Did you know you can fit 12,000 tennis balls into a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate? I do now, Mercedes-Benz had Roger Federer tell me so. I feel like that’s a safety risk though, so I don’t think I’d drive with that many green fuzzy balls riding shotgun.
The E-Class also boasts the title of being the only passenger car that can swallow a Euro-spec shipping pallet. Not bad, hey?
In Canada, we will only officially get the E 400 4Matic edition of this monster wagon, though you can expect that we’ll see the monstrous E 63 AMG when it is announced. We will skip the E 43 AMG, of course. Because go big or go home. Right?
We’ll also not see the diesels, which boast mileage up around (or down around) the 4.1 L/100 km mark.
Visually, the E-Class Estate follows the same lines as the sedan right back to the B-pillar, but then things turn interesting. Arguably, the long roof makes this a better-looking car than the regular E-Class.
The Estate also gets the amazing digital dashboard and instrument cluster, a behemoth touchscreen large enough to make Telsa’s upright touchscreen shield itself in shame. The dual 12.3-inch screens are ultra-high resolution and completely customisable, turning the cockpit of the E-Class into a digital action station for the driver.
Three pre-set display arrangements – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – are on hand depending on your mood. In addition to the (very welcome) redundant hard buttons and control puck, there is a touchpad on the console (above the puck) and also on the steering wheel.
In Depth: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior
Real wood trim with layered metallic inlays set off the interior and the leg room in both rows would make Naomi Campbell feel short. Seating in both rows is extremely comfortable, with deep, supple cushions and top-grade material to coddle the occupants.
The rear seats can be reclined or set upright, which frees up an extra 30 L for the already immense 670 L of cargo area. With the 40/20/40 seats folded fully flat, that number blossoms to 1,820 L. That, Mercedes-Benz likes to point out, is unparalleled in the luxury class.
Rails in the floor of the boot allow for flexibility in storing loads and there is 1,100 mm between the rear wheel arches. Self-levelling air suspension in the rear is standard, and can take a payload of up to 745 kg. The towing capacity is listed as “up to 2,100 kg” but it’s not clear yet what the towing capacity for the US and Canada–spec models will be. A power-adjustable, fully retractable trailer coupling with cross-wind assist and trailer stabilization is available. Mercedes has added extra fastening points for cycle carriers in order to increase cycle carrier capacity to four bikes and 100 kg.
Mercedes-Benz has reconfigured the door openings and rails to improve wind and road noise and has also worked on the shape and configuration of the panoramic sunroof. The optional Acoustic Comfort package will further add sound protection film to the windows for improved NVH.
Infrared film on the windows also better insulates the interior against heat – something those of us with young children will appreciate on a hot day, when the little ones are reluctant to climb in and buckle up until the car is cool.
The 3.5L six-cylinder gasoline engine we’ll see in Canada should be good for 333 hp and 354 lb-ft and will be mated to a new edition of the 9G Tronic nine-speed auto. In Europe, it’s rated for 7.9 L/100 km combined. North American figures are not yet out.
Standard tech includes Active Brake Assist and now Drive Pilot. Another step in the marque’s march toward autonomous driving, Drive Pilot will follow the vehicle ahead at speeds up to 210 km/h.
And if you think that driving fast is easy, but parking really gives you the irrits, then you’ll probably be keen to hear about Remote Parking Pilot. RPP will let you park your car in the garage, and recall it, all with the smartphone app – perfect for tiny urban garages and parking spots.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon will be available in Canada late this year.
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