshots
After our spy photographers have recently crossed lenses with a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype, we are now able to get a better idea of what the Germans are cooking. The heavy camouflage covering the car is gone - sure, the psychedelic stuff is still around, but at least now we can notice the silhouette of the W213 E-Class.
The main change here is the roofline, which, as expected, is now more sloped than before. This not only allows the E-Class to follow the styling lead of the S-Class, but also offers it a small edge in terms of the dynamic look.

With the design-dictating S-Class and the C-Class already on the street, it's not difficult to imagine how the model slotted in between them will look like. Add elements such as the double-unit headlights, an E-Class trademark that seems to be making a comeback and you end up with the final product.

As far as the cabin is concerned, previous spyshots have shown that the E-Class will come even closer to the S-Class interior design than the C-Class. Having ended Captain Obvious' report, we have to add the elongated wheelbase will offer superior rear passenger room.

The E-Class will travel slightly upmarket

Starting from the bottom of the line-up, all of Mercedes-Benz models have become a tad more lavish. As this plush shock wave makes its way up to the E-Class, we can talk about a slight upmarket move.

This includes an increase in size, most of which will be invested into the wheelbase. The 2017 model will be underpinned by the automaker's new MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform that already serves the C-Class.

The models that will benefit the most from this architecture change are the Coupe and the Cabriolet, since the current ones ride on a modified platform belonging to the defunct C-Class, rather than sharing their underpinnings with the rest of the E-Class line-up.

Fresh developments in the engine compartment

Both petrol and diesel models will be treated with new engine generations. On the performance side, the Mercedes-AMG model will drop the current 5.5-liter V8 in favor of the 4.0-liter V8 that already motivates the Mercedes-AMG C63 and the Mercedes-AMG GT. As you've probably noticed, the current E63 AMG S-Model is one of the fastest cars in its class, so don't let the displacement decrease trick you into believing we'll be dealing with anything less than an upgrade.

At the other side of the fuel efficiency ladder, German engineers are working to bring Mercedes-Benz up to date with the multi-turbo technology. A 2.9-liter unit is on its way and, depending on how many turbos it will use, this will deliver up to 405 hp.

When the time is right

We'll have to wait until late this year, or early 2016 in order for the W213 E-Class to show up (as a 2017 model). Those thinking about how the new E-Class will spawn the third-generation CLS will have quite some waiting to do, as this is expected to bow as a 2018 or even a 2019 model.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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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.
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