Even before the start of the sedan, the new E-Class is now also being presented as a station wagon. The so-called station wagon will come onto the market in autumn with conventional engines and plug-in hybrids. It will probably be the brand’s last large station wagon – with extra storage space and comfort.
The second body variant of the business class model corresponds in the front area to the four-door model already presented in the spring. However, the rear end is not a notchback, but a classic, albeit aerodynamically optimized station wagon with a loading volume of 615 liters (plug-in hybrid: 460 liters). If the rear seat backrests are folded down, 1830 liters (1675 liters) are available – in both cases this is more than in the predecessor presented in 2016. So that the space can be used well, there is an electric tailgate and standard air suspension for the rear axle for level control. There are also nets, rails and a double loading floor. If the on-board storage space is not sufficient, the station wagon can, like its predecessor, take up to 2100 kilograms on the hook. Many digital options software is running. This offers numerous new functions – from practical ones, such as the option of using the iPhone as a digital key, to more playful ones, such as sound visualization, which adjusts the interior lighting to the rhythm of the music from the on-board sound system. In addition, more third-party apps can now be used on the system, including games like Angry Bird and social media like Tiktok, as well as tools for video conferencing. The Mercedes goes online in most markets using a fast 5G modem. When it comes to the drive options, the station wagon, like the sedan, does without purely electric variants. These are outsourced to the sister model EQE, which is not available as a station wagon. If you want to be emission-free with a large cargo space, you will have to make do with one of the prospectively at least three plug-in hybrids. To start with, there is the E 300e variant with 312 hp and around 100 kilometers of electric range. Alternatively, two mildly hybridized 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines are available: a petrol engine with 204 hp and a 197 hp diesel. Further variants as well as a six-cylinder in-line engine as a diesel and petrol engine will follow. In all cases, the power transmission is handled by a nine-speed automatic. The Mercedes E-Class is available as a sedan in the summer, with the station wagon traditionally following a few weeks later. For 2024, the slightly higher T-model version All-Terrain is on the program. The two AMG derivatives E 53 and E 63 will also follow in the coming year and complete the series. In the long term, however, the future of the station wagon is at least uncertain – Mercedes wants to concentrate on luxurious sedans and SUVs in the future; the T-models popular with master craftsmen no longer seem to fit into the concept and are on the cross-off list. So if you still want a big station wagon with a star, you have to get hold of it in the next six to eight years. (SPX)
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