When the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon makes it to America, it probably won’t look quite like this. Mercedes-Benz seems to think that Americans will only buy wagons if they have gobs of power or hectares of cladding, so expect brawny AMG and lifted All-Terrain variants to make the jump across the Atlantic. However, just because the outside of the new E-Class wagon will look different in America doesn’t mean the interior will too. With that in mind, let’s take a sneak peek of things to come.
To start, the European E-Class wagon range consists of three models: One gasoline-powered mild hybrid model called the E200, one diesel model called the E200d, and one gasoline plug-in hybrid model call the E300e. That last one may work in America as 312 combined horsepower feels about right for a car this size and price, but the E200 and E200d models just wouldn’t fly here as shoppers want more thrust than zero-to-62 in the ballpark of 7.8 seconds. Mind you, I wouldn’t expect any of these launch powertrains to be sold in America as Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed a three-liter turbocharged inline-six for the new E450 sedan. That engine will most likely also be in the basic wagon, if history is anything to go by.
Slide into the driver’s seat, and the new E-Class looks exactly like the sort of venue Jeff Bezos would spend an evening in — a festival of lights, screens, and shiny plastic that ought to attract fingerprints like Matty Healy attracts controversy. Just like the sedan, the wagon can be ordered with TikTok and Angry Birds built into the infotainment system, let you hop on a Zoom call, and seems very out-there for a car often bought by the Hamptons set. Still, nobody’s buying an E-Class wagon for social media connectivity – people buy these things for the space behind the second-row seats. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely good news here. Mercedes-Benz touts a sportier roofline on this newest model, which does have some effect on practicality.
Cargo space on non-PHEV models clocks in at 615 liters, down from 640 liters. Also worth noting? I don’t see seatbelts for a rear-facing third row in any of the press photos, nor does Mercedes mention the option of third-row seating in any press materials. Color me disappointed. Older E-Class wagons made such brilliant filming vehicles and could fit extra friends in a pinch, so let’s hope that a third row reappears for this side of the world. Mind you, I wouldn’t expect there to be a third row on plug-in hybrid models, as battery pack placement cuts cargo capacity from 615 liters to 460 liters. Ouch.
On the plus side, Mercedes-Benz has carefully minimized wheel well intrusion so that the minimum cargo floor width appears to be at the opening. Also, check out how deep that carpet looks. You could loose a small child in that plush, luxurious textile.
Things get better in the second-row seats, where passengers are positively pampered with air vents on the B-pillar for wafting cool breeze in addition to air vents on the back of the center console. This posh Merc seems to have better HVAC distribution than my apartment, which shouldn’t be massively surprising considering what the current model retails for.
While fine details for U.S.-market models are still being worked out, one thing’s clear: The next E-Class wagon won’t be alone in America. Audi has quietly been selling a new A6 Allroad in America for a few years now, and the RS6 Avant is a performance icon. Meanwhile, Porsche currently sells wagon variants of the Panamera and Taycan that enthusiasts love, and Car And Driver reports that the rumored next-generation BMW M5 will spawn a Touring wagon variant that could be sold in America. Oh, and let’s not forget the sublime Volvo V90 Cross Country. It might not have the thrust of an AMG or M-car, but it’s a lovely daily driver. Clearly, this is one that Mercedes has to get right. Let’s see where the dice fall.
(Photo credits: Mercedes-Benz)
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I’m glad Mercedes designers are finally recognizing that the mid-90s through early-00s blobby double headlight design should get a callback. Certainly the high water mark of M-B design over their last few decades. /s
Mercedes-Benz fit and finish has gotten super sketchy recently. I’d imagine old money values old Mercedes traits, which this one likely doesn’t have.
I need to stop by the Lumiere Rouge to see how Torch feels about the fratzog-themed taillights.
Oooh, sexy back. I love both wagons and triangles so, bonus.
You forgot the V60 Recharge! 450hp of plug-in wagon, inexplicably only offered in the top Polestar trim for $65k+. Especially sad because an S60 Recharge has the same power and interior and starts at $42k.
What am I missing? It looks like the S60 Recharge starts at $51K and has just over 300hp?
This is a good (not great) looking ride. The interior looks like a very nice place to spend some time. Too bad about the 3rd row though.
We’re three years into our Volvo V60 Cross Country and love, love, love it. This looks a lot like it.
I’m eyeing a V60 to replace my 13 year-old Outback.
As someone who owns 3 w211 wagons, because I’m a masochist. And my entire fiscal future depending on Mercedes making automobiles that people still wish to own past their warranty period, because maybe I’m a sadist. This thing slaps, as the kids would say. Although not big on the brake lights being the Illuminati logo refreshed for 2024 and the last bastion of hood ornament finally being surrendered. Also, I’m pretty sure the US isn’t getting the regular wagon for now. We’re getting the Plastic Panel special and very likely but unconfirmed the AMG variant(s).
And I just realized this information was in the first paragraph, my b!
can they bring back the hood ornament too? 😛
I look forward to buying one of these very used and depreciated.
I personally think Mercedes lost the plot with their demographics. I think of a typical MB owner as late-middle-aged, a technophobe (or at least gets flustered with new tech) and conservative in style. At least this demographic fits with the E-class and S-class. I’m an audi and wagon guy myself (a brand known for being more progressive in tech) and this seems like WAY TOO MUCH tech for me and I’m in my early 40’s. Still, I’d rock this. I love wagons.
Mercedes has been pretty aggressively tech forward since w210/w220 era. They usually seem to be the first to market with some new idea that is either good like Comand, or absolutely bonkers like SBC. Then BMW/Audi tend to wait to see what works and copies it. Example a D4 A8 is more comparable to a w220 then it’s competing w221. Which should concern all fans of German luxury cars, because if MBZ can get MBUX to actually function well. The next A6 and 5-series are also going to look like a in-home movie theater ran into former We Work office space.
I’d take the Volvo V90 and a pile of cash over this.
They aren’t that far apart in price. Although the M-B can certainly be optioned up into the stratosphere, or at least the 2023 model can be. The Volvo has limited options.
The interior and exterior are certainly not the best of Mercedes design.
(It’s ugly)