2016 Mercedes E Class snapped testing by an IAB reader in Stuttgart - Spied

06/04/2015 - 11:04 Mercedes E-Class, Spy pictures, Mercedes-Benz Anjan Ravi

Based on a stretched version of the new C Class's platform.

Indian Autos Blog reader, 'hembrybentley', snapped the next generation 2016 Mercedes E Class on test near the car maker's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. This spyshot shows that Mercedes has finalized the design of the new E Class ahead of a launch planned for next year.

2016 Mercedes-Benz E Class spied — The new E Class has shown in spyshots that it will get a cabin similar to the new S Class.

The new E Class is reported to be based on a stretched version of the MRA platform (which underpins the new C Class). Designed under the watchful eyes of Gorden Wagener, chief designer at Mercedes-Benz, the new E Class will look like a shrunken down S Class according to media reports.

The interior is expected to offer a similar layout as the new S Class wherein two TFT displays make up the entire dashboard, and controls for the AC and music system - machined with a knurled finish - are nestled underneath the circularly-shaped central AC vents.

Power for the new E Class will come from four- and six-cylinder petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, while the performance-oriented AMG variant will get the new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. A 9-speed automatic transmission, which is currently offered on select variants of the E Class, would be offered across the range as will a 6-speed manual transmission.

2014 Mercedes S Class review cabin — The dashboard of the new E Class would comprise of 2 TFT screens, much like the S Class pictured here.

Also read: IAB reader snaps the 2016 Mercedes C Class Coupe in Stuttgart

Depending on the European market launch of the new E Class (early- or late-2016), Mercedes-Benz India will launch the sedan - its most popular model - towards the end of 2016 or in early-2017.

Rivals: BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF, Audi A6
Expected launch: 2016 (Europe)