The G Man

No doubt Toyota/Lexus wins the crown for the ugliest big grilles.

W205C43PFL

According to the German blogs mentioned in this thread "E Class Sold Out?" on mbworld.org

The W214 might be revealed late this year instead of next year (which is interesting given the chip shortage, we will have to see how that pans out), those German blogs claims it is because they are stopping production of the W213 for Europe early "and don't want their E-Class customers to wait too long". The W214 will be the last ICE E-class so I hope they don't rush it and get things right.

Not sure how credible the source linked is however even if it is true, it is highly likely that Mercedes will still change their plans depending on how the chip shortage goes.

js_cls

I imagine "sold out" is for the Euro market where the E-Class is essentially their Crown Vic in that its used from personal cars to taxi's, etc. and sold in much larger numbers (since they also don't prefer SUV's).

W205C43PFL

Oh ya that is true.

js_cls

js_cls

skytop

Small annoyed, specious looking headlights with even smaller insignificant looking tail lights. Looks like a weird looking C class blow up a bit.

W205C43PFL

Sorry if this image is blurry and the vehicle behind could be anything. I thought it was the W214 as the rear bumper does not look like a W206 in terms of size and the shape of the exhaust tips. It certainly does not look like a W223 except the tailpipes and the connecting chrome trim (reason why I think it isn't a W223 it especially because how it is missing the chrome right below the MB star although it might just be the lighting, the vehicle seems rather narrow to me though). The taillights' design also doesn't look like the W213 facelift to me as it is less rectangular more closely resembling the W206 but I am probably completely wrong.

This could also be just another regular MB that is already revealed and based on the base trim instead of the amg line for example hence why I couldn't identify it, I have no reason to believe MB not putting camouflage on a W214 especially how the other vehicles in this facility are camouflaged.

Any ideas?

js_cls

Looks to me like a 206.

W205C43PFL

Thanks for your reply, js_cls : )
Ya I thought so but the exhaust tips don't look like the ones found on the W206 so I was confused plus the chrome trim connecting the two tips also don't look like anything found on the W206. Unless I am missing something (probably am) but it doesn't look like the one on the avantgarde trim as well. (See edit)
Edit: Well, I will just contradict myself, I found exactly what I was looking for.

js_cls

js_cls

W205C43PFL

Looks like with the luxury grille too.

Wig

Looks like no more W213 can be ordered. This from the MB Germany website:

Anticipation for the upcoming E-Class in 2023! *

Register now for exclusive information.
Join Now

* Please note that no further customer orders can currently be accepted for the selected model due to the high demand. Your salesperson will be happy to help you find an alternative vehicle. You can also find available vehicles in our online store. Or register now for exclusive information on the upcoming E-Class.

W205C43PFL

It is possible, here is a forum that talked about just that:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-sold-out.html

Alan Smithee

^ Perhaps other markets will not see a 2023 W213, but the 2023 W213 US order guides were just published last week.

The W214 may be "upcoming in 2023", but likely a year from now in EU markets, and later next summer as a 2024 for the US market.

W205C43PFL

Ya coming one model year later for USA sounds just about right and what has been done even prior to everything that is going on.

Long Islander

Does anyone know if the US version will be 4-cylinder only for about a year, followed by the 6-cylinder, like the W213 was?

js_cls

Too soon to tell, we won't know more until the official release in regards to engines. Seeing as the 4-banger is the volume model, I wouldn't be surprised if it does show up first, similar to the GLE launch.

BoMB

The sneak-peak, spy/leaked photo thing will soon be older than dirt, LOL. Whether it be smartphones or cars, it breeds discussion, expectations, and arguments, LOL. One ironic aspect of this is when one person says, "they should" or "the best thing to do is" or something along these lines. Related to that is the "I love it" versus "I hate it" dynamic. Throw in a few "they are wrong" or "they made a mistake" and you have everything that makes the world go 'round, LOL. That said, in this case, whether MB does polls, focus groups, or doesn't ask at all -- corporate decisions, whether they are successful or failed in the end, tend to be made with the "masses" in mind. The car is not designed to appeal to you. It is designed to appeal to the masses, the largest, etc., to capture the largest potential captive/target audience. No different than a dish at a restaurant. Sometimes decisions are good ones, vis a vis successful, and sometimes they aren't. Personally, if I like a specific MB E-class, I buy it. I don't care if a Hyundai model looks similar. It means nothing to me. You could tell me that MB copied Hyundai -- why would I care? If I like the MB, I buy it. Period.

Now, does everyone think like me? Of course not. However, like I said, this is about the masses. This entire exercise is about hypothesizing and predicting what the masses will like, not like, do, etc. Other than some interesting perspectives, discussion, etc. -- there is no "right" and "wrong" that practically applies. After the car comes out, if sales flop, sure, then you can start saying right and wrong, but to what end? MB is not going to make decisions and manage to "your" (one person's) expectations, likes, and demands. One would think they "listen" and include in the decision making process, the input, expectations, likes, wants, etc., of the masses.

Many years ago, when MB North America was based out of NJ, I was invited to their corporate headquarters for an event. If you attended, you agreed to be part of a focus group about future models. So, there you go -- the masses! LOL. While I've had this experience in other industries before, this process was very, very interesting. All the best!

js_cls

JTK44

I hope the standard tires are different: those on spy shots look like extreme low profile tires: In everyday driving, especially here in the North East with pot holes all over the place and snow, those low profile tires would be a disaster!

BoMB

Agreed. I did the AMG, low profile tires once...just once! LOL. Even with the insurance/warranty, that wasn't the point. That's financial. Yes, it works, financially. The problem is inconvenience! Every single time you blow a tire, you have start the entire time-intensive process again, and over again and over again. Uggh! Such a PITA. Now, I just NEVER get low profile tires. I just don't need 'em. I don't drive fast, I don't drive aggressive, I don't hug the road, corner fast, etc. I hope MB picks a good standard tire/wheel. Thanks.

W205C43PFL

True but I guess German cars are designed for German roads so likes of Autobahn so they wouldn't care (just kidding of course about them not caring). That said though, even the W223 offer options with way more sidewall in the German market so it is unlikely the W214 to not have the same set of options to choose from seen here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post8555470

W205C43PFL

Definitely, the reason I never get Tire and Rim Protection plus especially in Canada one of my friend has those packages but they had to get the vehicle towed to the dealership and wait minimum a week before what happened to the world and during these times two to sometimes three just to get a tire. Madness. I do admit the low profile wheel options look good but not enough for the trade-offs it brings.