Wednesday 10th December 2008

New E-Class Photos Leak

First undisguised look at new Merc

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Studio photographs have leaked from Mercedes showing the next generation E-class in all its naked glory.

The new W212 platform project will also generate an estate and CLK-replacing coupe, but this striking saloon car will make its debut first – most likely at the Geneva motor show in March.

Picking up design cues from the ConceptFascination revealed at the recent Paris show, next year’s E-class gets a distinctive new look of its own that also has strong overtones of the latest S-class – including wheel arch flares and those chiselled bonnet lines. The angular headlamp arrangements are also a major departure from the current, less extrovert, E-class styling.

According to various insider reports, the new E-class range will feature powertrain options that include a four-cylinder turbo diesel with BlueTec and AdBlue technology making over 200bhp from 2.2 litres.

There will also be hybrid options with diesel and petrol powered internal combustion engines linked to electric motors. Sources indicate an E300 BlueTec hybrid will use V6 diesel power, while an E400 model will get Merc’s 279bhp 3.5 litre V6 with a 20bhp electric motor – the same set-up already announced for the S400 hybrid that’s promised for Europe in the middle of next year.

 

[dpbird90]

Looks great, and should be built properly, so a huge improvement on the old model. I wonder if this could tempt my dad away from Audi...

However, this car won't be regarded too highly be me until they get the AMG version out, hopefully with at least 6.5 litres and 600bhp under the bonnet

[Cassius81]

Soon to be seen in large numbers at every European taxi rank...

Edited by Cassius81 on Wednesday 10th December 11:30

[Neil G60]

Whya can't Mercedes make the front of a car look nice?

[cronk-flakes]

What the fk?

All new German cars look the same...

[Fiatfan]

Cassius81 said:

Soon to be seen in large numbers at every European taxi rank...

Edited by Cassius81 on Wednesday 10th December 11:30

Or with green circles in the windscreen in London.

[fizz876]

Rear looks like a Lexus

[jon-]

[Fetchez la vache]

Neil G60 said:

Whya can't Mercedes make the front of a car look nice?

At least the front looks better than the back. I can't say those arches work very well at all...

[Henchman]

fizz876 said:

Rear looks like a Lexus

I was just thinking the same thing.

[kambites]

Hmm, don't like it.

The current E-class is by far the best looking car in its sector. This just looks odd.

ETA: And what is it with the German manufacturers making their grills bigger with every model? It looks ridiculous.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 10th December 12:34

[neh321]

I'm sure it'll be a terrific car.
Why can't I stop myself yawning then?

[MrTappets]

Bloated great thing. What's with making cars lithe and athletic-looking these days?

[SleeperCell]

Not sure I like the rear wheel arches, they look dodgy on the S Class and dodgy on this. I'll think I'll have to wait to see one in the flesh before I can form a proper opinion though.

[ShadownINja]

SleeperCell said:

Not sure I like the rear wheel arches, they look dodgy on the S Class and dodgy on this. I'll think I'll have to wait to see one in the flesh before I can form a proper opinion though.

And they've put daft lights on it.

The current spec E class is rather good, though. Had an E320 CDi for a week. Was impressed.

[missing the VR6]

Hideous

[Brink]

The important question is, "Will it fall to bits on a speed hump?"

[Plotloss]

From the side its very Mini Maybach.

[E21_Ross]

jon- said:

are you trying to say they look alike. the colour is similar i'll grant you that.

[odyssey2200]

BORING!!!!!!

[B10]

I am more interested in the 2 door Rover 75 picture. Where did that come from and why was it created?