It’s been a full year since the first prototypes of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class were first spotted. And while we’ve seen the W214-codenamed E-Class Sedan on multiple occasions since, this is the first time we get to lay our eyes on the S214 E-Class Wagon.
The next-gen E-Class is set to debut in 2023, coming to the US as a 2024 model. And, given that crossovers and SUVs continue to gain traction (pun intended), the fact that the 2024 E-Class Wagon, which is called E-Class Estate in Europe and E-Class T-Modell in its native Germany, is still around makes for a victory.
As for the 2024 E-Class Wagon coming to the US, our best hope would involve a special, as this used to be the strategy with the outgoing S213 model. So while the regular wagon didn’t make it stateside, the lifted E450 All-Terrain Wagon and the supercar-taunting Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon did. Alas, the latter was discontinued in the US late last year, with only the former currently remaining on sale.
These two prototypes were spied testing in German traffic
A pair of S214 E-Class Wagon prototypes were captured testing in Germany by the seasoned spotter known on YouTube as walkoARTvideos. And while the test cars are still covered in heavy camouflage, it appears that the angle of the rear window will be more aggressive than those of the previous E-Class Estate generations.
The styling of the family-friendly E-Class has been the topic of debate over the decades, as these practical machines appeared like somewhat of an afterthought compared to their sedan counterparts. Of course, this was all done by choice, as, for one, the Three-Pointed Star is the maker of stunning shooting brakes.
The interior amenities of the S124 E-Class will vary greatly depending on how you configure the vehicle. So while the C-Class’11.9-inch display will be standard, you’ll be able to opt for the S-Class’ 12.9-inch OLED hardware featuring haptic feedback.
The mandatory EV offensive that Mercedes-Benz has introduced means that the mid-size part of their range also includes the EQE these days, but if you’re looking for a way to strip that camo, this 2024 E-Class Sedan rendering, which is based on spy media, should come in handy.
Electrification and Mercedes-AMG
That EQE gets its own platform, with the E-Class continuing to use the familiar MRA2 architecture. However, while 48-volt mild-hybrid systems are standard across the range, there will be multiple hybrid and plug-in hybrids—basically, everything above 300 horsepower will involve more serious electric assistance.
For the record, the same will also apply to the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLE, which is expected to replace both the E-Class and C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet in the coming months.
As for the Mercedes-AMG E63, the recent introduction of the 2024 C63 S E Performance, with its F1-style 670 hp turbo-four plug-in hybrid setup, means we could see such hardware replacing the larger model’s twin-turbo V8. However, nothing is official at this point and since Affalterbach still needs to hold on to its V8 tradition for models like the G63 and the upcoming second-generation GT, the E-Class may still get a piece of the eight-cylinder action.
