SPY PICS: Next Mercedes-Benz E-Class spotted

The next-generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been spied testing in Europe for the first time.

Due to arrive in showrooms globally within the next two years, the new model will likely be Mercedes’ last-ever E-Class offered with internal combustion engines, as the car-maker commits to a full-electric line-up by 2030 “where market conditions” allow.

Visually, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class looks set to adopt a sportier profile than in the past, with a raked roofline and possibly shorter overhangs on this heavily-camouflaged test mule.

With persistent speculation that Mercedes is set to axe CLS-Class, GT four-door, coupe and cabriolet models, it is possible designers were given more creative licence with the shape of the new E-Class sedan.

Underneath, the E-Class is set to ride on an updated version of the Mercedes’ MRA rear-drive architecture – the same that underpins the S-Class and C-Class.

Wrought from a higher mix of aluminium, the updated platform promises weight savings and excellent rigidity courtesy of advanced manufacturing techniques.

Little is known about next-generation powertrains at this stage, though Mercedes-Benz is expected to continue with a familiar mix of petrol and petrol-electric hybrid variants, following its decision to axe diesel versions with the current generation.

Those powertrains are expected to include the highly-fettled new Mercedes-AMG E 63 S, which is poised to adopt the V8-based plug-in hybrid powertrain that debuted on the scintillating 620kW/1400Nm GT 63 S E Performance four-door coupe in September.

The company has promised to build an EV version of every vehicle is sells by 2025, and the forthcoming and current-generation Mercedes-Benz EQE due here in 2022 is evidence of that.

An E-Class wagon is also expected to feature in the mix of the new generation, both in regular and raised All-Terrain forms.

The current-generation E-Class launched globally in 2017, before a facelifted version lobbed last year.