IAB reader snaps the 2016 Mercedes E Class (W213) in Prague - Spied

Will debut at the NAIAS 2016, reportedly.

The mid-size Mercedes E-Class range will be jumping into its next generation in 2016, and spotted here is pre-production test mule of the model (codenamed Mercedes W213), courtesy of IAB reader 'mighty.vibe'. According to German reports, it is expected to make its debut at NAIAS 2016 (Detroit Auto Show 2016) in January.

Despite being heavily camouflaged, it can be inferred that the upcoming E-Class will borrow plenty of design cues from the flagship S-Class limo. Compared to the sharp and edgy design of the current model, the next E-Class will be rounded and less sculpted.

The front-end sports the signature Mercedes grille flanked by LED headlamps, and a simple lower fascia. The sides will have two character lines originating from front and rear, respectively, while the rear gets wraparound LED taillamps and a dual exhaust arrangement.

Inside, expect Merc to mash the design of the S-Class with that of it smaller brothers. At the moment, it's unknown if the next E-Class will adopt a free-standing display for the COMAND infotainment, or a wide display integrated to the dashboard and sitting beside an instrument panel display (as in the S-Class). Expect Mercedes to reduce the button count, offer better interior trim, feature autonomous driving tech and come equipped with a top-spec Burmester audio system.

Under the hood, the next Mercedes E Class, reportedly, will debut an all new range of inline 6 cylinder turbo engines, which will replace the current model's V6 and V8 engines (AMG variant aside). Entry level variants will pack 4-cylinder units as well as a Renault-sourced 1.6-liter diesel engine, while the top-of-the-line E63 AMG could either pack the AMG GT's 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 or the current E63's 5.5-liter twin turbo V8 (featured in its SUV counterparts, the GLE63 and GLE63 Coupe).

Also Read: Mercedes GLC final design revealed by COMAND software

The 2016 Mercedes E-Class will be available for pre-order soon after its premiere. An estate body style is expected to follow six months later, while the coupe and cabriolet variants could debut in 2017. Also, the long wheelbase version of the E-Class sedan will not be exclusive to China anymore, as reports have suggested that Mercedes is planning to introduce it in RHD, opening up its retail opportunities in markets like UK and India.

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