Mercedes has been putting in a lot of time testing and perfecting its next electric E-Class, and for good reason. On top of needing to be prepared for the next BMW 5 Series current EQE never quite landed with Mercedes buyers, and now that it’s getting older, the automaker has an opportunity to fix its mistakes. Chief among them is providing a more traditional design, but also offering ever more impressive performance.
These spy photos from the Nürburgring further confirm that Mercedes likely has the styling sorted, and reports suggest some versions could be real monsters.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype from the front three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
Even from early spy shots, it was clear that the overall shape of the new electric E-Class would be traditional, rather than the soap bar shape of the EQE. The nose of this prototype has an upright front grille and a longer, more horizontal hood.
The headlights also feature the now customary three-pointed star running lights. It’s tough to tell exactly the shape of the new grille, but considering the shape of the nose, we think it may lean toward the illuminated take on the brand’s traditional grille design used on the recently revealed electric GLC-Class.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype from the sideCarBuzz / Valnet
The profile shows off the traditional sedan shape best, consisting of three distinct boxes. Interestingly, the hood and the dash-to-axle ratio still seem a bit shorter than what you’ll find on the combustion model, undoubtedly because Mercedes doesn’t need to fit a longitudinal engine up front.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype from the rear three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
Another interesting detail to note is the C-pillar. It’s quite thick compared to either the EQE or the current E-Class, and even seems a bit more upright. It’s possible that the camouflage is hiding some quarter glass to smooth out the window line, but either way, it’s a bit of a departure from recent Mercedes sedan designs.
Coming to the rear, the electric E-Class further leans into the classic, upright sedan shape even beyond the current combustion car. The current model has a sloping, almost drooping tail, whereas this one has a clear angle where it reaches the end. The taillights also lack the three-pointed star elements in favor of what seem to be small LEDs.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype from the rear three-quarter angleCarBuzz / Valnet
The current EQE is due to end production quite soon, and so we’re expecting this successor to show up in the coming year. It should take advantage of new 800-volt architecture batteries for faster charging. Some versions will also likely use axial-flux motors like in the AMG GT Four-Door, with the top AMG E-Class model potentially making as much as 900 horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype from the frontCarBuzz / Valnet
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
The Mercedes E-Class has long been a core of the automaker’s lineup, and it has always faced stiff competition. While the combustion model has still appealed, the EQE was a major misfire, along with the rest of the EQ line. The new GLC, and what we’ve seen of this E-Class suggest that the brand is rapidly fixing its mistakes.
Combined with some of the world-class technology that it has showcased in the AMG GT, Mercedes could once again be the king of the midsize luxury sedan segment.
