I bet you anything the Next GS will have the same headlight treatment. Lexus fanboys are really really stupid.

Despite an appearance that presently reminds us of an armored car, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class in our latest spy video is the real deal underneath its disguise. A revolutionary design is not in the works, but there are enough small changes to give this luxury sedan an updated look without alienating customers who like traditional Mercedes-Benz styling.

Up front, the oval headlights of the current model will be replaced with rectangular-shape lenses that will give the E-Class a more aggressive look. It might take some getting used to, but we think it's the right direction, as the current model was starting to lose its edge. The shape of the grille doesn't appear to have changed, however, and most of the other details of the front fascia look pretty standard.

Looking further back, the greenhouse appears relatively unchanged and the wheelbase isn't significantly longer either. Bolt-on taillights hide the true shape and style of the production units, but we don't expect anything groundbreaking there, either.

Under the hood, the new E-Class will get a familiar range of engine sizes. Despite the recent breakup of Chrysler and Daimler-Benz, we're still expecting base E-Class models to get a version of Chrysler's upcoming 4.0-liter Phoenix V6. Given that the current Mercedes V6 has 268 horsepower, the new 4.0-liter should top 300 hp, if not more.

An upgraded version of the Mercedes 5.5-liter V8 will power the high-line E-Class models. There will be an AMG version, too, although how far the performance guys will crank up the normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 above its current 507 hp is unclear. All-wheel drive will continue in the E400 and E550 models, but the AMG version will remain rear-wheel drive.

Some of these specs could change, however, as this new E-Class isn't expected to start production for another two years. Between now and then, various prototypes will probably show up, but the official debut won't happen until the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.


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No way do I believe that Mercedes has to or will make a V6 of a 4.0L capacity to get 300hp out of a V6. And most importantly it won't be Chrysler based. Whatever V6 goes into the facelifted SLK and C-Class next year is the V6 the E will get not some oversized/underpowered for its size Chrysler lump.

M

Strange, I can't see the Comand screen?
His it hided by the camo? Then it really is much smaller thant the instruments cluster! Very interesting!

Isn't that the screen just on the right of the dials. Normally that area is taken up by the air vents, but it seems its missing here..


[quote=coolraoul;229786]Strange, I can't see the Comand screen?
]

Yes it is.



But here I didn't saw it clearly, looked like it would be smaller than the instrument cluster.




But only clever disguise and reflects on the window...
Is it a big turbo-control meter in the left of the dashboard?

Or an old-fashioned mechanical alarm-clock? Good to be back to the old values, but a bit exaggerated here...

hey i think that gauge is just for test purposes..


i must say i am liking the interior so far ..hope quality is top notch..and we can choose different colours


very old school good stuff

Nah, I bet MB wants to increase the family resemblance between the different MB Car Group brands. It adds some nice Smart flavor to the interior design.

Yeah, could be that... But to mark their difference, they took the design of a classic Benz, the famous 1930's 170V...

It a very progressive design, very innovative: take tha W124, put a little bit of BMW e60, a brand new Comand system of the 21st century, a 1930's gauge, shake it all, and here you are!!!

No seriously, I like this interior (from what I can see), I'm waiting for the W212 and have great expectations for it.
When I look at the W204 C-Class, I think that it will be an absolute killer...

I like the chop below. Very similar proportions to the C-class. Well proportioned with thick front and rear, plus boxy but graceful design.

^that is so awesomme.. i pray to god it turns out something like that