2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
Fifty years after Mercedes-Benz’s first
ever station wagon, the 1966 Universal based on the 200D to 230S fintail
models, the German carmaker presented the sixth-generation of their E-Class
Estate, also known as the T-Model and Wagon.
It’s a smarter and more stylish looking
model than its predecessor drawing its inspiration from the smaller C-Class
Estate with a less angular design, especially at the back where it dons a more
sloping tailgate, along with a sportier roofline.
With a luggage volume of 670 liters with
the rear seat bench in place and 1,820 liters when folded, capacity is down by
25 liters and up to 135 liters respectively over the previous model, but that’s
a small price to pay for the new E-Class Estate’s sleeker appearance.
Also, while luggage volume is slightly
down, the new E-Class Estate retains the previous model’s 1,100 mm loading width between the wheel arches allowing the cargo area to accommodate a
Europallet.
The rear seat backrest comes with a
40:20:40 split as well as a new function that allows to position it at an
approximately 10‑degree steeper angle
that creates an additional 30 liters of cargo volume while continuing to enable
full use of five seats, as standard. Other features worth mentioning include
the standard EASY-PACK electromechanical tailgate that can be opened with
kicking motion under the bumper, a fully power-adjustable retractable and
extendible trailer coupling with ESP trailer stabilisation and Crosswind Assist
(optional extra), and a holding device for cycle racks that can accommodate up
to four bikes weighing up to 100 kg.
Based on the new W213 E-Class saloon,
the Wagon comes with a self-levelling rear air suspension as standard allowing
the rear to always stay horizontal, even when fully laden (up to 745 kg, depending on the model) or with all the towing capacity in use (up to 2100
kg). Optionally, it can be fitted with Merc’s AIR BODY CONTROL
all-round air suspension.
Powering the Estate model in Europe at
launch will be a range of three diesel engines, the 150 PS 2.0L E200d,
194 PS 2.0L E220d and 258 PS 3.0L V6 E350d, and four petrol
units, the 184 PS 2.0L E200, 211 PS 2.0L E250, 333 PS 3.5L
V6 E400 4Matic, and the 401PS (396hp) 3.0L V6 E43 4Matic AMG. At market launch,
all models are equipped as standard with the new 9G‑TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.
Until Merc unleashes the E63 AMG Wagon,
the title of the fastest model in the range goes to the E43 AMG 4Matic that
hits 100 km/h in a swift 4.7 seconds topping out at an electronically
limited 250 km/h. Like its sedan sibling, it comes with a 9-speed
automatic transmission with shorter shift times, tuned chassis with standard
air suspension all around, a rear-biased (31:69) 4Matic all-wheel drive system,
a body kit, sports trimmed interior and 19-inch wheels.
Mercedes will begin accepting European
orders for most E-Class Estates in late summer with first deliveries at the end
of the year.
For its market launch in the USA in
early 2017, the E-Class Wagon will be available with a 3.5-liter Biturbo V6
gasoline engine in the E400 4MATIC Wagon producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of
torque. It will be equipped as standard with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed
automatic transmission. Mercedes didn’t
say when and with which engines it will expand the range in North America.
