mercedeswagon

I was wondering when the new E-Class Wagon was being released? And here are a few questions if you don't mind answering:

1. Will there be a E320 and E500 for the wagon?
2. Pricing?
3. Colors?
4. Largest front and rear wheel sizes (for AMG Monoblocks)?
5. Release date?

I am VERY interested in getting one as soon as possible, any help would be greatly appreciated.

rayscar

I think I read somewhere that it won't be released until the 2004 model year (summer of 2003).

rayscar

Found this. Hope it helps.

Mercedes-Benz will add a five-door wagon to its revamped E-Class line of sedans, most likely in mid- to late 2003 as a 2004 model. All major components and options will mimic those of the sedan, although there's no word yet on whether or not there will be a V8 version (the current model is a V6 only). Judging by the size of the wheels and tires mounted on the prototype version caught during hot-weather testing, however, an E500 wagon looks quite possible

mercedeswagon

Thanks for your help, I'm looking forward to owning one (have a new addition to the family, and do NOT want an SUV)! Any information is greatly appreciated, thanks guys.

trench

I'm hoping they make an E500 4matic wagon - that would definitely be my next vehicular purchase. I'm with mercedeswagon on not wanting an SUV for the family car; but I'd require all wheel drive for going skiing.

Cheers, BT

bmms8

yea, they said the 2003 e-class will basically be the 2002, but i highly doubt that, late 2003 would sound right

KShortill

I have heard from a number of sources (that have been reliable in the past) that the 4matic wagon is unlikely to appear before the 2004 model year. I limited number of 2003 4matic wagons will be built on the W210 (old) platform.

Having said that, the best car I have ever owned for family/dog/garden supplies/cross-country driving is my dark turquiose 1999 E 4matic wagon. What a beauty!

Kevin

MKW

I have an ML430 and E320 4Matic wagon. Need the higher ground clearance of the ML when we go skiing at Tahoe to get through poorly plowed private roads ( and sometimes I-80) and some parking lots. Can't imagine the crap that would be tossed onto our wagon if we took it , since 95% of the vehicles headed to the snow are SUVs and big pick ups. Also, not sure if those OEM Michelin passenger tires with the quiet closed -block tread on the wagon could handle that snowy crud, AWD or not.

hmrdwn

There will definitely be an E500 wagon, the question is whether or not we get it in the USA. Europe has had E430 and even E55 wagons for a while.

I love my wife's E320 wagon, but wish it had a V8 -- for a little more ommph of the highway.

Silver_Lana

Pic of the new Wagon

CME4BENZ

The 2003 E320 4matic wagon is indeed the same as the '02.
The 211 wagon will be a 2004 model released next summer/fall as suggested here. No official word on a V8 wagon yet.

BenzE

I want a V-8! And 4matic...

Silver_Lana

V-12 and 4Matic..... :drool:
Oh wait.. thats the S600 4Matic.... now how to afford that.....

cjileong

S600 4MATIC...that would be nice...it would blow away the A8... :p

cjileong

Or did you mean the S500 4MATIC? My bad...

CME4BENZ

Don't hold your breath for a S600 4matic.
As of this month we can order '03 C class 4matics (both 240s and 320s / sedans or wagons) and S430 and S500 4matics.

The S500 w/ 4matic (I'll take mine with the ABC suspension) is going to be a fantastic car. I can't think of anything that will be a safer, more competent car in all weather conditions.

Silver_Lana

I thought 4Matic would be available for all S Class vehicles

CME4BENZ

Silver-Lana,

I checked on "netstar" which is our internal database/network for ordering and locating cars. Under the '03 S class it lists S430 and S500 4matics. As far as I know there will be no S600 or S55 4matics for '03. I imagine that the TTV12 and 5.5 litre Kompressor engine (both 500+ HP) are just too much for the trans and transfer case of the 4matic. Maybe later they will get AMG to modify the 4matic for the Sclass.

If you just can't live with 302 HP from the 5 litre there is always Kleeman. Be the first on your block to have a 500 HP 4matic! Let me know how the rest of the drivetrain holds up.

BenzE

O.k. What about an E55 4Matic sedan? Available in Europe, yes?

I'm still thinking about the wagon, though. Nothing beats it for hauling gear. A 1977 300TD wagon in Palomino Beige was the first Benz I ever rode in. Pics of mom leaving the hospital with me in it and everything. No, I won't be posting those...

Will the W211 wagon have rear-facing 3rd-row seats? If it does, I will have to get them and then have someone cart my a$$ around so I can ride in them and really have a childhood flashback...

Silver_Lana

Awwww c'mon!!!!

trench

Personally, I'm not too worried about the ground clearance. I usually keep to public roads, which are usually closed if fresh snow is so deep that it becomes an issue. It sounds like you drive a lot on private roads (which usually aren't maintained nearly as well as public ones), better clearance is usually necessary in these situations (enormous puddles, ruts, etc.). Funny thing is that when I lived in Idaho - I never drove a 4WD/AWD car skiing and don't recall ever really having any problems with getting stuck. A Chevy Z28 was the primary skiing car for four years - probably not most people's choice for a snow car. Although, I did have to put the cables on for the last half mile of switchbacks at this one resort. I guess learning to drive someplace where it snows five months out of the year has some advantages. I actually think that here in California the CHP requires chains on I-80 in bad weather not for traction - but to slow people down in the slick conditions.

I agree with you on the OEM tires. Tires are key to good traction in the snow. I'd opt for good M+S tires, no matter how noisy they are - they'll make a huge difference.

Cheers, BT

MKW

It's funny - we urban flatlanders go "roughing it " up to Tahoe with our AWD gizmobiles . Most of the year- round service people who work the resorts and lodges are driving OLD rear wheel drive American cars and trucks and panel vans . When they get stuck, they take the shovel and sand out of the trunk and are on the way again after a few moments of working up a sweat.

Accord

Was it really that necessary for Mercedes-Benz to hide the rear?

lol .