2016 Mercedes-Benz E Class to debut in January

While speaking during the LA Motor Show, where the German carmakers unveiled a heavily face-lifted SL and the GLS, Wagener informed Autocar that the board gave the final green signal to this new saloon in Spain last week. He outlined Merc’s keenness on the enhancement of the overall aesthetic appeal as he described the new design as “much more beautiful and modern, and much cleaner than even the C-Class and S-Class.” According to reports, the new E Class will be 55 mm longer than the outgoing model, but has shorter overhangs to accommodate the stretched wheelbase in a similar overall length.

Another development that he highlighted was a quantum leap in terms of the car’s interiors, which according to him move forward two generations compared to the current E-class. Indeed, he said that stepping back in the outgoing E-class after sitting in the new one would be “like going back to the stone age”. Inside there are two large 12 inch “glossy” screens, a similar design to the S-class. Wagener said the front seats were “beautiful, a work of art” and there are premium, luxurious materials throughout. He said the rear cabin was more spacious with, “a luxurious, modern style” and “like a chauffeur car”. The dashboard gets two wide displays for the driver and COMAND infotainment services and a flowing wood trim with multiple small HVAC vents. The lower section that includes the centre console, appears to be inspired by the smaller C Class. Other features include ARTICO leather upholstery, Burmester audio system and ambient lighting.

The engine line-up for different variants of the saloon is expected to consist of next generation 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engines alongside existing four-cylinder petrol engines. Higher variants will reportedly come with an all new range of 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo engines, while a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, producing around 550 hp, is set to power the E63 AMG variant.

While the new Mercedes-Benz E Class will be unveiled in US within the space of a few months, an Indian launch could take place later in 2016, wherein the car will be assembled at the company’s plant in Chakan, Pune.