“A little from Column C, a little from Column S.” You’re familiar with that expression, right? You’re not? Well, if you work at Mercedes-Benz right now, that’s probably a pretty familiar phrase around the offices and engineering rooms regarding the next-generation E-Class.
The 2017 E-class and the C will share the MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform, although the E’s version will be longer and wider. Passengers will enjoy those more generous dimensions and a more expansive wheelbase, especially those in the rear seat. The use of lightweight aluminum in the underpinnings will enhance chassis rigidity, driving dynamics, and fuel economy.
As you can see in the interior photos in the following gallery, the upcoming E-Class’s cabin will look similar to that of the new S-Class. Such an upmarket touch should help widen the prestige gap between the C and the E.
Speaking of gaps, the CLS four-door coupe, which simultaneously invented and filled a gap that didn’t previously exist, uses the E-Class as a base. We expect its third generation to come in sedan coupe and shooting brake forms.
In addition to more back seat room, the next E-Class will, of course, get new styling. We’re able to discern new head- and taillights, as well as different mirrors, among other features, in the spy shots below.
The three-pointed star will offer the E with three- and four-cylinder engines. Gas and diesel power plants are on the table, as are plug-in hybrid powertrains. Rumors suggest Mercedes will also go back to making straight-sixes. The E63 AMG will return with a twin-turbo 4-liter V8 and be available in regular and S states of tune. You’ll have the option of equipping an E63 with the former package and all-wheel drive.
Look for the 2017 Mercedes Benz E-Class to debut in late 2015 or early 2016. A sedan version will appear first, followed by its wagon counterpart. A coupe will come after that and a convertible will arrive last.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
