Next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class Spotted For The First Time

• Overall silhouette looks sleeker, with slimmer headlights, a larger grille, and aggressive bumper cladding.

• Cabin could receive bits from the S-Class including the latest MBUX setup.

• Likely to offer petrol diesel and hybrid powertrain options.

• To rekindle its rivalry with the BMW 5 Series, Volvo S90, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF.

The fifth generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class has had a fairly long shelf life since its debut in 2016. Now it looks like Mercedes-Benz is preparing to introduce the next iteration of the luxury sedan as a test mule has been spotted testing for the first time. 

Sure, the model is heavily disguised, but we can tell from the silhouette that the new E-Class has eased off on the sharpness of its predecessor, and looks a bit sleeker, more in line with the EQE electric sedan. At the front, the headlights seem slightly sleeker than before, with the grille looking larger, and it's not the AMG-specific Panamericana grille present in AMG models. A closer look at the front bumper reveals pretty heavy cladding. Not much can be deduced from the side and rear shots aside from flush-fitting door handles and tail lamps that seem to be inspired by the new S-Class.

Current-gen E-Class image used for representational purposes

We’re yet to have a look inside, but expect a major revamp here, including the latest MBUX setup present in the S-Class. For reference, the flagship sedan’s setup comprises a 12.8-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital driver’s display taking centrestage. Also expect bits like a Burmester sound system, ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as opulent rear seats to be retained from the current model.

Powertrain details are yet to surface, but expect a variety of powertrain options including petrol, diesel and mild-hybrid. The current India-spec model is offered with a 197PS 2-litre petrol, 194PS 2-litre diesel and 286PS 3-litre diesel engines.  

While we don’t have a debut timeline for the next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class, we think it may take until 2024 to break cover. In India, the current-gen model retails from Rs 65.55 lakh to Rs 82.10 lakh (ex-showroom), with the next iteration likely to take some time after its global debut to show up here. It will rekindle its rivalry with the BMW 5 Series, Volvo S90, Audi A6, and the Jaguar XF.

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