Introduction
Perhaps feeling a bit of pressure from the introduction of the redesigned
2017 Volvo V90 wagon,
Mercedes-Benz emphasizes that its all-new 2017 E-Class Wagon will continue to be the only German luxury wagon and will supply best-in-class cargo and rear-seat headroom and elbow room.
The new E-Class Wagon goes on sale in early 2017 and is offered in Luxury and Sport appearance lines.
Exterior Features
Sharing its body work with the E-Class Sedan forward of the roof’s B-pillar, the E-Class Wagon boasts “short overhangs, a long wheelbase, and large wheels…for dynamic proportions,” according to Mercedes-Benz.
An Easy Pack liftgate powers open with the touch of a button and can be programmed to prevent contact with low roofs. An optional hands-free access system powers the liftgate open when the owner waves his or her foot beneath the rear bumper.
Interior Features
Mercedes promises that the new E-Class Wagon will be one of the quietest vehicles in its class. To reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), the structure receives stiffening similar to the approach taken with convertibles. Unique insulation and sound-absorbing materials are also used, along with special attention to effectively sealing apertures.
Many E-Class wagons will have the automaker’s widescreen instrumentation and infotainment displays (detailed below). No matter how the car is outfitted, Mercedes-Benz says it will provide “direct-access buttons” for the air conditioning and “for convenient activation” of certain driving-assistance systems, implying perhaps that the widescreen technology is not quite as convenient to use as traditional switchgear.
A 40/20/40 split-folding second-row seat is standard equipment, featuring an adjustable backrest to help make more room for cargo while still carrying 5 people. A forward-facing third-row seat is standard, bringing passenger capacity to 7.
Mercedes also reports that it will continue to offer a combined cargo cover and cargo net for the E-Class Wagon as standard equipment.
Optional Features
In addition to technologies described below, the E-Class Wagon will be offered with ambient interior lighting and an extended leather treatment. Presumably, the company’s MB-Tex leatherette will be standard fitment, making leather an option as well.
Mercedes-Benz initially detailed only two option packages for the E-Class Wagon, though certainly more will be available when the car goes on sale.
The Warmth and Comfort package adds a heated steering wheel, more effective heated front seats, and heated front door and center console armrests. The Acoustic and Comfort package adds acoustic film to windshield and side glass, plus additional sound-insulation measures.
Under the Hood
A twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivers 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque in the E400 4Matic Wagon, sending the power to all four of the car’s wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. A self-leveling rear air suspension is standard, and buyers can upgrade to an Air Body Control 4-corner air suspension.
Safety
Numerous standard and available safety systems will be offered for the 2017 E-Class Wagon, but the company confirmed only that it will supply Active Brake Assist technology as standard equipment. It includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, brake support and, if the driver takes to action, automatic emergency braking.
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TechnologyAs an option, E-Class Wagon buyers can specify dual 12.3-in. display screens for a widescreen dashboard appearance. One is used to convey instrumentation while the other is used for operating the infotainment system.
With this upgrade, owners select between Classic, Sport, and Progressive display themes. Touch Control operation allows the driver to use both displays using controls on the steering wheel. Alternatively, a voice-recognition system is onboard, as well as a Comand controller on the center console replete with a handwriting-recognition touch pad.
Mercedes-Benz confirms that its Drive Pilot semi-autonomous driving system will be available for the E-Class Wagon. It includes a Distance Pilot system that allows the car to automatically manage following distance to vehicles ahead at speeds up to 130 mph.
Look for more details to be available for the 2017 Mercedes E-Class Wagon closer to the car’s arrival in showrooms.
