India-bound 2016 Mercedes E Class fully revealed - Report

Public premiere at NAIAS.

Ahead of its world premiere at the 2016 NAIAS (2016 Detroit Motor Show), images of the 2016 Mercedes E Class have found their way on the internet, courtesy of Auto Presse.

As reported earlier, the fifth generation E Class (codenamed W213) neatly integrates design elements from the new C Class and S Class models and is a radical step up from its predecessor. Mercedes is yet to reveal details though according to past reports, the new E Class is estimated to be 65 mm longer in wheelbase and 43 mm longer in overall length over its predecessor.

Reports have also suggested that Mercedes will introduce a long-wheelbase variant of the E Class for markets like China and India, and a Maybach edition could also be on the cards.

Inside, the 2016 E Class opts for the S Class-derived cabin and dashboard which drastically reduces the button count, instead offering the driver Mercedes's COMAND infotainment system with the fingertip controller. The leaked images confirm that there will be two options for the instrument cluster: An analog, traditional cluster with a multi-information display, or, a full TFT, digital display inspired by the S Class.

On the powertrain front, the 2016 E Class will feature four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines married to 6-speed manual and the 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmissions. The range-topping AMG variant with the 4.0-liter bi-turbo V8 engine will continue with a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT gearbox.

Also read: Mercedes-Maybach S600 - Motorshow Focus

Expect the new E Class to launch in India towards the end of this year as a CBU (Completely Built-up Unit) offering with local manufacturing starting in 2017 at Mercedes-Benz India's Pune facility.

[Source - Auto-Presse]