Detroit 2009: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

We've had a pretty good idea just how the 2010 E-Class would like for quite some time, from the various leaked images, spyshots and the like. As far back as August, pictures surfaced on the cover Germany's Autobild magazine. They proved spot on, as now we get images from Mercedes-Benz preceding the official public launch of the car at the Geneva show in Switzerland.

It's clear from the pictures that Mercedes has decided to play it safe with the next generation of this critically important vehicle. While the last E-Class had a rounded look, the 2010 E-Class exhibits a crisper, more defined style. Nowhere is this more apparent then the front headlights, which while placed in the same dual-headlight configuration found in the previous generation, ditch the round headlamps for a rectangular design.

I expected to see more S-Class style in the E-Class, but that doesn't appear to be the direction Mercedes style is moving towards with it's more recent designs. The E-Class taps into the same styling vein as the recent GLK Crossover. Conversely, it'll be interesting to see if this new direction now finds it's way up to the S-Class. Just don't mess with the CLS and I'll be OK!

Now, the inside is where the 2010 E-Class shows significant S-Class influence, and to great effect.  This is where the big changes have happened, and it definitely feels a generation apart. The design is lowered visually, with a hooded dash and a flatter, more upright orientation. Sophisticated detailing abounds, and ambient lighting is displayed throughout.  The two-tone leather combination is particularly striking, and clearly shows off the dramatic changes Mercedes made to the interior of this car.

The car is slated to go on sale this summer, powered by a 292-hp 3.5-liter V6 (E350), 388-hp 5.5-liter V8 (E500), with a 7-speed automatic standard in each. Mercedes didn't take any huge risks here, but they didn't have to. The E-Class formula has proven successful throughout it's long and storied history, and this model is set to carry on that tradition.