SPYSHOTS: Best look yet at the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan AND wagon

Daimler-Chrysler is developing the successor to the current E-Class model, which has been on the market since autumn 2003. The new E-Class – code named W 212 - is scheduled for release in mid 2009. Initially just the sedan will be launched; the station wagon is to follow another year later.

The photos are showing various prototypes of the new E-Class sedan during tests in the snow in Northern Scandinavia. The disguise on the test cars is still hiding details of the new styling which will resemble the just launched C-Class. However, distinctly visible despite the disguise: the “four eyes face” of the new car.

After considerable quality problems with the current E-Class, the car maker is now striving hard to increase the quality standard of the new model to its highest possible level.

The next E-Class will offer a wide selection of engines, ranging from a 4 cyl. fuel engine 184 HP to an 8 cyl. 544 HP and a 4 cyl. 136 HP diesel to an 8 cyl. 354 HP powerplant. However, customers will have to wait for a full hybrid version another couple of years; it will not come on the market before 2010.

The photos are showing prototypes of the E Class and two computer renderings suggesting how the new E-Class sedan and WAGON will look like upon their release.

Photos/Text: Hans G. Lehmann/ Hidden Image

More 2009 E-Class details:

Rather than have a raft of individual systems, the E’s technology will be fully integrated, acting as a holistic safety and assistance net for the driver and other road users.

As well as the usual follow-to-stop radar-based Distronic, the E-class driver will benefit from a more intelligent PreSafe system, which tightens belts and staggers the airbag timing in sync with the calculated severity of the impact. Other features include lane departure warning, eye movement monitor, traffic sign identification, road condition sensors and a third-generation ESP stability, which incorporates semi-active steering to compensate for crosswinds, camber changes and, believe it or not, uneven tyre wear. Automatic speed limit observation, linked to the car’s hard drive-based sat-nav system, will also be an option.

The laundry list looks pretty impressive!

AUDBMLEXMRC - 3/18/2007 12:53:15 PM

-2 Boost

It will be one of the bestfor sure!

AUDBMLEXMRC - 3/18/2007 12:54:49 PM

0 Boost

oh i'm sorry.
anyway it seems to be an excellent MB.

lexusis350 - 3/18/2007 1:45:27 PM

-18 Boost

I think the wagon idea is a big mistake. No one wants wagons anymore, they go for an SUV or crossover if they want something with a hatch.

Rupert - 3/18/2007 2:03:10 PM

+9 Boost

That's not true, go to Europe where the E class estate far outsells the ML or GL.

lexusis350 - 3/18/2007 2:17:07 PM

-11 Boost

Yeah, Europe, not the U.S. I haven't seen a modern wagon (made after 2000) before. I only see sedans, coupes, and convertibles.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/18/2007 9:48:07 PM

+5 Boost

The E-Class wagon and A6 Avant are noted as the most stylish wagons in the world, and I hope the new Mercedes continues this tradition. It would suck if the next E didn't come in estate form... it seems to complete the design, and makes the sedan look unfinished.

razzy23 - 3/18/2007 2:31:19 PM

-5 Boost

looks no different. still the same 'ol MB. Not like BMW for sure :)

Will_ - 3/18/2007 3:06:26 PM

-2 Boost

That S65 photoshop is not bad at all, in my opinion.

EL34 - 3/18/2007 3:31:47 PM

+3 Boost

I want a 2009 E-Class.

It's hightech like me!!

theman - 3/18/2007 3:31:49 PM

+5 Boost

This is damn good

SupraNeverBack - 3/18/2007 3:34:12 PM

-5 Boost

Why bother to guess how a Mercedes-Benz will look like?

Since you already knew it will look like a another smaller S.

MBKing - 3/18/2007 4:54:38 PM

+5 Boost

because its fun

MBKing - 3/18/2007 4:54:53 PM

+3 Boost

it's*

TauronB2G - 3/18/2007 6:51:13 PM

+4 Boost

I like it a lot...I like the squared off theme of the front end lights...I want to see the interior thought.
T

S4cabriofoxone - 3/18/2007 9:48:55 PM

+3 Boost

The wagon photoshop looks more like it should be the new C wagon, not the E.

Otherwise, good spyshots, and good 'chop job.

underthegravity - 3/18/2007 10:51:23 PM

+1 Boost

That's one brilliant looking car. I can't wait to see it in person and I do believe that this E will definitely out-sale anything in this segment for that look.

Somehow, I wonder what the rear-end is going to look like!!?

Matthew1 - 3/19/2007 12:51:00 AM

+1 Boost

BLAND?!?

Are we looking at the same picture. As I know you hate Mercedes, you can call it what you want, but calling that picture bland is outright mental.

Matthew1 - 3/19/2007 12:51:29 AM

+1 Boost

^Meant for shmikes

MBPartsBlog - 3/19/2007 2:32:53 AM

0 Boost

Hopefully, this new series of E-class wil uplift the standard of E-class being non-popular and having parts with flaws just like that of the Mercedes ML320 parts-http://www.mbpartswarehouse.com/mercedes_ml320parts.html- which have received negative comments from its owners

M53R - 3/19/2007 9:06:40 AM

+1 Boost

I wonder why its smiling? ;)

Wallerstein - 3/19/2007 9:06:47 AM

+1 Boost

The interesting thing is why has MB visited a VW dealership? Most of these pics are outside a VW place in northen Sweden.

farhank420 - 3/19/2007 4:45:02 PM

+1 Boost

seems more like a ripoff from the Lexus GS...
(wait until GS460h comes out, it will destroy the AMG)