May9
The all-new Mercedes E Class is still over a year away, but our spies are gathering lots of details –- as well as pictures — of AMG’s E63 model with very little camouflage! Codenamed W212, the official introduction of the new E-Class is expected at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Mercedes will abandon SBC in favor of conventional brakes, although they will boast features on all variants such as wet-weather disc wiping and wheel-selective cornering brake control. Optional ceramic-composite discs could be introduced top-down, starting with the AMG model pictured here for the first time, racing down the legendary German Nürburgring race circuit.
The next E‑Class 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. Actually, early styling models show a certain affinity for the most recent efforts from Lexus – such as the rectangular quad headlamps, the C-pillar treatment, and the taillights. This is, of course, ironic given that some say the Lexus LS is famous for copying Mercedes, but Stuttgart still has plenty of time to hone the shape.
Driver assistance in general is a major theme for W212. 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. We’ll get the usual V6- and V8-engines, plus a normally aspirated, 500-plus-bhp 6.3-liter V8 for the E63 AMG model.
It's gonna need a lot more power if it's to stay in the German horsepower war. RS 6 is in the lead atm… Unless Merc has grown up and gotten over it.
Killjoy
Dentists rejoice!
Wow, Mercedes might have finally caught up to BMW!! The brake drying and selective cornering brake control. The 7 series had that how many years ago, so did the 5 and the E46 M3. As for "selective Brake Control" umm… some would call that ESP!!! And still less than 80Hp/L! Seriously Mercedes, come on. Do something worth driving!
"And still less than 80Hp/L! "
So what? Specific horsepower means absolutely nothing.
@carbonsigma,
The car to beat will probably be the CTS-V in this size segment.
If josh did maths he would see none of the engines that Mercedes offers for the new E-class is below 80hp/L and even then, getting above 100Hp/L doesn't mean its a great engine. These engine make torque which is important in a luxury car such as this so that it feels effortless. You don't want a luxury 4 seater that has to rev to 9000 rpm to move. I hope this is a great car when it comes out, a consumate allrounder
Don't under estimate the cts-v when it had 400hp. It was fast then….now it has 150hp more and better means of getting it to the ground. Looks like to me the German/American war is heating up….can you say WW3..
Audi Rs-6 will still remain on top, like before when the previous rs-6 was out, bmw & benz were still short when it came to horsepower against the RS audi's.
Mr.BadLuck, hp is not everything in a car, it's not even a thing to reconsider buying one.
This new E looks very classy and classic (which is MB's strong) but I think the front lights will get old too fast, which would be a shame because a Mercedes is for ever (… Classic, again.) About the engine, I think they always have produced engines that aren't known because of it's hp, but it's a thing no one can ever complaint about because this engines are very reliable.