There’s a new S-Class out and a new C-Class incoming, which means the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class has entered testing.
The middle child of Mercedes-Benz’s rear/all-wheel drive sedan trio has been spied testing in the snow ahead of its launch, expected to take place in time for 2024.
These aren’t rough mules, either, with the two spied examples featuring production headlights and tail lights. Both, however, are covered in camouflage wrap.
The W214 E-Class’ design language is evolutionary, and as expected from a Mercedes-Benz sedan there’s a strong familial resemblance to other model lines, in this case the C-Class and S-Class.
The flanks appear to feature cleaner detailing, as has become common with redesigned Mercedes models, while the spied prototypes feature flush, pop-out door handles.
The headlights appear to be larger and more angular and the grille appears larger and set lower, with more of a shield shape to it.
A range of 48V mild-hybrid turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel powertrains is expected, along with plug-in hybrid options.
The current W213 model received a facelift for 2021 that brought it visually in line with the redesigned S-Class and E-Class, at least externally.
Where the W214 will likely see its most substantial visual change is in the cabin, with the redesigned model expected to adopt a portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system like its smaller and larger siblings.
The C-Class offers a choice of 9.5 or 11.9-inch displays and 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters, while the S-Class comes with a 12.8-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Both run a new generation of Mercedes’ MBUX system.
It’s unclear whether the E-Class will follow the smaller C-Class in offering only four-cylinder powertrains across both the core and AMG E-Class ranges.
Currently, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is offered in Australia with a choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, one of which is mated with a plug-in hybrid system.
Stepping up to the AMG range, however, nets you a turbocharged inline six in the E53 and a twin-turbocharged V8 in the E63.
Turbo-diesel engines were available here but were withdrawn in 2021, though they continue to be available in Europe. The E450 was also discontinued, though it lives on in Europe albeit with a turbocharged inline six instead of the old twin-turbo V6.
The E-Class will soon have some company in the middle of the Mercedes-Benz sedan line-up in the shape of the EQE.
Featuring a radically different silhouette to the more conventional E-Class plus the option of Mercedes’ enormous new MBUX Hyperscreen, the EQE rides a dedicated electric platform. It’s due here in the second half of 2022.
Pictured: current E-Class sedan 
Pictured: EQE 
