Mercedez Benz News Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain Could Be Arriving In the U.S.

[William Maley]

Mercedes-Benz will be launching the E-Class All-Terrain wagon in Europe to take on the likes of the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country. But Mercedes might bring the All-Terrain to the U.S.

"We're still debating that and thinking about it. It's a very, very exciting vehicle, and we're taking a look at overall production, volumes that we have to have and business case and so on. So we'll see. Decision not finally made," said Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Dietmar Exler.

Mercedes already announced that the regular E-Class wagon would be coming to the U.S. early next year, so trying to build up a case for bringing the All-Terrain becomes slightly easier. Also, a number of automakers that still sell wagons in the U.S. make them somewhat capable off-road to take advantage of the current SUV/Crossover craze.

If Mercedes' U.S. office is able to make a case, Exler said it could arrive as early as next year.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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[G. David Felt]

This All Terrain wagon could do very well if it is butch enough. They need to give it enough look and capability to make it rock to those that want the wagon over CUV / SUV look.

[smk4565]

The question is does the current E-class buyer base want this, or do they want a regular E-class wagon.  I don't know if a $70k wagon is going to steal a lot of crossover sales, there aren't a lot of crossovers in that price point, and it is a small market.  E-class wagon buyers are one of Mercedes most affluent customers though, so they'll want to keep those people happy.

[G. David Felt]

It is a luxury brand, so these affluent folks should not have a problem paying the price if they are wanting a luxury off road capable driving machine.