Mercedes E-Class Estate
The station wagon variant could become a discontinued model at Mercedes.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Even before the start of the sedan, the new E-Class is now also being presented as a station wagon. The so-called station wagon will come onto the market in autumn with conventional engines and plug-in hybrids. Prices should start beyond 60,000 euros.
Visually, the second body variant of the business class model is based on the four-door that was presented in the spring. However, the rear end is not a notchback, but a classic, albeit aerodynamically optimized station wagon with 615 liters (plug-in hybrid: 460 liters) loading volume. If the rear seat backs are folded down, 1,830 liters (1,675 liters) are available – in both cases that is more than the predecessor presented in 2016.
So that the space can be used well, there is an electric tailgate and standard air suspension for the rear axle for level control. There are also nets, rails and a double loading floor. If the on-board storage space is not sufficient, the station wagon, like its predecessor, can carry up to 2,100 kilograms.
The cockpit features the new E-Class layout with a large Superscreen running the new generation of MBUX infotainment software. This offers numerous new functions – from practical ones, such as the option of using the Apple cell phone as a digital key, to more playful ones, such as sound visualization, which adjusts the interior lighting to the rhythm of the music from the on-board sound system.
More storage space
Compared to the predecessor, the loading space has increased slightly.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Known interior
The cockpit comes from the sedan
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
In addition, more third-party apps can now be used on the system, including games like Angry Bird and social media like Tiktok, as well as video conferencing tools. The Mercedes goes online in most markets using a fast 5G modem.
When it comes to the drive options, the station wagon, like the sedan, dispenses with purely electric variants. These are outsourced to the sister model EQE, which is not available as a station wagon. If you want to be emission-free with a large cargo space, you will have to make do with one of the prospectively at least three plug-in hybrids.
At the start there is the E 300e variant with 230 kW/312 hp and an electric range of around 100 kilometers. Alternatively, two mildly hybridized 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are available: a petrol engine with 150 kW/204 hp and a 145 kW/197 hp diesel. Further variants as well as a six-cylinder in-line engine as a diesel and petrol engine will follow.
No electric on offer
For the drive there are diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrids.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Comparatively expensive
Prices should start at around 60,000 euros.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
In all cases, power is transmitted by a nine-speed automatic. The Mercedes E-Class (from around 55,000 euros) starts as a sedan in the summer, with the station wagon traditionally following a few weeks later. For 2024, the slightly higher T-model version All-Terrain is on the program.
The two AMG derivatives E 53 and E 63 will also follow in the coming year and complete the series.
In the long term, however, the future of the station wagon is at least uncertain – Mercedes wants to concentrate on luxurious sedans and SUVs in the future, the station wagons popular with master craftsmen no longer seem to fit into the concept and are on the cross-off list. So if you still want a big station wagon with a star, you have to get hold of it in the next six to eight years.
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