Mercedes E-Class wagon unveiled

Mercedes-Benz's all-new E-Class sedan and coupe have only just landed in Australian showrooms, but the three-pointed star has already released the first official images and details of the wagon variant, which lands here late next year.

The five-door carries over the sharply chiselled styling of the sedan and, in keeping with its predecessor, will reportedly offer the largest load-lugging capacity of any wagon in its class.

As per its sedan sibling, the new E wagon has grown vis-à-vis its forerunner, measuring 4895mm long and 1854mm wide (versus 4850mm and 1822mm respectively for the outgoing model).

However, the newcomer gains a squatter, more rakish stance thanks to a 35mm lower roofline.

Mercedes boasts of greater rear-seat head, leg and shoulder space, while folding down the rear pews yields a cavernous 1950-litre luggage bay. International-spec models will also be available with a pair of foldaway rear seats (making for seven-seat capacity) that fold into the floor when not required.

Local spec/engine combos are yet to be announced, but expect the wagon to be offered with the existing E 350 V6 and E 500 V8 powertrains, and possibly the four-cylinder turbodiesel (E 220 CDI and E250 CDI) and petrol (E 250 CGI) models, plus the E 350 CDI diesel V6.

Practical features include Merc's EasyPack system, which includes a hydraulically controlled loading floor that, at the push of a button, moves towards the rear of the vehicle, making it easier to load and unload heavy objects.

New safety tech includes rear-seat 'self-adaptive belt force limiters' that self-adjust to best suit the weight and height of the passenger.

Overseas-spec models will also be offered with lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes and tyre wear.

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