Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class brochure scans hit the web
Click above for a gallery of leaked Mercedes-Benz E-Class scans
Mercedes-Benz needs a successful E-Class sedan in its lineup to properly compete with the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. With the current W211 model soldiering on since since 2002 and getting long-in-the-tooth, the German automaker is expected to launch a new E-Class sedan at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. As is often the case, it's proving rather difficult to keep the floodgate of images and specifications held back, and we've assembled the images from a leaked European brochure for your perusal.
From the looks of things, MB is trying to split the difference between the current E-Class and its CLS sibling that was first introduced in 2005 to spice up the lineup with something more stylish. There are plenty of current-gen C-Class cues on the new E's flanks, with headlights that look very much like the units that debuted on the ConceptFASCINATION from Paris. The interior will get an upgrade and will be offered in a few different variations between super luxurious and overtly sporty. Check it out yourself in the gallery below.
[Source: AutoScoops]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Jon 1:42PM (1/07/2009)
Ugh, those headlights look like they should be on a Lexus. And what the hell is up with those side mirrors?
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zamafir 2:22PM (1/07/2009)
Mercedes is simply trying to wrestle the ugly crown from acrua. I'm not sure how a design like this passes review, there's zero cogency to it, it feels like someone photoshopped and added unrelated bits as a joke. The headlights aping Lexus cars from years gone by doesn’t help either. Not that I care, I’m not over 50, maybe this is the sort of appliance look baby boomers like.
zamafir 2:30PM (1/07/2009)
Ugh. I just made it to the Mitsubishi Galant aped rear. Looks as though Mercedes plans to continue to loose market share in 09.
Jake B 2:46PM (1/07/2009)
What the hell happened? The concept shooting brake looked stunning. But no, Mercedes didn't want a fasciinating E-Class.
firstplace 3:34PM (1/07/2009)
this makes me really sad, I loved the last gen E class but the fender bump on the rear quarter panel is a nod to the 60yo and older demographic what are they trying to capture former buick customers? I know its supposed to look more luxurious but it really just makes it look soft and old. Too bad they killed the looks of my favorite sedan in that class, how ridiculous will the next E63 AMG look with this new styling. On the flip side the C class is looking better. I guess this moves my pick a little down market (not much but one step down) to CTS-V.
Mr. Luke 4:41PM (1/07/2009)
Those are the cat scratch fever mirrors!
Shane 6:07PM (1/07/2009)
Now THAT is a nice Kia Optima.
Mr_Pie 1:44PM (1/07/2009)
the face kinda reminds me of a saab, anyone else?
or the japanese version of the old mitsubishi airtrek
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PiCASSO 1:44PM (1/07/2009)
I'm not liking the outside of this new E-Class... front and back. But I'll reserve my final judgement when I see it in person.
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Quattroporte 1:49PM (1/07/2009)
I quite like it, but I just hope it's built like a Mercedes-Benz should be built and “Engineered Like No Other Car”.
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Jason 1:50PM (1/07/2009)
I think it looks ok but MB must be pissed about this leak!
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300Kid 1:51PM (1/07/2009)
Ever since photos of the new car have come out I can't decide if I like it because I'm just so bored with the current generation or if I actually just like it. This new generation seems nice though. But I think my very favorite will always be the 95-02's. Or maybe even the generation before that.
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JD 1:52PM (1/07/2009)
I don't like the rear; that may change in-person. I also don't like the fog-lamps (or whatever they are). They look like they were tacked on last-minute and just don't seem part of the entire car.
Grill and head-lamps look great.
Just give me the 5-Series.
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kzak 2:05PM (1/07/2009)
At first glance, the rear reminds me of the old Infiniti I30 or I35.
Mazda FTW! 2:03PM (1/07/2009)
It's like watching Iron Chef between the German and Japanese car-makers trying to out-do each other in coming up with horrible design themes and creating new car-niches which will sell for about 20mins before they become uncool.
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zamafir 4:42PM (1/07/2009)
Yup.. I can hear the top gear crew already, two words
"Biblically Awful"
Mobius_1 2:04PM (1/07/2009)
Looks better than spyshots (more than can be said for the Porsche Panamera, lol) especially the front light clusters, and IMO looks better than the previous gen.
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UH2L 2:06PM (1/07/2009)
When I first looked at it, I think of those old 80's Japanese luxury cars for Japan, but not sold here, like the Toyota Crown(?). The C-Class and S-Class designs are so much better executed.
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bosnash 5:10PM (1/07/2009)
Funnily enough, those 80's JDM luxo cars were more or less aping the feel of the 70's Mercedes designs, which is what this one reminds me of.
Jon 2:06PM (1/07/2009)
I'm not liking the interior! It doesn't seem as special as the interior of a Mercedes should be
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