Mercedez Benz News Revealed! 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic Wagon

[William Maley]

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It may seem odd for an automaker to launch a new wagon in the U.S. considering how crazy we are for crossovers. But Mercedes-Benz knows there is a small subset of luxury buyers who prefer the looks and practicality of a wagon. For those, Mercedes has announced a new E-Class wagon.

 

The 2017 E-Class wagon takes the shape found on the sedan and adds a longer roof and rear tailgate. Using the same 115.7-inch wheelbase as the sedan, the wagon will offer more interior space. As to how much, Mercedes doesn't provide that information. But considering the current wagon offers 57.4 cubic feet of cargo space, we expect it to be about the same or slightly more.

 

Like the current E-Class wagon, Mercedes-Benz will only offer the 2017 model in one configuration: A Biturbo 3.0L V6 with 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque (known as the E400). This will come paired with a nine-speed automatic and 4Matic all-wheel drive.

 

The interior is handsome with high-quality materials and a design that is reminiscent of the S-Class. There is seating for seven thanks to a rear-facing third row (best reserved for small kids).

 

Mercedes says the 2017 E400 wagon will arrive in the U.S. early next year. Pricing will be announced at a later time.

 

Source: Mercedes-Benz

 

 

Press Release is on Page 2

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2017 E-Class Wagon: Peerless in German Luxury

• The all-new MY2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon is expected to be on sale at U.S. dealers by early 2017:
  

June 06, 2016 - Stuttgart.

 

Innovative engineering and a compelling conception of space make it the most intelligent wagon that Mercedes-Benz has ever built.

 

In terms of the space, the all-new model year 2017 E400 Wagon will launch by early 2017 and will continue to be the only German luxury wagon available in its segment. Its cargo volume and, in spite of a much sportier roof line, headroom and elbowroom in the rear are best in class. The E400 Wagon will once again will offer a third row folding bench seat as standard equipment in the USA.

 

"The new Wagon is as dynamic as the Mercedes-Benz brand and as spacious as our customers expect. Intelligent features such as the cargo position for the rear seat backrest with its 40:20:40 split as standard allow even better use to be made of the generous load-carrying capacity," says Ola Källenius, member of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. "And what is more, the Wagon obviously has all the innovations of the new E-Class – the most intelligent executive sedan in the world."

 

For the market launch in the USA, the new E400 4MATIC Wagon will be available with a six-cylinder Biturbo engine that generates 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The E400 4MATIC Wagon is equipped as standard with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.

 

Intelligent load compartment: large, versatile and easy to access

 

The E-Class Wagon's load compartment is one of the biggest in the segment globally. As standard, the rear bench seat has new cargo-related functionality: it is possible to position the backrest at an approximately 10-degree steeper angle, creating an additional space for cargo while continuing to enable full use to be made of five seats.

 

As with the all-new MY2017 E-Class sedan, the rear seat backrest folds down in a 40:20:40 split as standard, opening up plenty of potential configurations between transport capacity and seats. To release the backrests, there are electric switches located in the load compartment and to the right and left next to the backrests.

 

Developers paid particular attention to practical dimensions and innovative management of the load space. With a minimum load compartment width between the wheel arches of 43.3 inches, it was possible to retain the preceding model's already-impressive measurements. The proven combined cargo cover and net is back, offering both security from prying eyes and safety. Thanks to an electric motor, the load compartment cover moves upwards automatically when the tailgate is opened.

 

The EASY-PACK tailgate provided as part of the standard equipment can be opened and closed very easily at the touch of a button for comfortable loading and unloading. Operation is electromechanical. To prevent the tailgate making contact with the garage roof, for example, it can be halted in any position.

 

Optional KEYLESS-GO with HANDS-FREE ACCESS makes loading cargo even more convenient: to open the trunk, all that is required is to make a kicking motion with one's foot underneath the rear bumper and the trunk lid will be opened and closed automatically.

 

A self-levelling rear air suspension continues to be equipped as standard. This ensures that the Wagon remains level, even when fully loaded with cargo or when towing. With AIR BODY CONTROL, all-round air suspension is available as an option.

