New 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Unveiled, Gets 396HP E43 AMG Variant


Fifty years after Mercedes-Benz’s first ever station wagon, the 1966 Universal based on the 200D to 230S fintail models, the German carmaker presented the sixth-generation of their E-Class Estate, also known as the T-Model and Wagon.

It’s a smarter and more stylish looking model than its predecessor drawing its inspiration from the smaller C-Class Estate with a less angular design, especially at the back where it dons a more sloping tailgate, along with a sportier roofline. 

With a luggage volume of 670 liters with the rear seat bench in place and 1,820 liters when folded, capacity is down by 25 liters and up to 135 liters respectively over the previous model, but that’s a small price to pay for the new E-Class Estate’s sleeker appearance. Plus, it still beats both the Audi A6 Avant (565 liters / 1,680 liters) and BMW 5-Series Touring (560 liters / 1,670 liters), while as an extra bonus, the new Benz wagon will again be optionally available with a third, folding bench seat for children.

Also, while luggage volume is slightly down, the new E-Class Estate retains the previous model’s 1,100mm (43 inches) loading width between the wheel arches allowing the cargo area to accommodate a Europallet.

The rear seat backrest comes with a 40:20:40 split as well as a new function that allows to position it at an approximately 10‑degree steeper angle that creates an additional 30 liters of cargo volume while continuing to enable full use of five seats, as standard. Other features worth mentioning include the standard EASY-PACK electromechanical tailgate that can be opened with kicking motion under the bumper, a fully power-adjustable retractable and extendible trailer coupling with ESP trailer stabilisation and Crosswind Assist (optional extra), and a holding device for cycle racks that can accommodate up to four bikes weighing up to 100kg (220 pounds). 

Based on the new W213 E-Class saloon, the Wagon comes with a self-levelling rear air suspension as standard allowing the rear to always stay horizontal, even when fully laden (up to 745 kg / 1,643 lbs, depending on the model) or with all the towing capacity in use (up to 2100 kg / 4,629 lbs). Optionally, it can be fitted with Merc’s AIR BODY CONTROL all-round air suspension.

Powering the Estate model in Europe at launch will be a range of three diesel engines, the 150PS (148hp) 2.0L E200d, 194PS (191hp) 2.0L E220d and 258PS (255hp) 3.0L V6 E350d, and four petrol units, the 184PS (181hp) 2.0L E200, 211PS (208hp) 2.0L E250, 333PS (328hp) 3.5L V6 E400 4Matic, and the 401PS (396hp) 3.0L V6 E43 4Matic AMG. At market launch, all models are equipped as standard with the new 9G‑TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.

Until Merc unleashes the E63 AMG Wagon, the title of the fastest model in the range goes to the E43 AMG 4Matic that hits 100km/h (62mph) in a swift 4.7 seconds topping out at an electronically limited 250km/h (150mph). Like its sedan sibling, it comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission with shorter shift times, tuned chassis with standard air suspension all around, a rear-biased (31:69) 4Matic all-wheel drive system, a body kit, sports trimmed interior and 19-inch wheels. 

Mercedes will begin accepting European orders for most E-Class Estates in late summer with first deliveries at the end of the year. 

For its market launch in the USA in early 2017, the E-Class Wagon will be available with a 3.5-liter Biturbo V6 gasoline engine in the E400 4MATIC Wagon producing329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It will be equipped as standard with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic  transmission. Mercedes didn’t say when and with which engines it will expand the range in North America. 

































































Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Limited Edition Ford GT 'Competition Series' Is All About The Track

Image
Ford's new GT Competition Series was built with weight-saving in mind, but also with an improved center of gravity for better road-holding. Among its features, you'll notice the lightweight carbon fiber racing stripes, A-Pillars and side mirrors, as well as the unique race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch with integrated venting. Thanks to the manual latch and the carbon fiber prop rod, weight near the roof has been reduced, though Ford engineers went even further in their quest to make the car lighter, by making the bulkhead Gorilla Glass behind the driver about half as thick (and as light) as on other models. "The Ford GT has racing in its blood," said Ford exec Raj Nair, while adding that the Competition Series "was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match." There are also plenty of remaining performance features from the production car, such as ...
Read more

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet Is A Crossover For Droptop Lovers

Image
Droptop crossovers have always been rather odd and the T-Roc Cabriolet is no different. It will be the only convertible Volkswagen on sale for the foreseeable future and will celebrate its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Rather than simply removing the roof of the standard T-Roc, Volkswagen has drastically altered the vehicle’s structure and body. In fact, its wheelbase is 37 mm longer than the standard T-Roc while its overall length is up by 34 mm. In addition, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet features structural strengthening in the underbody, side panels, cross members, doors, and windscreen frame to make up for the lack of a roof. The folding fabric roof developed by Volkswagen retracts in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h) and is similar in operation to the roof of the outgoing Golf Cabriolet. The presence of the soft top reduces trunk space by 161 liters down from the 284 liters of the run-of-the-mill T-Roc. We don’t think bu...
Read more

Alpine A110 Hits Geneva With Pure, Legende And GT4 Versions

Image
Renault’s reborn Alpine brand has been getting rave reviews for its new A110 and now, as promised, it’s revealed new versions of its coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Following the success of the sold-out Premiere Edition, the A110 will now be offered in Pure and Legende trims. The A110 Pure is targeted at driving enthusiasts. It features one-piece Sabelt sports seats that weigh barely more than 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) each and, combined with other weight-saving measures, helps keep the curb weight below 1,100 kg ( 2,425 lbs). It’s not entirely stripped out, though, and still comes with features like air-conditioning and satellite navigation. Buyers can also add upgraded Brembo brakes and an adaptive exhaust system and can upgrade to the adjustable comfort seats. Those come standard on the Legende model, which is geared more towards every day driving and grand touring and comes with leather upholstery. Customers can also choose between two Focal sound systems and two wheel...
Read more