2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

• Competes with: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Volvo XC70
• Looks like: Private schoolchildren have a new ride
• Drivetrain: 268-hp V-6 with seven-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Mid-2010

While most of the cars we’re hearing about in Frankfurt are of the fanciful supercar variety, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its most utilitarian of non-SUV models, the new E-Class wagon. The sedan and coupe versions of the E-Class were redesigned this year and are on sale now, but the new wagon won’t make it stateside until later next year as a 2011 model.

Because the new E-Class design — and Mercedes’ design overall — has a lot more hard lines and creases than the competition, the wagon’s wedge shape seems an easy transition for the designers. The profile is handsome and the front looks menacing; only the rear seems to be somewhat staid. It’s a wagon — what are you expecting?

Cargo volume is listed as 68 cubic feet, which would make it larger than the Audi A6 Avant (63.8 cubic feet) and the BMW 535i xDrive Sports Wagon (58.3 cubic feet).  

The E-Class will go on sale in only one trim level to start, the E350 4matic, which has a 268-horsepower V-6 and Mercedes’ new seven-speed automatic. It will also have a self-leveling suspension for the rear to adjust for heavy loads.

Pricing won’t be announced until closer to the on-sale date, but the 2010 E350 4matic sedan is $2,000 less than the 2009 it replaced. The 2009 E350 4matic wagon starts at $57,250. The 2011 will also come with high-tech options like a collision warning system and Attention Assist, which alerts you when you’re drowsy. More photos below.

Comments

Hmm, long overhangs in the rear for additional cargo room. Any chance of this replacing the R class?

Somebody needs to tell Mercedes about the recession and that a lot fewer people can afford their outrageous prices. If I wanted a six cylinder all wheel drive wagon, I'd buy the new Outback for one-third the price of this beast.

@Zack: So because there's a recession, every manufacturer out there should be building only econoboxes?

I haven't followed MB's reliability stats lately but if they can get to the same pre-Chrysler quality levels, they have all the right to charge what they do.

Zack,

I have understand feelings and I also think - no way I would pay that for a car. But you should understand that with all the respect to Subaru, these two cars are from different worlds.

The MB is a performance machine, which will last for 30 years (with repairs of course). Subaru will be rusted out in the junk yard for many years by then.
MB will let you survive a horrendous crash and in Subbie you will die.
These are the main differences. And that oes cost more. $30 large more? - I don't know.

Here is some weight comparo for you, to understand how these cars are made.

Subaru Outback Limited weights in at 3564 lb.

MB E350 AWD Sedan is 3979 lb (More then my Highlander) Expect wagon to be even heavier.

MB is a tank. Subaru is a pretender. And reliability has nothing to do with it. This car comes with what - 4-5 years of full service? And I thing, who can buy this car can probably service it

Wow how arrogantly ignorant your commment was.

H, your's was the most.

The wagon's tail lights look better than the sedan's Galant-esque rear end

Nice looking wagon. I wish wagons weren't so taboo in the US, and GM or Ford would make them, not expensive imports. Instead we have the "cross overs" and multipurpose bla bla bla not minivan, not stationwagon, not SUV vehicles.

thank
I have understand feelings and I also think

Gotta love subaru owners who are posting on a Mercedes article. "my car costs less and has all wheel drive, therefore it's better!" As others have said, it's a different beast. Many Benz owners are salivating over this because we'll be able to get good deals on this wagon off lease or in the aftermarket in a few years. Not every Benz owner or enthusiast is rich enough to go buy this with a sack of $100 bills. But we do appreciate a much better driving dynamic and generally higher quality ride than any Subaru will offer us.

I have a 2008 Mercedes cross over and I love it. I think anyone who complains or puts down these cars have never owned one or driven one. There handling and secure feel on the road will change your mind....O and by the way,if you can afford one... then give me your opinion of these fine built autos!

It seems like Mercedes owners always bring up the affordability issue. Maybe there are people who can afford MB but prefer less pretentious, more reliable vehicles. A Toyota Highlander will last longer than your MB crossover and will cost less to maintain. The MB dealers really like to soak the true believers for routine service and repairs, which are a given with MB ownership. Not all of us want to be in that club.

I actually like this wagon!

It isnt a boring-looking car at all (unlike most family cars) and i agree with the article author who said the new E-class' design theme carries over well on the wedgy-shaped wagon.

Only downside i see for this is the near 60K price. Ouch! Atleast there will always be Certified Pre-Owned.

I prefer R-class

I had a 2008 wagon with 7100 miles on it. My husband and I were in a 7 car wreck ( caused by a careless drive tailgating someone). Our car was hit by her car on the entire left side, turned sideways into 2 lanes of traffic on the passenger side. Hit by 4 cars. Airbags and air curtain deployed. $26,000 in damages and we walked away unscathed. Having owned 6 Mercedes (one 320 diesel Sedan now) I have been waiting for the 2011 wagon. I am a testament of the safety of this vehicle and will never own anything but a Mercedes. You can drive them forever. We drove a 1984 diesel sedan for 18 years. The sedan we have now is a 2006 and looks brand new and drives brand new. Prices hold their values. I have sold every car myself and made $4-5-6000 over trade-in cost. Enough said