Spy Shot
Exclusive Video and Spy Photos: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Gets a New Look for 2010
Despite an appearance that presently reminds us of an armored car, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in our latest spy video is the real deal underneath its disguise. A revolutionary design is not in the works, but there are enough small changes to give this luxury sedan an updated look without alienating customers who like traditional Mercedes-Benz styling.
Up front, the oval headlights of the current model will be replaced with rectangular-shape lenses that will give the E-Class a more aggressive look. It might take some getting used to, but we think it's the right direction, as the current model was starting to lose its edge. The shape of the grille doesn't appear to have changed, however, and most of the other details of the front fascia look pretty standard.
Looking further back, the greenhouse appears relatively unchanged and the wheelbase isn't significantly longer either. Bolt-on taillights hide the true shape and style of the production units, but we don't expect anything groundbreaking there, either.
Under the hood, the new E-Class will get a familiar range of engine sizes. Despite the recent breakup of Chrysler and Daimler-Benz, we're still expecting base E-Class models to get a version of Chrysler's upcoming 4.0-liter Phoenix V6. Given that the current Mercedes V6 has 268 horsepower, the new 4.0-liter should top 300 hp, if not more.
An upgraded version of the Mercedes 5.5-liter V8 will power the high-line E-Class models. There will be an AMG version, too, although how far the performance guys will crank up the normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 above its current 507 hp is unclear. All-wheel drive will continue in the E400 and E550 models, but the AMG version will remain rear-wheel drive.
Some of these specs could change, however, as this new E-Class isn't expected to start production for another two years. Between now and then, various prototypes will probably show up, but the official debut won't happen until the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
See new Mercedes-Benz models
See future Mercedes-Benz models
Up front, the oval headlights of the current model will be replaced with rectangular-shape lenses that will give the E-Class a more aggressive look. It might take some getting used to, but we think it's the right direction, as the current model was starting to lose its edge. The shape of the grille doesn't appear to have changed, however, and most of the other details of the front fascia look pretty standard.
Looking further back, the greenhouse appears relatively unchanged and the wheelbase isn't significantly longer either. Bolt-on taillights hide the true shape and style of the production units, but we don't expect anything groundbreaking there, either.
Under the hood, the new E-Class will get a familiar range of engine sizes. Despite the recent breakup of Chrysler and Daimler-Benz, we're still expecting base E-Class models to get a version of Chrysler's upcoming 4.0-liter Phoenix V6. Given that the current Mercedes V6 has 268 horsepower, the new 4.0-liter should top 300 hp, if not more.
An upgraded version of the Mercedes 5.5-liter V8 will power the high-line E-Class models. There will be an AMG version, too, although how far the performance guys will crank up the normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 above its current 507 hp is unclear. All-wheel drive will continue in the E400 and E550 models, but the AMG version will remain rear-wheel drive.
Some of these specs could change, however, as this new E-Class isn't expected to start production for another two years. Between now and then, various prototypes will probably show up, but the official debut won't happen until the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
See new Mercedes-Benz models
See future Mercedes-Benz models
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