 

Exterior design: dynamic proportions, powerful-looking at the rear

 

The new E-Class Wagon appears modern, confidently stylish and dynamic, and looks like the E-Class Sedan through to the B-pillar. From the long hood, a silhouette emerges that flows across the long roof with its sporty curve into the powerful rear of the wagon with its steeply tapering rear window. Short overhangs, a long wheelbase and large wheels make for dynamic proportions. In conjunction with the high beltline, the low, stretched side windows make the vehicle seem longer. Flowing into the greenhouse, the sidewall's positively exaggerated lines extend powerfully towards the rear. Completing the exterior form, the rear has broad shoulders over the rear wheel arches for a sensual look. A roof spoiler with a third brake light (LED) defines how high the broad, functional tailgate can open. From a visual perspective, horizontal lines at the tail end and the rear window both emphasize width, as do the horizontally aligned, two-piece LED tail lights with integral chrome trim. Complementing the form, LED reflectors underscore the vehicle's character by creating a design highlight by day and night. On the tailgate, the wide, chrome-plated handle acts as the visual centerpiece.

 

As on the Sedan, the powerful front will vary depending on the chosen design and equipment line. The Luxury model features the classic Mercedes radiator grille with the star on the hood, and the Sport model can be recognized by the central star on the sports radiator grille. Each variant of radiator grille gives the E-Class a distinctive character, be that elegant or sporty.

 

Interior design: a synthesis of emotion and intelligence

 

Inside, too, the Wagon utilizes the Sedan's award-winning design. The instrument panel can be adorned with two optional wide, high-resolution displays, each with a 12.3-inch screen. Located under a shared glass cover, they merge to form a widescreen cockpit. The driver may configure the fully digital display to show the information and views that are relevant for them. There are three different styles to choose from: "Classic," "Sport" and "Progressive." Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel allow the instrument cluster and multimedia system to be controlled at the swipe of a finger and have made their debut in the new E-Class.

 

Further controls are provided in the form of a touchpad with controller in the center console, which can also recognize handwriting, plus the voice- operated control system. There are also direct-access buttons for controlling the air conditioning and for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driving assistance systems.

 

High-quality materials define the interior style. They include natural grain wood, and wood in a yachting look with flowing lines as a contemporary interpretation of inlaid wood. The use of authentic materials is continued in the optionally leather-covered doors and the beltline. Another Mercedes hallmark is the high-quality look and feel created by meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. Just as carefully composed is the material and color concept with various shades of brown, including attractive color combinations such as macchiato beige/espresso brown or macchiato beige/saddle brown. The design and equipment lines include enhanced ambient lighting featuring 64 colors, offering plenty of opportunities for personalized adjustment.

 

When it comes to the seats, their ergonomic, sculptural form combines Mercedes-Benz's hallmark suitability for long journeys with a refined, sporty look, featuring a unique design for each line. Other new features in this segment are Warmth and Comfort package, which includes heated steering wheel, heated armrests in the doors and on the center console, and the quickly responding heated front seats Plus.

 

Relieved of much noise and vibration: one of the quietest wagons

 

In the interior, the new E-Class Wagon is one of the quietest vehicles in its class – even though an wagon is at a disadvantage by design compared to a sedan due to the large resonating body. Quiet running and low vibration make a significant contribution to the level of energizing comfort, particularly on long journeys.

 

A whole raft of measures help to reduce vibrations and noise. As on a cabriolet, struts strengthen the main floor and front end of the body shell. For that reason, the vehicle body is very rigid and transmits less noise.

 

Special insulation on the bodywork (including on the bulkhead, sidewalls and main floor), as well as sound absorbers under the rear seats and on the wheel arches, keep noise out of the vehicle interior. The kinematic design of the chassis, axles and steering system reduces disturbances that can be caused by road surfaces, the wheels being out-of-balance or when braking. Engine and transmission mounts have also been optimized in terms of noise levels.

 

Various aeroacoustic measures have been taken. These include sealed door handles, seals on the door joints and optimizing details associated with the geometry of the sealing sections for the side windows. Improvements have also been made to the formed parts for the inside sealing rails so that these are connected to the window run channel without any gaps by positive locking. As on the E-Class Sedan, the exterior mirrors and A-pillar have been optimized in terms of aeroacoustics. The roof structure and the tilt/sliding sunroof module have been aeroacoustically improved to benefit noise comfort in these areas too. In the case of the panoramic sliding sunroof, multiple wind-deflection measures (wind deflector, covers and seals with the appropriate geometry) ensure the same high level of noise comfort as in the preceding model, despite the larger aperture.

