The next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class is edging ever closer to its reveal, with prototypes now wearing little in the way of camouflage.
It’s expected to be revealed during 2023 as a 2024 model.
Our spy photographers captured this sedan testing, wearing only camouflage on its front and rear ends and baring its undisguised flanks.
The E-Class is the middle child of Mercedes-Benz’s combustion-engined, rear-/all-wheel drive sedan trio. The new generation will follow the redesigned S-Class launched locally in 2021, and the new C-Class launched this year.
As we’ve seen with the latest C-Class and S-Class, the next E-Class has cleaner side detailing with a subtler crease positioned higher up on the body.
Expect the front and rear-end styling to closely resemble its smaller and larger siblings.
While Mercedes-Benz previously differentiated the E-Class with two headlights on each side, or styled its LED daytime running lights to simulate this, this motif was largely abandoned with the 2020 facelift.
The interior is also expected to closely resemble the C-Class and S-Class, with a large, portrait-style touchscreen.
The coupe and convertible will be retired, with a new coupe and convertible model line – possibly called the CLE – collectively replacing all two-door C-Class and E-Class models.
A wagon is set to continue, at least in other markets, and has already been spied; but the body style was dropped here in 2021 when Mercedes-Benz discontinued the high-riding All-Terrain.
Diesel engines are also set to continue, but these were also dropped in Australia in 2021.
Expect a range of 48V mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains but no electric option, with that role in Mercedes’ line-up served by the EQE.
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 ranges.
Currently, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is offered 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, gets you a turbocharged inline-six in the E53 and a twin-turbo V8 in the E63.
The E-Class’s arch-rival, the BMW 5 Series, is also about to enter a new generation. Prototypes of the new 5 Series have been spied testing ahead of an expected 2023 debut.
Current E-Class sedan 
