Mercedes Reveals All-Terrain E-Class Wagon

Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz unit says its new E-Class All-Terrain wagon provides more ground clearance and off-road capability than the base model. 

The Mercedes model, which will compete against Audi’s Allroad SUV and Volvo’s new V90 Cross Country, will be publicly unveiled later this month at the Paris auto show. Sales in Europe will start in October. There are no plans to offer the vehicle in the U.S.

The E-Class All-Terrain’s air suspension can be raised 35 mm (1.3 inches) at speeds as high as 20 mph. An all-terrain setting also tunes the electronic stability control, active yaw control and other features for off-road driving.

Other goodies include a specially tuned version of Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, 19-inch wheels and tires with taller sidewalls than those in the base E-Class. In addition, the center console display includes information about the steering angle, air suspension position and road incline.

At launch, the E-Class All-Terrain will be powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine that makes 194 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful 6-cylinder diesel will be added later. Each powerplant will be mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Styling cues include a twin-slat grille, two-tone bumpers with silver accents, roof rails, more aggressive door sills, wheel arch cladding and trapezoidal-shaped tailpipes. Interior highlights include high-end trim, stainless steel pedals and model-specific badging.