2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Wagon coming to the US: Five doors for those who want ’em [News]

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German automaker Mercedes-Benz is doing the right thing (and eschewing economics) by choosing to bring its all-new 2017 E400 wagon to the U.S. In the land that has historically not been very receptive to wagons, M-B will be the only German luxury brand to offer a wagon in this segment. The new people hauler will come standard with a 3rd row folding bench seating and best in class cargo volume and rear headroom, according to a press release from the company.

Power will come from a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin turbo engine that produces 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. In the 2WD E400 sedan, the powertrain’s fuel economy is EPA-rated at 20/29 mpg city/highway. Cars with 4MATIC AWD take a one-mpg hit on the highway. Consumers should expect similar numbers from the wagon.

Inside the wagon there is a 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest operated via electric switches to enhance the versatility of the cargo area, the floor of which automatically moves upward when the tailgate is opened. Access to the cargo area can be had by the usual puch of a button (boring) or by making a kicking motion under the bumper. The rear hatch can also be closed in the same manner. While a self-leveling rear air suspension is standard, air-suspension at all four corners is optional. The rest of the interior is what one might expect from Mercedes: leather, wood, and optional high resolution displays that emerge “to form a widescreen cockpit”. The new Warmth and Comfort Package includes a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and heated armrests in the doors and center console – because you wouldn’t want your forearms getting cold. Safety features in the E400 wagon mirror those of the sedan. M-B’s Active Brake Assist feature which detects impending collisions and warns drivers – and applies brakes if necessary – is standard.

To reduce NVH, engineers placed struts on the main floor and front end of the body shell to increase rigidity and reduce the amount of noise transmitted throughout the car… something to which wagons are inherently susceptible. Other measures to keep noise levels in check, such as using sound absorbers under the rear seats and wheel arches, have also been employed. Aeroacoustic tweaks have also been made throughout the vehicle to provide a quieter cabin. If your test drive vehicle is still not quiet enough, ask your salesman for one with the available Acoustic & Comfort package. Check that box to get an acoustic film on the windshield and side windows, as well as additional sound insulation in the rear footwell and center tunnel.

The new 2017 E400 wagon will launch “early next year” but no word on prices yet. TFL will be at an E-Class event next week so hopefully we can glean more information from company reps then. Until we can bring you a video of the new E-Class, check out the AMG G65 playing in some puddles near Moab, UT below.