Shortly after the fifth
generation E-Class went into production in 2016, Mercedes-Benz started testing
its (updated) successor. Prototypes of the facelifted iteration were spied as
early as 2018, and even now, they still keep the vinyl wraps and plastic
cladding on.
Similar changes will be
performed across the range (sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon) and will
include new front and rear bumpers, as well as a slightly updated grille. The
headlights and tail lamps are expect to sport a new lighting signature, which
explains the trouble that the firm went through to hide their design on the
E-Class Convertible (called Cabriolet in Europe and elsewhere outside North
America) that was snapped chilling in Sweden.
This particular white
prototype had the interior all covered up, but previous scoops revealed that
the steering wheel will be all-new, getting a V-spoke styling at the bottom.
The center hub is smaller, so it improves visibility towards the digital dials.
The latter joins the infotainment screen and forms a continuous wide display.
There’s also a new touchpad
located on the center console, and the luxury ambience is completed by the
fine-leather trim and mood lighting. Don’t expect any major mechanical
upgrades, as the E-Class Cabriolet, alongside its two-, four- and five-door
siblings, will retain the entire engine lineup that includes the straight-six
gasoline and diesel lumps.
The unveiling date is unknown,
but if were to take a guess, we’d say that the 2020 Geneva Motor Show that
kicks off in less than two months might be the place. Mercedes-Benz will not
attend the 2020 New York Auto Show in April, and neither will rivaling brands
Audi and BMW.
