Mercedes-Benz E-class facelift teased ahead of unveil

Mercedes-Benz has officially released teasers of the mid-cycle update for the E-class, bringing information about its design, equipment and engine options to light.

From the camouflaged car in the ‘spy shots’ of the new E-class sedan, one can see that revised front and rear bumpers, sleeker headlights and new-design tail-light units are the obvious changes to the exterior design. The new light units seem to be similar in shape to those seen on the CLA and CLS sold abroad. Like the current model, the E-class facelift will also be available in a standard wheelbase sedan, a long-wheelbase sedan (sold in India) and estate bodystyles.

Like the E-class’ exterior, the interiors will also be updated – there’s a new steering wheel (with buttons and controls) coming, along with a new air quality indicator, and the Mercedes-Benz Urban Guard feature. The latter is meant to provide surveillance when the vehicle is parked.

Along with the design changes, Mercedes has also revealed that the facelift will come with a number of plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid powertrain options – select versions of the former will also be available with the brand’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system. While the technical specifications have yet to be announced officially, the mild-hybrid options are expected to include a 272hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol with the brand’s EQ Boost system and a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that when paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system and the EQ Boost system, makes a total of 367hp.

For international markets, Mercedes will also add more technology in the form of its latest suite of assisted-driving technologies, including Active Distance Assist Distronic. This system detects slow moving traffic and the potential for traffic jams. In addition, the E-class facelift will also get Active Traffic Jam Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with a cross-traffic function, Active Blind Spot Assist, and the Parking Package, which comes with a 360-degree camera.

While the Mercedes-Benz E-class facelift is heading to the Indian market, it won’t be the same version seen in these pictures. The refreshed E-class for India, which is expected to arrive towards the end of this year, will be the long-wheelbase version that was spied late last month.