The fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also known as the W213, was unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and went on sale for the 2017 model year. A significant departure from its predecessor, it uses a brand-new architecture and styling language based off the S-Class full-size sedan. More comfortable and efficient than ever before, the new E-Class also debuted a handful of new Mercedes-Benz technologies, including a semi-autonomous system. The sedan was followed by a beefed-up AMG version and a wagon variant. Two-door coupe and cabriolet models are also set to follow.
When Mercedes-Benz called 2016 "the year of the SUV" and announced a further expansion of its already large collection of SUVs and crossovers by 2020, most people expected more niche models like the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe or the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. As it turns out, Mercedes-Benz was considering competitors for the Audi A4 and A6 Allroad as well. The news initially came straight from Mercedes-Benz vice president of sales and product managements, Matthias Luehrs, who told the Aussies from Drive that "We are looking at everything. [...] We are studying this at the moment but it’s not confirmed. We are looking obviously at E-Class and C-Class."
What was just a possibility in 2015 became certainty in July 2016, when a leaked business plan confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch a rival for the Audi A6 Allroad.
Dubbed E-Class All Terrain in the leaked document, the new vehicle follows in the footsteps of Audi’s midsize Allroad model, blending the styling of the utilitarian, yet still sexy E-Class wagon with the taller ride height and cladding of a crossover. According to the company’s business plan, the All Terrain will hit public roads in 2017, which means it could be unveiled by the end of 2016. That may seem unlikely since we have yet to see actual prototypes on the road, but it’s not unlikely for its development to happen away from our paparazzi’s curious eyes.
Until we find out more about it, we put together a speculative piece with details about what this E-Class wagon on stilts might bring to the table. Stick around for updates.
Continue reading for the full story.
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