The New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Ought To Get Hamptonites Salivating (And Also Us Because We Love Wagons)

When the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon makes it to America, it probably won’t look quite like this. Mercedes-Benz seems to think that Americans will only buy wagons if they have gobs of power or hectares of cladding, so expect brawny AMG and lifted All-Terrain variants to make the jump across the Atlantic. However, just because the outside of the new E-Class wagon will look different in America doesn’t mean the interior will too. With that in mind, let’s take a sneak peek of things to come.

To start, the European E-Class wagon range consists of three models: One gasoline-powered mild hybrid model called the E200, one diesel model called the E200d, and one gasoline plug-in hybrid model call the E300e. That last one may work in America as 312 combined horsepower feels about right for a car this size and price, but the E200 and E200d models just wouldn’t fly here as shoppers want more thrust than zero-to-62 in the ballpark of 7.8 seconds. Mind you, I wouldn’t expect any of these launch powertrains to be sold in America as Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed a three-liter turbocharged inline-six for the new E450 sedan. That engine will most likely also be in the basic wagon, if history is anything to go by.

Slide into the driver’s seat, and the new E-Class looks exactly like the sort of venue Jeff Bezos would spend an evening in — a festival of lights, screens, and shiny plastic that ought to attract fingerprints like Matty Healy attracts controversy. Just like the sedan, the wagon can be ordered with TikTok and Angry Birds built into the infotainment system, let you hop on a Zoom call, and seems very out-there for a car often bought by the Hamptons set. Still, nobody’s buying an E-Class wagon for social media connectivity – people buy these things for the space behind the second-row seats. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely good news here. Mercedes-Benz touts a sportier roofline on this newest model, which does have some effect on practicality.

Cargo space on non-PHEV models clocks in at 615 liters, down from 640 liters. Also worth noting? I don’t see seatbelts for a rear-facing third row in any of the press photos, nor does Mercedes mention the option of third-row seating in any press materials. Color me disappointed. Older E-Class wagons made such brilliant filming vehicles and could fit extra friends in a pinch, so let’s hope that a third row reappears for this side of the world. Mind you, I wouldn’t expect there to be a third row on plug-in hybrid models, as battery pack placement cuts cargo capacity from 615 liters to 460 liters. Ouch.

On the plus side, Mercedes-Benz has carefully minimized wheel well intrusion so that the minimum cargo floor width appears to be at the opening. Also, check out how deep that carpet looks. You could loose a small child in that plush, luxurious textile.

Things get better in the second-row seats, where passengers are positively pampered with air vents on the B-pillar for wafting cool breeze in addition to air vents on the back of the center console. This posh Merc seems to have better HVAC distribution than my apartment, which shouldn’t be massively surprising considering what the current model retails for.

While fine details for U.S.-market models are still being worked out, one thing’s clear: The next E-Class wagon won’t be alone in America. Audi has quietly been selling a new A6 Allroad in America for a few years now, and the RS6 Avant is a performance icon. Meanwhile, Porsche currently sells wagon variants of the Panamera and Taycan that enthusiasts love, and Car And Driver reports that the rumored next-generation BMW M5 will spawn a Touring wagon variant that could be sold in America. Oh, and let’s not forget the sublime Volvo V90 Cross Country. It might not have the thrust of an AMG or M-car, but it’s a lovely daily driver. Clearly, this is one that Mercedes has to get right. Let’s see where the dice fall.

(Photo credits: Mercedes-Benz)

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