The fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also known as the W213, was unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show and went on sale for the 2017 model year. A significant departure from its predecessor, it uses a brand-new architecture and styling language based off the S-Class full-size sedan. More comfortable and efficient than ever before, the new E-Class also debuted a handful of new Mercedes-Benz technologies, including a semi-autonomous system. The sedan was followed by a beefed-up AMG version and a wagon variant. Two-door coupe and cabriolet models are also set to follow.
When Mercedes-Benz called 2016 “the year of the SUV” and announced a further expansion of its already large collection of SUVs and crossovers by 2020, most people expected more niche models like the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe or the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. As it turns out, Mercedes-Benz was considering competitors for the Audi A4 and A6 Allroad as well. The news initially came straight from Mercedes-Benz vice president of sales and product managements, Matthias Luehrs, who told the Aussies from Drive that “We are looking at everything. […] We are studying this at the moment but it’s not confirmed. We are looking obviously at E-Class and C-Class.”
What was just a possibility in 2015 became certainty in July 2016, when a leaked business plan confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch a rival for the Audi A6 Allroad.
Dubbed E-Class All Terrain in the leaked document, the new vehicle follows in the footsteps of Audi’s midsize Allroad model, blending the styling of the utilitarian, yet still sexy E-Class wagon with the taller ride height and cladding of a crossover. According to the company’s business plan, the All Terrain will hit public roads in 2017, which means it could be unveiled by the end of 2016. That may seem unlikely since we have yet to see actual prototypes on the road, but it’s not unlikely for its development to happen away from our paparazzi’s curious eyes.
Until we find out more about it, we put together a speculative piece with details about what this E-Class wagon on stilts might bring to the table. Stick around for updates.
Continue reading for the full story.
Exterior
The basic shape of the original car should remain identical to the base E-Class Wagon model, but with certain differences that turn a regular grocery getter into a vehicle with enhanced capabilities in not-so-smooth terrain. Apart from a much higher potential ground clearance, afforded by a version of Mercedes 
’ Airmatic air suspension system, a number of design elements usually found on off-roaders should make this Audi Allroad competitor stand out from its brethren. Expect wider wheel arches engulfed in plastic cladding, redesigned front and rear bumpers in the style of other Mercedes-Benz crossovers, and new side skirts. Every other body panel should be more or less identical to the car that the model is based on, which should make for a pretty good-looking and sleek crossover.
Interior
Note: Interior from 2017 MB E-Class shown here.
As far as the interior goes, changes will be much less extreme, given that even the all-new GLC has a center console that is almost the same as the one from the C-Class, both models being based on the MRA (Modular Rear-wheel Drive) architecture. Following the same scenario, an E-Class Wagon-based crossover will make use of a cockpit nearly identical to the regular E-Class.
The instrument cluster, the large display in the center, and the four round A/C vents slotted between the infotainment unit and the center console should all be there.
Since we’ve already seen the standard wagon, we’re pretty sure that the All Terrain will get a similar dashboard, which uses many elements previously seen in the S-Class. The instrument cluster, the large display in the center, and the four round A/C vents slotted between the infotainment unit and the center console should all be there. The base model will get the seven-inch instrument screen, while a 12.3-inch display will be offered as an option. These will be paired with either 8.4- and 12.3-inch infotainment screens atop the center stack.
Hopefully the All Terrain will also get the new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons — a world-first in any segment.
Hopefully the All Terrain will also get the new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons — a world-first in any segment.
The new function can detect horizontal and vertical swipes just like the screen of a smartphone or tablet and allows the driver to control features of the infotainment system using only their thumbs.
On top of these E-Class Wagon-borrowed gadgets, also expect to find a number of buttons and knobs exclusive to the model. For instance, the Airmatic suspension and all-wheel-drive settings should feature a few extra options, such as different ride heights and power delivery on various road surfaces.
Drivetrain
Note: 3.5-liter V-6 from 2014 Mercedes E-Class Shown here.
Since both Audi and Volvo use more than just one engine on each of their high-rising station wagons, Mercedes-Benz is likely to provide a wide array of engines for its own model(s) in this niche as well.
On the European front, the gasoline engine lineup could start with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder offered in the standard E-Class. In the wagon, it comes in two flavors, developing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet and 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet, respectively. There’s a chance Mercedes won’t offer both, but no matter the outcome, the four-banger will be joined by a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 333 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of twist.
All engines should be paired with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
As for diesels, the Germans might skip on the base 2.0-liter four-banger with 150 horses and 265 pound-feet and make the 194-horsepower, 295-pound-feet version the entry-level unit. More oomph will come from the 3.0-liter V-6 that cranks out 258 horses and 457 pound-feet in the E350d.
A plug-in hybrid that comprises a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor, totaling some 300 horsepower, is also likely, but at a later date.
All engines should be paired with Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Sadly, to keep weight and costs down we probably won’t see three differential locks on it like on the mighty G-Class, but the pneumatic suspension should come in pretty handy on rougher roads.
Prices
Pricing of the All Terrain shouldn’t differ too much than similarly equipped models with 4Matic all-wheel-drive. An extra couple of grand should suffice, which means that an U.S. spec model — given that Mercedes-Benz will bring the crossover to North America, that is! — could cost around $65,000 before options.
Competition
Audi A6 Allroad
Around since 1999, the A6 Allroad is one of the oldest nameplates in this tiny niche. Updated for the 2016 model year, when it was based on the new B9-generation wagon, the current A6 Allroad is available with one of three V-6 diesel engines. The base model puts out 219 PS (215 horsepower), the mid-range version comes with 272 PS (268 horses), while the top-of-the-league crossover is good for a stout 320 PS (315 horsepower). All models are equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. Unfortunately for U.S. buyers, the A6 Allroad is not available Stateside as of 2016. U.S. customers to get an Allroad model, but one that is based on the smaller A4 wagon. In the U.K., the A6 Allroad Quattro retails from £46,505, which converts to around $61,600.
Find out more about the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro here.
Volvo XC70
The XC70 is actually older than the A6 Allroad, having been launched in 1997 as the V70 XC. Now in its third generation, the XC70 is also based on a wagon, but it’s a tad smaller than the A6 and E-Class. It’s also a bit long in the tooth, being around since 2007 and set to go out of production in 2016. The good news is that a brand-new model is set to follow with Volvo new and gorgeous design language and a state-of-the-art premium interior. Much like all new Volvo vehicles, it will be powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engine only. A hybrid version is also on the table. Pricing-wise, it should be a bit more affordable than the Mercedes and the Audi.
Read our full review of the Volvo XC70 here.
Conclusion
We’re big fans of this type of crossover, and we’re actually looking forward to more carmakers exploiting the niche that the AMC Eagle line pretty much created in the late ’70s and 1980s. Think ing about it, a cross between a station wagon and an SUV makes quite a bit more sense than one between a four-door coupe and an SUV, even if it’s not as fancy-looking. On the other hand, the two Audi Allroad models and the Volvo XC 70 are already well-established on the market, so a new rival from Mercedes-Benz may not even give them a dent.