Flexibility, family, form. And Federer.
These four Fs were the focus of Mercedes-Benz's glitzy unveiling of their new E-Class Estate, the German brand's renowned full-size wagon, redesigned for the 2017 model year.
From the front and through the B-pillar, the Estate is identically true to its popular twin, the E-Class sedan. But it is noticeably roomier in the back, with a class-leading, boast-worthy 1,820 litres of cargo capacity.
Having a hard time visualizing what, exactly, that looks like? Picture 12,000 tennis balls.
Here's where tennis star Roger Federer comes in: on hand to watch the silks come off the new fleet of estates, the father of four declared his hope that the Estate, in all its functional capacity, would look just as good as the sedan. And it does – until it doesn't.
While the rear has been retooled to look sportier and more sleek, the Estate is undeniably, unabashedly a station wagon at heart, complete with a third folding bench seat for kids. For the SUV kind of person, the new Estate is unlikely to appeal. But for the luxury-loving family guy or gal that eschews SUVs at any cost – that rare kind market researchers say will embrace wagons with open arms – the Estate's release will come as good news.
Canadian dealerships will sell one model, the E400 4MATIC – a six-cylinder, 333-horsepower, nine-speed gas-powered version (up from the seven-speed 2016 model).
"It's a winning set-up especially for families and people who are very active in their free time," said Ola Kallenius, the Daimler AG board representative responsible for sales and marketing.
It also offers solutions for road-weary parents: the car's drive pilot feature enables it to autonomously follow a lead vehicle at speeds up to 210 km/h. So even if the kids won't nap, maybe you can.
When can I get it, and for how much?
Mercedes says the wagons will be available for Canadian purchase by "this winter", but there's no firm date set. Price is also TBD, although the previous model is a worthy benchmark. The 2016 E400 4MATIC starts at $77,000 and stretches upwards of $116,300.
Cool quotient: 2 stars (out of 5).
Although it has classy lines, loads of power and is stuffed to the gills with luxuries big and small, this long, low-slung car will never be the fairest on the road. But if station wagons are your jam, this high-end people-mover might be your match.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.
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