New Mercedes-Benz Class E Estate. More space, same identity

Several months after the launch of the star’s mid-size saloon, the Mercedes-Benz Class E, the estate version arrives under the name Class E Estate, retaining the essence of the four-door variant and all its technology, while considerably improving its load capacity.

It is an important launch for Mercedes-Benz. In Spain it may not be as significant, since we do not tend to buy a large number of saloons, and even fewer with estate bodywork, but in the local market the sales figures should be quite good.

We are not going to dwell too much on the design of the Class E Estate. On the exterior, the entire front end is identical to that of its saloon sibling. The changes, as is logical, come at the rear. The roof surface is increased by stretching longitudinally and then drops almost vertically.

The light clusters have a modified appearance, as does the entire rear, as the smooth silhouette lines of the saloon are replaced by a much more pronounced drop to achieve high load capacity. The rear overhang has also gained several centimetres. Even so, it does not look like a hearse as those estate saloons of a few years ago did. Both the tailgate drop, which is no longer as abrupt, and the shape of the rear windows, which give a visual impression that the drop is much gentler than it actually is, make these vehicles appealing to anyone who genuinely needs space.

Boot

It gains 130 litres of load volume compared to the saloon. And since the boot is the most important part of any estate vehicle, let’s get to it. In the normal position, with the rear seats in use, the load capacity reaches 670 litres. If for any reason we need more space in specific situations, we can fold down the second row of seats (in a 40:20:40 split) and the load volume will grow, reaching 1,820 litres.

The good thing is not its greater load space compared to the saloon, which is 130 litres more, but the ease of loading, unloading and making use of the space, which is one of the main drawbacks of four-door vehicles. In addition, the loading lip is flush with the floor, as are the rear seats when folded.

The interior design is identical to that of the Class E saloon, as is its equipment. Therefore, it also incorporates all the technologies seen in the four-door, such as the large instrument cluster and central console screens, or the latest driver assistance systems that already feel close to autonomous driving.

Engines

There are no mechanical novelties. The diesel range consists of the 200d, 220d and 350d engines with 150, 194 and 258 hp respectively. In petrol there are a total of four versions: 200, 250, 400 4MATIC and 43 4MATIC. Their outputs range from the 184 CV of the E 200 up to the 400 CV of the E43.

For the moment, Mercedes-Benz has not disclosed the prices of this family saloon.

Source | Mercedes-Benz