Spotted on public roads in various forms for nearly two years, the new-generation Mercedes E-Class 
has been finally unveiled at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show earlier this year. Sporting a new exterior based on the brand’s recent design language and an interior inspired by the S-Class, the new midsize is a massive improvement over what BMW and Audi have to offer in this segment. Now that the new E-Class is already in dealerships, Mercedes is readying at least three more versions, one of which is a station wagon.
The German grocery getter has only been spotted in prototype form in the wild, but having already seen the sedan, and a test car with only the rear section hidden under camouflage we already know more than 75 percent of its exterior design. The same goes for the interior, while the engines will most probably be the same. What we don’t know for sure is when the new wagon will hit dealerships, but most rumors suggest that an unveiling should occur this autumn, most likely at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Until that happens, let’s have a closer look at our most recent spy shots of the E-Class Wagon, as well as everything there is to know about the midsize at this point.
Updated 04/07/2016: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Mercedes E-Class Wagon out for a new testing session. As you can see the wagon starts loosing its camouflage meaning an official debut is getting closer.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Mercedes E-Class Wagon.
Spy Shots
April 7, 2016 – Mercedes E-Class Wagon starts loosing camouflage
January 18, 2016 – Mercedes E-Class Wagon caught testing in the now
September 30, 2015 – Mercedes E-Class Wagon reveals its interior
Exterior
Much like its predecessor, the new E-Class Wagon will be identical to the sedan save for the rear end. Given the similarities between the E-Class and C-Class sedans, it’s safe to assume that the E-Class Wagon will look like a bloated version of the compact estate. Of course, the E-Class will also get its very own design details front and rear, but the visual connection with its smaller and cousin will be quite strong.
Compared to the C-Class Wagon, the E-Class estate will have a more utilitarian stance from the back. While the smaller wagon features a sloping roof toward the taillgate, the E-Class comes with a boxier rear section. Those who preferred the sleeker appearance of the third-generation model (2002-2009) will probably be a little disappointed, but those looking for a more practical midsize wagon are in for a treat.
Interior
Note: Mercedes E-Class sedan pictured here.
Inside, the E-Class Wagon will borrow heavily from the S-Class. Although the interior of the prototype is far from ready to hit the assembly line, the dashboard uses many of the elements previously seen on the S-Class, including the instrument cluster, the large display in the center, as well as the four round A/C vents slotted between the infotainment unit and the center console. Having already seen the new E-Class interior in the sedan, we basically already know how the wagon will look on the inside.
Look for a new instrument cluster with analogue dials and a seven-inch screen in between on the entry-level model and a 12.3-inch screen on the more expensive trims. These will be paired with 8.4- and 12.3-inch infotainment screens atop the center stack, respectively.
The new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, a world-first in the business, will also find its way in the wagon. The new function can detect horizontal and vertical swipes just like the screen of a smartphone or tablet and will allow the driver to control features of the infotainment system using only their thumbs. The infotainment system will come with redesigned menus and functions.
Other new features should include Linguatronic voice control, the Comand rotary dial, and energy-saving LEDs for interior lighting. New high-grade leathers and wood inserts will up the ante in the luxury department.
Drivetrain
The engine lineup of the E-Class Wagon will mimic that of the sedan and include a range of gasoline and diesel units with four and six cylinders. At launch, it will come with four engines, including a 2.0-liter with 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque in the base model and a hybrid with the same four-banger and an electric motor. For this combo, output will sit at 279 horses and 442 pound-feet. A brand-new diesel, in the form of 2.0-liter four-pot rated at 195 horsepower and 295 pound-feet, will also be offered. The optional oil burner will be a 3.0-liter V-6 churning 258 horses and a whopping 457 pound-feet of twist.
Unfortunately, the drivetrain lineup won’t be as diverse in the United States. At first, the wagon will cross the pond with only the 2.0-liter gasoline unit. The model will be sold with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet at the E300. Mercedes ’ 9G-Tronic, nine-speed automatic transmission will be standard, while the 4MATIC AWD system will be optional. A diesel version will also be offered later.
Finally, the grocery-getter is also in for an AMG version powered by a biturbo, 4.0-liter V-8 rated at more than 500 horsepower.
Prices
Pricing is still a mystery, but given that the least expensive model here in the U.S., the E350 4Matic, retails from $59,900, it’s safe to assume that the redesigned range will begin from more than $60,000.
Competition
BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon
While in Europe it has competition from wagons such as the BMW 5 Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant, and Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the E-Class Wagon is the only midsize wagon you can buy in the U.S. Options such as the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon and the Volvo V60 are significantly smaller and features smaller cargo room. If you don’t have a lot of stuff to haul, but still want a luxurious interior and a powerful engine, the 3 Series Sports Wagon seems like the better choice. The Bimmer comes with 2.0-liter inline-four rated at 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter diesel generating 181 horses and 280 pound-feet. Granted, neither are as powerful as the E-Class’ 3.5-liter V-6, but the 3 Series is definitely the sportier choice.
Find out more about the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon here .
Volvo V90
Recently unveiled for the 2017 model year, the V90 is essentially the E-Class Wagon’s sole competitor in the midsize market in the U.S. Design-wise, the V-90 is identical to the S90 save for the boxier, wagon-style rear end. But unlike its predecessor, the V80, the new Volvo has a sportier design, enhanced luggage room, and a more luxurious interior. Power is provided by four-cylinder engines only, with the U.S. to get only the gasoline T5 and T6 versions and the hybrid T8 variant. All mate to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Pricing is likely to start below $50,000, which will make it a significantly more affordable proposition to the E-Class Wagon.
Find out more about the Volvo V90 here.
Conclusion
With the wagon body style losing ground to crossovers and SUVs among U.S. buyers at an alarming rate, the E-Class Wagon remains one of only two midsize to keep the station wagon flame burning on these shores. Though a bit long in the tooth compared to its German competitors, the current model has plenty of features to brag about, from its super ride and powerful engines to the smooth diesel and numerous safety features. The upcoming model should offer all of the above plus a better looking outer shell and a revamped interior that fixes a lot of issues, including the fiddly controls and the plastic surfaces. Hopefully it will also be a lot more involving to drive thanks to its redesigned platform.
LOVE IT
New design inspired by the S-Class’ Modern, more refined interior New engines with improved performance and fuel economy Enhanced roominess and cargo spaceLEAVE IT
Diesels not coming to the U.S. very soon Likely significantly more expensive than the Volvo V90Updated History
Updated 01/18/2016: The upcoming Mercedes E-Class wagon was caught testing once again, this time during cold winter conditions in Northern Sweden.