Will the E-Class evolve drastically or just go through a few nips and tucks as it transitions into the next generation?
by Robert Moore, on LISTEN 02:53Mercedes just launched the facelifted E-Class for the 2021 model year, which brought it more in line with the current Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series. Oddly enough, the company is already working on prototypes for the next-gen E-Class that’s due around 2025, and our spy photographers managed to catch one of them out in the wild. Since this is a very early prototype, it’s under heavy camo and a fair amount of padding, but we can make out a few features that hint towards the next-gen general direction of styling.
2025 Mercedes E-Class – First Prototype
This specific prototype is sporting what appears to be an evolution in design, with a very familiar grille – possibly due for change before production – and what appears to be a set of next-gen production headlights. The camo is very protective, but we can make out indents where there’s some new styling to the corner air intakes, however, this could also be plastic used to conceal more of the fascia’s design.
The rear end is even more covered and protected, but we you can make out a small piece of the taillights which honestly appear to be decoys that are also covered. The rear fascia seems to have been completely revised and we’re curious about where the exhaust outlets are, because there are none on this prototype. We can say that it’s not likely this is an E-Class EV or even a hybrid as there are no high-voltage stickers on the body and we’ve already seen the EQE anyway. As for the interior, I’d expect to see a complete revamping with large screens and more technology than you’ll know what do with. It will have more than the C-Class but won’t be quite as upmarket or tech-laden as the S-Class, obviously.
Mercedes revamped the powertrains for the current model as part of the 2021-2022 facelift, so don’t expect too much to come your way with the next-gen model. There could be some changes, however, but as to what they could be is a complete mystery. There should be a hybrid model available, and you can expect AMG to do its part as well. The current model, in non-AMG form is available in two trims – E350 and E450. The E350 has a 2.0-liter inline-four that delivers 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. For this model, you can have RWD or opt for Merc’s 4Matic AWD system. The E450 has a hybridized, 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This model has the same nine-speed automatic transmission but is available only with AWD. If anything, the next-gen model will build on these performance figures but not by much.
Source: Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
