Mercedes introduced the EQE last fall and now attention is turning to the next-generation E-Class. Designed to appeal to customers who aren’t ready to go fully electric, the redesigned luxury sedan will feature an evolutionary design that incorporates some cues from the new C- and S-Class. Starting up front, we can see a larger and more prominent grille with a tri-star emblem. It’s flanked by sweptback headlights with LED daytime running lights at the top and bottom. Further below, we can see the outline of air intakes that appear to echo those found on the C-Class.
The sides of the car are heavily
disguised, but it appears the sixth-generation E-Class will have streamlined
bodywork and an evolutionary greenhouse. We can also see a rakish windscreen
and upward sweeping beltlines. It’s also worth noting the prototype features
traditional door handles, instead of the hidden ones available on recently
introduced models. The rear end follows in the footsteps of its predecessor,
but we can see new taillights and a trunk with a flatter bottom. They’re joined
by an integrated rear spoiler and a heavily camouflaged bumper that doesn’t
have any visible exhaust tips.
Spy photographers haven’t gotten a look
inside, but the cabin is expected to be heavily influenced by the C- and
S-Class. As a result, the model could be equipped with a 12.3-inch digital
instrument cluster and an infotainment system with a portrait orientation. The
latter’s size remains unclear, but the C-Class offers 9.5- and 11.9-inch
displays while the S-Class’ screen measures 12.8 inches.
Engine options remain a mystery, but the
E-Class’ stablemates give us hints at what to expect. In particular, there
could be a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder developing 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It could be joined by a turbocharged
3.0-liter inline-six with 429 hp and 520 Nm of
torque. There may also be a plug-in hybrid variant with a combined output of
309 hp. Of course, we’ll learn more closer to the car’s
expected debut in 2023.
