We’ve caught the 2024 Mercedes E-Class testing on multiple occasions, but a new set of pictures has revealed an eye-catching detail we’ve not seen before. Though the prototype in these images is still wearing a fairly heavy camouflage wrap on the nose and tail that prevents us from getting a clear look at the finished grille, bumpers and lights, we can plainly see a slim LED light bar running horizontally across the front end between the grille and leading edge of the hood.
The idea isn’t completely new to Mercedes
cars, but so far it’s been restricted to electric EQ-badged vehicles like the
EQC and EQS and offers a way to distinguish the company’s EVs from its
combustion machines. But since Mercedes already has the mid-size electric sedan
segment covered with the EQE, it can’t be planning an electric version of the
regular E-Class. This leaves us pondering exactly how Mercedes is planning to
use this new LED bar. It might decide to use it on certain up-scale trim
levels, or maybe on plug-in hybrid models to visually connect them to the
fully-electric cars in its range.
In reality, every E-Class will feature
some kind of electrical assistance, though for many models that only means 48v
mild-hybrid technology. The big question is what Mercedes has planned for its
flagship AMG E63. The smaller C63 recently swapped its traditional twin-turbo
V8 for a four-cylinder PHEV drivetrain, but since BMW’s next M5 will continue
to offer a V8, this time with hybrid assistance, it seems likely Mercedes-AMG
will stick to V8 power for the E63.
Getting back to the design, but leaving
aside the question of the light bar, we know that the E-class will follow a
predictable path, blending styling cues from the C-Class and S-Class. One thing
it borrows from the S-Class not seen on the baby C is a set of handsome flush-fit
door handles, but it will look different to both cars inside, where it will
feature a new landscape-oriented infotainment screen.
