Mercedes E-Class estate
New E-Class load-lugger has largest boot and best safety in class.
Meet the latest addition to theE-Class club. These are the first official images of Mercedes’ all-new,fifth-generation estate, which will join the saloon and coupé at the headof the family, when it debuts in Frankfurt.
The angular front, featuring distinctive twin lights, is lifted straight from the saloon. Butthe estate really makes its mark with blacked-out pillars, creating theimpression it has a huge side window. Large LED rear clusters wrappedaround the tailgate give a unique look from the back.
The bigMercedes has a massive 1,950-litre load area with the rear bench folded– around 300 litres more than in the BMW 5-Series Touring or Audi A6Avant. Cutting-edge technology includes the PRE-SAFE auto brakefunction, a drowsiness detection system and nine airbags as standard,making the E-Class wagon one of the safest cars on the road.
Slightlystiffer shock absorbers are fitted over the saloon, to compensate forthe extra weight, but with air-suspension and self-levelling rearsprings as standard, the Mercedes will deliver its trademarkcombination of ride comfort and competent handling – even when fullyloaded.
Eight engine variants will be offered when the car goeson sale in early 2010: three diesels ranging from the 168bhp, 48.7mpg220 CDI to the 228bhp 350 CDI, and five petrols topped off by themighty 525bhp E63 AMG. There’s no word yet on price, but expect to payaround a £3,000 premium over the saloon
