The all-new Mercedes E-Class is just around the corner, with the familiar saloon and estate models due to be joined by a new iteration of the All-Terrain derivative. This type of lifted estate has proven popular over the years, but the meteoric rise in SUV popularity has seen the market niche contract in more recent times. That doesn’t seem to bother Merc, though, as it still sees space for a new E-Class All Terrain to be offered, bridging the gap to the GLE and all-electric EQE SUVs.
The All-Terrain will share its body with the standard E-Class estate, but include bespoke additions like plastic arch extensions, chunky lower-bumpers and a slight increase in ride height, all signalling its slightly more rugged positioning. We also expect a 4Matic all-wheel drive system to be fitted, with optional air-suspension adding even more variability to the ride height.
These additions will sit on the foundations of the all-new E-Class that will debut in the coming months. Unlike the forthcoming next-gen BMW 5-series, the new E will not be available in an all-electric form, instead leaving that to the EQE. As a result, we expect the new E-Class to be more thoroughly optimised to support ICE engines, albeit ones that will be hybridised to varying degrees.
This much can be seen in the new proportions of the E-Class. The overall aesthetic will reference the new S-Class, with smooth surfacing, thin and delicate LED lighting and a traditional three-box shape for the saloon. As is usually the case with the E-Class estate, boot space will be a top priority, leading to a boxier rear end than you’ll generally find on the BMW or Audi equivalent.
Mercedes has already revealed its all-new E-Class interior, debuting a new take on its Hyperscreen technology that incorporates a large central touchscreen, passenger display and digital driver’s display into the one surface. However, unlike in the EQ range, the screen in the new E-Class will split off the driver’s display onto a different surface behind the steering wheel – most likely a result of the more traditional interior packaging of the E-Class.
Under the long bonnet we expect to find a combination of petrol and diesel four- and six-cylinder engines. All will be hybridised, with some coming only with mild-hybrid assistance and others a more substantial plug-in system. In the case of the PHEVs, all will feature a larger battery pack that should allow for over 80kms of all-electric range.
We’re expecting to see the all-new E-Class in the next few months, with this All-Terrain model likely to be revealed alongside the traditional saloon and estate, if not shortly after. With an all-new BMW 5 Series Touring and forthcoming Audi A7 Avant to compete against, the new E-Class estate won’t have an easy ride to the top of the executive car market, but the rugged All Terrain derivative is likely to have a little niche all to itself – unless Audi brings back its iconic Allroad moniker.
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