 

The Acoustic & Comfort package is available for US customers on both the sedan and wagon models. A special acoustic film in the windscreen and side windows ensures low levels of background noise in the vehicle interior. The Acoustic Comfort package contains further sound- insulating measures such as additional insulation in the rear footwell and on the center tunnel. To provide excellent heat insulation in the interior, the windscreen, side windows and rear windows are made of laminated safety glass with another layer of film that absorbs infrared. Surfaces in the interior like the armrests, steering wheel and seats get less hot from solar radiation as a result.

 

Intelligent Drive: all the E-Class innovations are on-board

 

As the most intelligent executive sedan, the E-Class sets new benchmarks in terms of safety, comfort and reducing the driver's workload. These innovations are, of course, also available on the wagon. Active Brake Assist is fitted as standard. It is able to warn the driver of impending collisions, provide optimum support with emergency braking and, if necessary, also autonomously apply the brakes. In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can also detect pedestrians crossing the danger zone ahead of the vehicle.

 

Other highlights include DRIVE PILOT: this system represents Mercedes- Benz's next step along the road to autonomous driving. Distance Pilot DISTRONIC is not only able to automatically keep the car the correct distance behind vehicles in front on all types of road, it can also follow them at a speed of up to 130 mph.

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[Suaviloquent]

Well, the greenshouse reminds me of the R-class, not in a good way. And then the rear-end is the GLC rear squished vertically and then slapped on. The front end, well, it is an E-Class variant after all.

 

However, the available interior for the most part looks stand-out, except why the hell is there shiny black plastic on the centre console trim? First, it looks out of place, just doesn't mesh well and second, it reminds me of Cadillac - and I don't like it there either, but they've reduced it a lot. I think it's a decent detractor to the otherwise very well done but obviously Designo or other high trim option interior shown in the press images. I think they should have, like the C-Class placed more wood trim in that section instead.

 

However, it looks the way it looks, because that's the way all current Mercedes models look. Which is the formula used unrelentingly by every luxury brand these days.

[G. David Felt]

Station wagon it is, bland exterior design, agree with Sauv on the squashed pasted on butt from the GLC. Over all not an inspiration to own.

 

Love the big interior that is always found on station wagons. What the hell is the lines for in what looks like plastic but I guess will be stated as wood trim on the dash and doors. I also agree with the plastic on the center stack. In today's market, they need to do much better than equal to the competition.

 

This will sell to the MB badge faithful but to me is just been there before with a dated look of inside and outside. Nothing exciting and new.

[smk4565]

I actually like the back end styling, my guess is they wanted it to look a bit like their crossovers because crossovers are hot.   The rear seat legroom looks huge, and this car does seat 7.  I don't like the shiny black plastic stuff on the dash either, I don't like it in any car.  It seems from the pictures that piece below the HVAC controls is the piano black regardless of what kind of wood trim or carbon fiber or aluminum trim you get.  Minor annoyance on an otherwise fancy looking interior.

 

This is one of the last of a dying breed, hard to find a luxury wagon or station wagon in general.  The Subaru Outback, Audi Allrood and Volvo CrossCountry are all lifted wagons trying to be like a crossover.  E-class wagon buyers have a really high income, I think even higher than S-class buyers, so that helps keep this car around.  There is faithful group with a lot of money willing to pay for it.

[Drew Dowdell]

The closest thing I can get to a Roadmaster Estate these days,  I suppose it will have to do. 

[smk4565]

Drew, you should get one.  Smooth riding Air Matic suspension, plenty of room for hauling things.  Unique too, the wagon is only a fraction of E-class sales.

[surreal1272]

I like that Benz is willing to put out a wagon but the overall exterior design is just lacking to me, especially the profile and the rear three quarters. The interior looks good but it should in this price range.

If I could take the interior of the E Class and put it inside my Magnum, then I'd be perfectly happy with that (save for the shiny black plastic in there).

[G. David Felt]

Cadillac could have kept a station wagon going if they just had given it more room inside rather than giving it the shape of a station wagon but the room of a 4 door sedan.

