Mercedes has unveiled its new E-Class Estate and its AMG E 43 4MATIC stablemate.
Featuring boot volume of up to 1820, the new model also has a much sportier roof line and headroom and elbowroom in the rear described as ‘the best in class’. From late 2016, Mercedes will be adding a third, folding bench seat for children. As standard, the rear bench seat has new cargo-related functionality, making it possible to position the backrest at an approximately 10-degree steeper angle. This creates an additional 30 litres of cargo volume while while being to use the five seats.
In addition, the rear seat backrest folds down in a 40:20:40 split as standard, opening up plenty of potential configurations between transport capacity and seats. To release the backrests, there are electric switches located in the load compartment and to the right and left next to the backrests.
For the UK market launch, the new estate will be available as an E 220 d (194 hp) featuring a newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the E 350 d will follow, which has a six-cylinder diesel engine. At market launch, all models are equipped as standard with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.
The performance Mercedes-AMG E 43 4MATIC Estate will also be available in the fourth quarter and is powered by the 401 hp, 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine, mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shortened shift times. AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive joins model-specific sports suspension for AMG's 'hallmark driving performance and increased agility'. The performance estate features plenty of sporty-styling, runs on 19-inch AMG alloys and is capable of reaching 62mph from rest in 4.7 seconds, on its way to a limited top speed of 155mph.
The new E-Class Estate looks like the Saloon model through to the B-pillar with its long bonnet and flowing silhouette. A sporty curve at the rear and steeply tapering rear window join short overhangs, a long wheelbase and large wheels for ‘dynamic proportions’. For the first time, roof rails are organically integrated as part of the standard equipment.
The rear end features a roof spoiler with an LED third brake light, while horizontal lines at the tail end and the rear window 'both emphasise width, as do the horizontally aligned, two-piece LED tail lights with integral chrome trim'.
The base version features the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the bonnet, as does the EXCLUSIVE line with a slightly different design. The AVANTGARDE and AMG Lines can be recognised by the central star on the sports radiator grille.
The design and equipment lines also differ at the rear, however all lines have a multipiece rear bumper with a continuous chrome wing. As standard, all Estate models come with a load sill guard in stainless steel.
On the inside the instrument panel can be kitted out with two optional wide, high-resolution and displays, each with a 12.3-inch screen. Located under a shared glass cover, they merge to form a ‘widescreen cockpit’. The driver can configure the fully digital display to show the information and views with three different styles to choose from: "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive".
The new E-Class includes safety features such as Active Brake Assist as standard. It's able to warn the driver of impending collisions, provide optimum support with emergency braking and if necessary, also autonomously apply the brakes. In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can also detect pedestrians crossing the danger zone ahead of the vehicle.
Other highlights include the DRIVE PILOT: this system is not only able to automatically keep the car the correct distance behind vehicles in front on all types of road, it can also follow them at a speed of up to 130mph for the first time.
The Remote Parking Pilot is also new: for this first time, this system allows the vehicle to be moved into and out of garages and parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app, enabling the occupants to get into and out of the car easily, even if space is very tight.
Prices for the new Mercedes E-Class estate have yet to be confirmed.
See the new car on the road below: