The only wagon variant that will be sold in the U.S. is the E350 4Matic, which comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 268 horsepower. It also has a suspension with adaptive damping and stiffer shock absorber settings, allowing it to be as agile as the sedan despite the slightly bigger body. The self-leveling rear suspension feature makes sure the rear end is at a static height regardless of what kind of heavy cargo is weighing down the back.
Its distinct look comes thanks to a muscular front end and blacked-out B- and C-pillars that make the windows flow together as one. The hatch is emphasized by two-piece LED taillights that curve around the rear quarters of the vehicle. Dimension-wise, the car is an inch longer, a couple of inches slimmer and slightly taller than the standard 2010 E550 sedan.
For the first time in the U.S., the E-Class wagon will be available in a Sport configuration with a three-slat chrome grille, twin exhaust pipes, perforated front brake discs with painted calipers, paddle shifters and 17-inch alloys. An AMG package can be added that includes 18-inch wheels and a three-spoke steering wheel.
The Benz also gets a minimum of nine airbags. Other safety features include the Attention Assist drowsiness detection system and the optional Distronic Plus with PreSafe feature, which will initiate partial or even full braking in an emergency.
The E350 4Matic hits U.S. dealerships in June 2010, and, as mentioned above, is available in Sport trim with standard 4Matic AWD.
Inside Line says: The E-Class wagon has the same stunning good looks as its predecessors. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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4maticbenz says:
07:42 PM, 01/02/2010
@thefullmonty, poor quality? Have you gotten the chance to sample or even sit in a 2010 E-class model? Or better yet, have read a single review featuring the redesigned E-class? The interior/exterior build quality is solid as a stone, the cabin's fit and finish in flawless, and overall the E-class is one of the top quality sedans in its class. Dont confuse this new and improved Benz with the Benz's of yesteryear.
Im a little disappointed that we are only getting one engine and powertrain option,(seriously; no E320 BLUTEC wagon?) but then again i am so thrilled we are still getting the fabulous E-wagon over here! (despite last years wagon's abyssmal sales numbers). We're very interested in sampling the new wagon soon, and if it impresses our family as much as the sedan we just tested, i can garuntee we'll be proud owners of the very respectable E-class wagon. Handsome design, safety, comfort and practicality arent blended better on any car than this new E-class wagon.
thefullmonty says:
08:48 PM, 11/12/2009
Now THAT is the wagon I've been WAITING for someone to build. Too bad it's an over-priced Mercedes (poor quality). An Asian-made model with that styling would've had me doing a happy-dance!