[Suaviloquent]

There are some segments truly worth not chasing. Mercedes has this vehicle here because they're probably special order only.

[surreal1272]

There are some segments truly worth not chasing. Mercedes has this vehicle here because they're probably special order only.

I 100% disagree because the same thing was said years ago when CUVs entered the fray. No one would dare trade their real SUV for a glorified tall wagon (which is what they are) they said. Putting a wagon out is a risk for sure, but a risk worth taking. After eight years with my Magnum, I can personally attest to the versatility that equaled just about every CUV out there, save for it being RWD only (obviously AWD was available on them). The only reason for most folks choose a CUV is ride height. Folks that say that wagons are "blah" and spread around the stigma that has plagued wagons, should take a good look at the CUVs out there that are nothing more than tall wagons. If my Magnum had the current interior of today's Charger, there would not be one car I'd take above it, save for a CTS-V wagon.

Just my two cents.

[Suaviloquent]

Well it's not a permanent kind of deal. 

 

But right now...wagons aren't even being considered for Europe...because estate sales are evaporating towards you guessed it...Crossovers.

 

Not only that...the Ford Mondeo and the Passat Estate variants are being pushed upmarket to try to be a value play against German Wagons. Even Jaguar is reconsidering their wagon strategy.

 

Then there's the Subaru Outback. The funny thing is, it's as tall as the new Sorento, longer...but it's raised ride height, sloped rear hatch, lack of third row...fools us into thinking it's a wagon-esque vehicle...which Audi had their Alltracks that are very similar, but smaller.

 

If wagons are to make a comeback, they are not going to return as we imagine them. They will become more impractical actually or more stylized or like this Mercedes - a heritage kind of deal.. with oddly enough crossover styling cues to hint at the familial sense of practicality.. and with no emerging demographic proof...as in millennials deciding to want them. 

 

And Mercedes is one of the few, along with Volvo to market wagons (which are also sacrificing function over form...) it sets up too many premium connotations.

 

And then some sedans are becoming just something different. Look at the incoming Model 3. I looks like a mishmash of the Model S and Model X. But you don't end up with a wagon...or a hatchback. You get a tall mail-slot style trunk.

 

I'd consider a Chevy Bolt a wagon, because it isn't a compact hatch or a crossover. Yeah.

[smk4565]

Wagons and hatchbacks are a useful body style, more cargo space, but the handling and performance of a car.  In that regard they make a lot of sense, but consumers just don't seem to buy much of either body style.  In theory, they are better than crossovers, an E-class wagon would get better gas mileage, handle better and be faster than a GLE suv, the E-class wagon probably has as much or more cargo and passenger space.  Yet consumers want the crossover.

[oldshurst442]

If I was into hatches, 3rd/4rth gen F-Bodies and Vettes aside, and knowing I coudnt cruise the vistas in an Oldsmobile anymore, Id go this route myself.

 

PS:

The only "Estate" branding I like comes from Chevrolet.

1971 Kingswood Estate

Edited June 8, 2016 by oldshurst442

[Suaviloquent]

I know the Bolt does not look anything like a wagon....

 

But....There's nothing else I can classify it as.

 

Also...I'm not trying to stress that is this one....but even the writer of the article at this link says you can call it a small station wagon-esqe vehicle.

 

http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/tesla-model-3-vs-chevy-bolt-ev-5-key-differences.html/?a=viewall

[Drew Dowdell]

I know the Bolt does not look anything like a wagon....

 

But....There's nothing else I can classify it as.

 

Also...I'm not trying to stress that is this one....but even the writer of the article at this link says you can call it a small station wagon-esqe vehicle.

 

http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/tesla-model-3-vs-chevy-bolt-ev-5-key-differences.html/?a=viewall

 

The Bolt is a hatchback.

[Suaviloquent]

 

I know...and I respect your opinions, but to me the Bolt is a wagon. A great wagon tho. But not in the traditional sense. Too tall to be a traditional hatch like Focus, Elantra, Cruze, Mazda 3 hatches... too car-like small to be a crossover...too big to be a compact car...reasonable cargo space, buttoned down like a sedan....it's a wagon in the new sense, and some somewhere, like the writer of the article kinda can agree, but not the dictionary definition!!!

