Mercedes Benz releases a sleeker and smoother 2017 Mercedes Benz E-Class Wagon
Fifty years after Mercedes Benz first introduced its first station wagon, the 1966 Universal based on the 220D and 230S fintail models, the German automobile manufacturer revealed its sixth-generation E-Class Estate, or Wagon or T-Model.
Much more stylish and smarter looking than its predecessor, it is influenced by its smaller sibling, the C-Class estate. With a much more rounded design, it features a long sloping tailgate integrated into a sportier roofline.
Compared to the fifth generation E-Class Estate, the new E-Class Estate lost 25 liters of space when the seat is down and gained 135 liters, respectively with the seat down for a total of 670 liters with the seat up and 1,820 liters with the seat folded down. This seems like a small price to pay for the sleeker appearance of the E-Class Estate. The carrying capacity of the new E-Class Estate is still greater than the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5-Series Touring.
Despite the decrease in luggage volume in the sixth generation Mercedes Benz T-Wagon, the new model retains the previous model’s 43 inch loading width between wheel arches allowing the cargo area to haul a decent amount of cargo.
The new backrest comes with a 40:20:40 split in addition to a function that allows it to be positioned at an approximately 10 degree steeper angle, creating an additional 30 liters of cargo volume while continuing to enable full use of five seats as standard. Additional features include the standard EASY-PACK electromechanical tailgate that can be opened with a kicking motion under the bumper, a fully adjustable retractable and extendable trailer coupling with ESP trailer stabilization and Crosswind Assist, in addition to a holding device for bike racks that can accommodate up to four bikes weighing up to 220 pounds.
The E-Class Estate comes with a self-leveling rear air suspension as standard enabling the rear to always stay horizontal, regardless of the cargo, even when fully loaded and at capacity carrying a payload of 1,643 pounds or towing at capacity at 4,629 pounds.
In Europe, the E-Class Estate will launch with three diesel options and four gasoline options. Diesel options include a 2.0-liter E200d producing 148 horsepower, a second 2.0-liter E220d with 191 horsepower, and a 3.0-liter E350d putting out 255 horsepower. For gasoline powered engines, 2.0-liter E200 is available putting out 181 horsepower, a 2.0-liter E250 putting out 208 horsepower, a 3.5-liter V6 E400 4Matic producing 328 horsepower, and finally, a 3.0-liter V6 E43 4Matic AMPG putting out 396 horsepower. Upon release, the new 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic is standard with all models.
The fastest model in the range is the E43 AMG 4Matic that hits 62 miles per hour from 0 in 4.7 seconds, accelerating all the way through to an electronically limited 150 miles per hour. However, the E63 AMG wagon will be available in the near future, taking the crown for the fastest E-Class Estate from the E43 AMG 4Matic. Like the sedan, the AMG versions come with the 9-speed automatic transmission programmed with shorter shift time, a tuned chassis wrapped in an air suspension system, a rear-biased 31:69 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, a body kit, sports trimmed interior and 19-inch wheels.
Europeans can place their orders starting this summer with deliveries starting at the end of the year.
In early 2017, the E-Class Wagon will be available with the 3.5-liter Biturbo V6 in the E400 producing 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. It will also be equipped with the 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes has not yet disclosed what additional engine options will be available in North America.
