Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain gazumps Estate
First crossover version will be the only new E-Class Estate available, but will buyers pay $20K extra?Mercedes-Benz has announced a $109,900 price tag (plus on-road costs) for the all-new E 220d All-Terrain in Australia, where it will become the only E-Class Estate available, from June.
That makes the diesel-only E-Class crossover wagon $17,000 more expensive than the E 220d sedan ($92,900 plus ORCs) on which it's based, and almost $20,000 pricier than the high-riding GLE 250d SUV ($89,455 plus ORCs).
Australia's love affair with SUVs is the major reason for the declining popularity of traditional passenger wagons including the E-Class Estate, which will be a direct rival for Audi's A6 3.0 TDI allroad ($112,855 plus ORCs).
Apart from the same 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as the GLE and new E 43 AMG sedan, the E 220d All-Terrain will come standard with AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension.
It rides 15mm higher than the comparable E-Class wagon and can raise the body a further 20mm at speeds of up to 35km/h.
There's also a five-mode DYNAMIC SELECT drive system, including a specific, GLE-derived off-road transmission and traction/stability control mode, which is accompanied by a display showing steering angle, vehicle height, slope angle, inclination angle, accelerator/brake position and a compass.
Combined with higher-profile 20-inch tyres and five twin-spoke alloy wheels that raise the ride height a further 14mm, the All-Terrain is 29mm higher than the E-Class Estate.
"The even more comfortable suspension configuration and the large wheels with higher sidewalls noticeably further increase ride comfort on rough roads compared with the E-Class," says Benz.
Other standard features will include underbody protection, roof rails, leather upholstery, Driver Assistance Package PLUS, KEYLESS-GO with hands-free access, ECO start-stop feature and LED MULTIBEAM headlights.
Cosmetically, the All-Terrain is distinguished by a twin-louvre grille and unique front bumper with silver-chrome insert and black plastic lower section, which continues around the wheel-arches to the side skirts and rear bumper.
Inside, the E 220d 4MATIC All-Terrain AVANTGARDE adds stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and floor mats with All-Terrain lettering.
Power comes courtesy of the same new 143kW/400Nm 1950cc four-cylinder diesel engine (and new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission) as seen in the E 220d sedan – not the GLE's older 2.1-litre turbo-diesel.
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