 

 

 

 

Besides...all wagons have a hatch...in a back...junk in the trump  therefore are hatchback'd. But not hatchbacks.

 

 

[surreal1272]

I don't care what a writer says. The Bolt is a hatch in every sense of the word.

[Drew Dowdell]

 

I know...and I respect your opinions, but to me the Bolt is a wagon. A great wagon tho. But not in the traditional sense. Too tall to be a traditional hatch like Focus, Elantra, Cruze, Mazda 3 hatches... too car-like small to be a crossover...too big to be a compact car...reasonable cargo space, buttoned down like a sedan....it's a wagon in the new sense, and some somewhere, like the writer of the article kinda can agree, but not the dictionary definition!!!

 

 

 

 

Besides...all wagons have a hatch...in a back...junk in the trump  therefore are hatchback'd. But not hatchbacks.

 

 

 

No... hatchbacks and wagons have two different definitions.   That's why VW makes a Golf hatchback and a Golf Wagon. 

 

 

 

A wagon is a sedan length car with the roof extended back to the rear.  A hatchback is a sedan with most of the trunk chopped off. The angle of the rear glass has little to do with the definition either way. There are wagons with sharply sloped rear glass and there are hatches with vertical rear glass and vice versa. 

[surreal1272]

 

 

I know...and I respect your opinions, but to me the Bolt is a wagon. A great wagon tho. But not in the traditional sense. Too tall to be a traditional hatch like Focus, Elantra, Cruze, Mazda 3 hatches... too car-like small to be a crossover...too big to be a compact car...reasonable cargo space, buttoned down like a sedan....it's a wagon in the new sense, and some somewhere, like the writer of the article kinda can agree, but not the dictionary definition!!!

 

 

 

 

Besides...all wagons have a hatch...in a back...junk in the trump  therefore are hatchback'd. But not hatchbacks.

 

 

 

No... hatchbacks and wagons have two different definitions.   That's why VW makes a Golf hatchback and a Golf Wagon. 

 

2014-volkswagen-golf-wagon-side.jpg

2015-volkswagen-golf-gti-side-view.jpg

 

 

A wagon is a sedan length car with the roof extended back to the rear.  A hatchback is a sedan with most of the trunk chopped off. The angle of the rear glass has little to do with the definition either way. There are wagons with sharply sloped rear glass and there are hatches with vertical rear glass and vice versa. 

 

Exactly. Don't know why some have to create some imaginary scenario in order to split hairs over something that doesn't require hair splitting. There are obvious differences between a hatchback and a wagon. Thanks for pointing that out Drew.

[cp-the-nerd]

This Benz looks like the reason America switched to crossovers. *YAAAAWWWNN*

[Robert Hall]

 

 

 

I know...and I respect your opinions, but to me the Bolt is a wagon. A great wagon tho. But not in the traditional sense. Too tall to be a traditional hatch like Focus, Elantra, Cruze, Mazda 3 hatches... too car-like small to be a crossover...too big to be a compact car...reasonable cargo space, buttoned down like a sedan....it's a wagon in the new sense, and some somewhere, like the writer of the article kinda can agree, but not the dictionary definition!!!

 

 

 

 

Besides...all wagons have a hatch...in a back...junk in the trump  therefore are hatchback'd. But not hatchbacks.

 

 

 

No... hatchbacks and wagons have two different definitions.   That's why VW makes a Golf hatchback and a Golf Wagon. 

 

2014-volkswagen-golf-wagon-side.jpg

2015-volkswagen-golf-gti-side-view.jpg

 

 

A wagon is a sedan length car with the roof extended back to the rear.  A hatchback is a sedan with most of the trunk chopped off. The angle of the rear glass has little to do with the definition either way. There are wagons with sharply sloped rear glass and there are hatches with vertical rear glass and vice versa. 

 

Exactly. Don't know why some have to create some imaginary scenario in order to split hairs over something that doesn't require hair splitting. There are obvious differences between a hatchback and a wagon. Thanks for pointing that out Drew.

 

..and a wagon almost always has a rear quarter window...can't think of any right off that don't have one.  Hatchbacks may or may not have one (like the Golf doesn't have one, but the Focus does).