The new Estate model follows the E-Class sedan introduced in Europe in spring 2009, and offers the same new features: from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is recognised as imminent, and from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet.

Specific to the estate version are the Plus air suspension with self-levelling at the rear and the new load compartment management features.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate will go on sale from November 2009, with prices ranging from 42,000 to 70,000 Euros.

From the official Press Release:

Design

The new Estate is the largest estate car in the premium segment (length/width/ height: 4,895/1,854/1,471 millimetres).

The design character is based on the new Mercedes style, which had its debut in the S-Class and is now also represented in the C-Class.

One of its main features is the interplay between concave and taut surfaces, which are delimited by dynamic edges and structured contours.

The side view reveals many new elements: the B- and C-pillars appear to merge into the background thanks to glossy, black trim panels, making the entire side window area look like a single entity.

This leads to a taut arch leading from the filigree A-pillar to the dramatic roof line and the downward-tapering D-pillar, all resting on the athletic shoulder line of the Estate.

The intriguing design of the door sill panels, which are visually understated in the centre but feature a prominent light-catching contour towards the wheel arches, accentuates the dramatic overall effect of the side view.

This is additionally emphasised by the muscular, sweeping line on the rear side panel in front of the rear wheel.

When shaping the rear end, the Mercedes designers took care to give expression to the high practicality of the new model.

They did this by emphasising horizontal lines, for example the band formed by the tail lights and the chromed tailgate handle.

The new LED tail lights are based on a two-piece design, and create a visual continuation of the side wall into the tailgate. Both by day and night, their distinctive design is a major recognition factor for the E-Class Estate.

Interior and practicality

The E-Class Estate has a load capacity of up to 1950 litres. The load management system features the automatically opening and closing EASY-PACK tailgate with automatic raising of the load compartment cover, or the EASY-PACK folding load compartment floor which increases the usable height of the load compartment.

One particularly special feature of the load compartment management system is the option of opening the standard-fit EASY-PACK tailgate automatically by using the ignition key or pressing the handle if the car needs to be loaded from behind.

The "quickfold" system enables the rear seat backrests to be folded down from the load compartment. The two backrest sections are unlocked and folded down by a cable pull, creating a level loading surface.

Technical features

The fuel consumption and emissions of the new Estate have been considerably reduced by new engines and numerous optimisation measures (aerodynamics, weight, energy management, reduced resistances).

The engine line-up available for the new Estate at launch comprises five units - three diesel and two gasoline engines - developing between 125 kW/170 hp and 285 kW/388 hp.

Five additional models will be available from the first quarter of 2010 onwards: E 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, E 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, E 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, E 350 4MATIC.

Though with a lower displacement, the new and modified engines generate more output than their predecessors, while delivering lower fuel consumption figures.

Innovations include spray-guided direct injection for the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY gasoline model and the newly developed piezo injectors and two-stage turbocharging adopted on the four-cylinder CDI engines.

The newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension features the adaptive damping system as standard.

The self-levelling rear suspension makes the Estate always remain at the same level, even when fully laden.

The Estate's suspension setup has also been adapted to suit the modified body geometry, with slightly stiffer shock absorber settings and torsion bar stabilisers.

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)