The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan has only just been launched in South Africa (read our first impressions here), but the German automaker has already pulled the covers off the Estate model.
The new E-Class Estate, of course, offers a fair bit more cargo space than the sedan, with a claim of 670 dm3 (as opposed to the sedan’s 540 dm3). That figure can be expanded to a whopping 1820 dm3 with the rear seats dropped flat.
But the brand also claims that, in spite of “a much sportier roof-line”, headroom and elbowroom in the rear are best in class. Furthermore, later this year, the Estate will be available with a third, folding bench seat suitable for children.
Expect the Estate engine line-up to mirror that of the sedan, with the first performance model coming in the shape of the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic Estate. This variant employs a 295 kW 3,0-litre V6 biturbo engine linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The standard electro-mechanically operated tailgate can be optionally supplemented by a hands-free access feature, which is activated by a simple kick underneath the rear bumper.
Another standard feature is the self-levelling rear air suspension that ensures the Estate stays horizontal, even when fully laden (up to 745 kg, depending on the model) or with much of the towing capacity in use (up to 2100 kg).
Of course, all of the cutting edge technology currently available in the E-Class sedan carries over to the Estate.
So, can we expect selected Estate models to join the new E-Class range in South Africa? Well, while Mercedes-Benz SA admits that local demand for estates is tiny, there’s still a chance the automaker will offer the choice to customers on an ad hoc basis (as it has done with the outgoing generation). Wagon-lovers, rejoice!
