E-Class Wagon: Peerless in German Luxury
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 Page 2
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 Page 3
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 Page 4
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 Page 5
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.
