June 20th 2023
Not every buyer desires an SUV, and Mercedes is well aware of this. In addition to introducing an estate version of the latest C-Class, Mercedes intends to continue producing the long-roof E-Class for at least one more generation. There have been rumours suggesting that Mercedes might discontinue wagons after 2030, but even if that turns out to be accurate, there is still ample time to opt for alternatives to the ever-present sport utility vehicles. It is worth mentioning that the CLA Shooting Brake is still available, although its availability may not persist for much longer.
The latest Mercedes wagon, codenamed S214, is even larger than its predecessor, offering an incredibly spacious interior. It has a wheelbase extension of 22 millimetres (0.86 inches) to 2961 mm (116.57 in), providing more legroom. The width has also increased by 28 mm (1.1 in) to 1880 mm (74 in), offering greater elbow room. The length has increased by 4 mm (0.15 in) to 4949 mm (194.84 in), and the height has slightly grown by 1 mm (0.04 in) to 1469 mm (57.83 in).
Unlike its previous iteration, the 2024 Mercedes E-Class no longer offers an optional third row. With the rear seats in place, it provides a cargo capacity of 615 litres (21.7 cubic feet), which expands to 1,830 liters (64.6 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded. However, if you choose the plug-in hybrid variant, the cargo space is reduced due to the additional hardware, offering a volume of 460 litres (16.2 cubic feet) or 1,785 litres (63 cubic feet) when the 40:20:40-split rear seats are folded. Accessing the cargo area is made easy with the standard electrically operated tailgate.
Aside from the numbers, the new E-Class Estate is an attractive wagon that has the potential to overshadow the sales of the GLE. It closely follows the design of the W214 E-Class Sedan, which was introduced in late April, and it appears less controversial than the upcoming BMW 5 Series Touring. The body design is sleeker than before, with a reduced drag coefficient of 0.26 (down from 0.27). The wagon can be equipped with wheels as large as 21 inches, but the base model comes with a 17-inch set.
The E-Class Estate offers standard rear air suspension or an optional two-axle Airmatic suspension, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable ride for families, along with all the features available in the sedan. It can be equipped with three screens, a selfie camera, TikTok integration, Angry Birds, and even Zoom for conferences, utilizing the same interior video camera mounted on the dashboard.
Initially, Mercedes will introduce the posh wagon in Europe as the E200 and E220d models, with the addition of the E300e plug-in hybrid variant. The gasoline-powered model features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivering 204 horsepower (150 kilowatts) and 320 Newton-meters (236 pound-feet) of torque. It is a mild-hybrid system, with an additional electric motor providing 23 horsepower (17 kW) and 205 Nm (151 lb-ft). This combination allows the car to dash from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 144 mph (231 km/h).
The E220d diesel variant is equipped with a 2.0-litre engine generating 197 horsepower (145 kW) and 440 Newton-meters (325 lb-ft) of torque, also incorporating the 48V mild-hybrid system. It can achieve a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 7.9 seconds and a max speed of 143 mph (230 km/h). Mercedes has also mentioned that a six-cylinder diesel version will be introduced later. All models feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, which has been optimized for this application to enhance packaging and reduce weight.
The E300e combines a turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline mill with an electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 312 horsepower (230 kW). The gasoline engine alone produces 204 horsepower (150 kW) and 320 Newton metre (236 lb-ft) of torque, while the electric motor offers an extra 129 horsepower (95 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. With a 25.4-kWh battery pack, it achieves an electric range exceeding 62 miles (100 kilometers) in the WLTP cycle. Notably, it is the quickest of the three variants, with a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration time of 6.5 seconds and a max speed of 141 mph (227 km/h).
Mercedes has announced plans to introduce a diesel plug-in hybrid version in the future, and AMG versions will also be available. However, it remains to be seen whether the V8 engine will make a comeback. According to recent reports, the top-tier E63 might transition to a V6 plug-in hybrid configuration with over 700 horsepower, although no official confirmation has been provided yet. The E63 Estate will face new competition, as both the Audi RS6 Avant and the BMW M5 Touring are expected to return, possibly in 2025.
Speaking of future versions, spy shots have revealed that a raised All-Terrain variant is in the works. Its existence has been confirmed in a leaked EPA document for the 2024 model year cars, indicating that it will be available in the United States unless Mercedes decides to retain the old model for another year.
Meanwhile, the regular Mercedes E-Class Estate will be available for purchase in Europe starting this autumn. Availability in the UAE and other Gulf regions is not confirmed yet.
Source and Images: Motor1