Say hello to the next Mercedes-Benz E-Class for the first time.
What appears to be the front bar from the next-generation large sedan has been snapped with no camouflage, revealing a slick new look that blends elements from the EQE with a hint of twin-headlight design from the W211 model.
Images posted on xincheping also reveal the dashboard. Unlike the S-Class, the new E-Class looks set to feature a landscape-oriented touchscreen for its MBUX infotainment system.
As is the case in other new Mercedes-Benz models, there’s a simple screen in place of conventional instruments.
The E-Class is the middle child in Mercedes-Benz’s combustion-engined, rear-/all-wheel drive sedan trio.
The new generation will follow the redesigned S-Class launched locally in 2021, and the new C-Class launched this year.
The coupe and convertible will be retired, with a new coupe and convertible model line – possibly called the CLE – collectively replacing all two-door C-Class and E-Class models.
A wagon is set to continue, at least in other markets, and has already been spied; but the body style was dropped here in 2021 when Mercedes-Benz discontinued the high-riding All-Terrain.
Diesel engines are also set to continue, but these were also dropped in Australia in 2021.
Expect a range of 48V mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains but no electric option, with that role in Mercedes’ line-up served by the EQE.
It’s unclear whether the E-Class will follow the smaller C-Class in offering only four-cylinder powertrains across both the core and AMG ranges.
Last month Mercedes-Benz sold 29 examples of the E-Class. Year-to-date it sits behind the BMW 5 Series and Porsche Taycan in the sales race, but ahead of the Audi A6.
The E-Class is five years into its lifecycle, and is expected to be replaced by a the new model spied here in 2023 or 2024. For more details on the E-Class, check out our Mercedes-Benz E-Class showroom.
