Mercedes has been extensively testing the next generation of its E-class on international roads. The W213 will replace the current W212 model of the E-class when it goes on sale internationally, sometime late next year.

Based on the new MRA platform that underpins the current C-class, the E-class W213 is expected to weigh around 70 to 150kg lighter than the current W212 generation. The exterior's styling is also expected to follow the route of the current S-class and C-class with the company’s new design language of flowing body lines and surfaces.

Under the hood, this next-gen car is likely to continue featuring the existing engines from the W212 generation, though it may receive new turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engines that are said to be under development. Also plausible with the new E-class is a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a lot of safety features from the current S-class.

The next-gen E-class may the introduction of the long wheelbase model when launched in India. Currently only offered in China, the long wheelbase E-class is only available as a left- hand drive and is 14cm longer than the standard car.

In terms of features, the new E-class is expected to introduce the use of autonomous technology in the form of Mercedes’ Highway Pilot system debuting in a production car, and a self parking system. The Highway Pilot system uses the company’s Distronic Plus cruise control to not only reduce speed to that of the car in front, but also to check the outside lane and, if clear, indicate, pull out, overtake and, when safe, pull back into its lane — all without any input at all from the driver.

Mercedes is likely to showcase a conceptual version of the car at the Frankfurt motor show 2015, followed by the production car at the Detroit motor show early next year.

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