Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled its E-Class wagon earlier today at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although only the E350 4Matic variant will make it to North America, the German automaker showed off everything from entry-level versions to a top-shelf, matte-finish E63 AMG wagon at the show.
For North America, the E350 4Matic, an all-wheel-drive model, will be powered by Mercedes’ 3.5-liter V6 engine. Other more wagon-friendly markets will get a variety of E-Class estate models.
Mercedes-Benz says the E350 4Matic wagon will show up in U.S. dealerships in less than a year as a 2011 model. It will come standard in Mercedes’ Sport trim level with a self-leveling rear suspension.
The next E‑Class wagon will ape the S‑Class’s wheel-arch extensions, rising character line below the door handles, massive bumpers, and greenhouse. A more sculpted wide-frame grille, the more geometric nasal air intakes, and the wedge-shaped profile should give W212 a sportier stance, even in estate-guise as pictured here.
It appears to capture some of the R-class’ panache without its unfortunate minivan overtones. Mercedes engineers are reportedly still reeling from quality glitches and electronic gremlins that have plagued the previous-gen E-Class since its inception, so we expect some simplification of the E-Class wagon’s component-set.
Driver assistance in general is a major theme for the new wagon. Expect lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes and tire wear. The rest of the world will get the usual four-cylinder and V6 gasoline and diesel engines, plus a normally aspirated, 500-plus-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 for the E63 AMG model, which won’t likely ever make it to North America.
09/15, 11:02 AM
posted by:
twobolt
Looks like what Honda would produce as a wagon version of the current Accord with Lexus ES tail lights.
09/15, 1:35 PM
posted by:
928dreamer
Man, I wish the North American market was more Wagon friendly. This thing would be awesome. I have a Passat wagon and this would be a great step up. If given the option, I would always rather have a Wagon over a sedan. It doesn’t affect the driving dynamics and is infinately more usable. I don’t mind the looks of a Wagon either, in fact I prefer it. I just wish more people here shared my thoughts on this so we can get some of the great Variants available in Europe.
With this thing, you could have an insanely powerfull fun to drive family car that would be a total sleeper. I could just hear the kids in the back saying “Daddy, Daddy lets race that Porsche” and then leave it in the dust.
09/15, 2:11 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
This is one of the few Mercs I would consider owning. What do you think they’ll give me for my ‘89 Caprice Woody on a trade?
09/15, 2:25 PM
posted by:
datboy
Not feeling this design in a mercedes wagon, was expecting something more edgy! Even when this model comes out the best looking wagon will be the cadillac cts wagon. Nice HP though!
09/15, 6:12 PM
posted by:
elmdodge
NICE PACIFICA, german pos
09/15, 6:22 PM
posted by:
scratchy
very nice , but i still like the RS6 more.
09/15, 6:43 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Give me an RS6 AVANT any day over this!
09/15, 10:27 PM
posted by:
Mad About Cars
While the RS6 is more powerful, this thing has a better gearbox, lighter engine and is rear-wheel drive. In my opinion, sharper and better looking as well.
Whatever your choice, both estates/wagons can eat the Rapide and every Maserati (accept MC12) on the road.
09/16, 1:44 PM
posted by:
928dreamer
I would be torn between the RS6 variant and the Merc. I have had VWs and Audis, so would feel very comfortable with the RS6, but I love the 6.2 liter Merc V8. This engine also still has a lot of potential. I also think it will prove to be bullet proof in the future with the crystaline structure incorporated into the cylinder bore to harden and reduce friction. The engine is a masterpiece. A mild supercharger pushing out 6 PSI should up the horsepower on this to 750 and a little more boost (ie 12psi) could easily push this to 900-1000HP. Grant it that would be over the top for a wagon, but the lower boost supercharger should be very easy on the engine and the drivetrain would likely handle it well too.
09/16, 6:51 PM
posted by:
The Stig
@johnny,
Dick.
09/16, 9:24 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
That’s a smoking hot wagon guys. No Audi, no Woody, previous model E55 blew an R8 in a drag stripe.
09/17, 9:31 AM
posted by:
F50
I’m still not liking this E-Class, I liked the last one and the W210 was alright. but this just looks too….korean.
I’d take an RS6 over it anyday, or a current M5 estate.