2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class T-Modell (Estate) Spied for the First Time

If hanging around the Nurburgring is a certain way of catching prototype cars as they're drawn to it like moths to a lightbulb, this video proves you can be just as successful having your coffee on the balcony.

That may or may not be the case as we have no idea how this video was shot - for all we know, the guy might have chased the car halfway across town to get this footage. The important thing is Mercedes-Benz is testing the T-Modell body style as well, getting it ready for next year's launch and now we have the video to prove it.

The video shot on the streets of a German city shows very little details about the oncoming model, but we do get to see a silhouette similar to that of the smaller C-Class T-Modell. The car also has a large sunroof extending over the rear seats as well, which should make for a nice feature during holiday trips. And this is the kind of car that will often go on holidays.

The car will share the same MRA platform found on this year's C-Class estate, only significantly larger. That should spell more interior room for both passengers and luggage for what will be the largest estate in the Mercedes-Benz range.

As reported before, the new E-Class will introduce a host of technologies that will virtually turn it into an autonomous vehicle on the motorway, and these will obviously apply to the T-Modell as well. The car should also use the new nine-speed automatic transmission and different engines, including a modular straight-six. The AMG version is expected to receive the new 4.0-liter V8 engine, but with a power output in the region of 600 hp, with both saloon and estate body styles rumored to receive the E63 moniker.

Speaking of special versions, there is even the possibility for a Mercedes-Maybach E-Class that will use an even longer wheelbase and come with more luxurious trim.

As of now, there is no clear launching date set for either of the two Mercedes-Benz E-Classes, but we are expecting the sooner rather than later, sometime early next year. We'll keep you posted once the situation develops.