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2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain revealed ahead of Paris


E-Class gets a raised-wagon variant, Australian introduction expected in the latter half of 2017.

Gunning for the same market occupied by the Audi A6 Allroad and the recently introduced Volvo V90 Cross Country, Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class All-Terrain is the German luxury car maker's first foray into the niche market.

Like the two aforementioned examples, the E-Class All-Terrain traces the same profile as its regular wagon counterpart. However where the All-Terrain distinguishes itself from the E-Class wagon is in its higher ground clearance, grained black plastic inserts around the lower part of the body, chunky front and rear bumpers, and the two-fin grille that's typically the reserve of the brand's SUV models.

It isn't all just rugged-styling with no bones underneath.

On the inside the E-Class All-Terrain sports the same cabin appointments, safety features, and convenience features as that found on the E-Class wagon. Trim and upholstery combinations for the All-Terrain are based on Mercedes-Benz's sporty 'Avantgarde' specification, with an aluminium-carbon trim part and floor mats fashioned with the All-Terrain badging amongst the bits exclusive to the All-Terrain.  

It isn't all just rugged-styling with no bones underneath. The E-Class All-Terrain comes fitted with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as standard, whereas its Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension system adds 15mm to the All-Terrain's ride height over the standard wagon in its normal driving mode, and its higher-profile tyres adds another 14mm to the ground clearance while delivering a better ride comfort on rough roads.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the All-Terrain's ground clearance varies between 121 to 156mm, depending on the air suspension's three available ride height settings, which can raise the ride height by up to 35mm.

  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
  • 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain. 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.

Adding to that, the E-Class All-Terrain comes with the Dynamic Select selectable driving modes feature as a standard with an additional 'All-Terrain' setting for off-road excursions. The 'All-Terrain' driving programme was said to have been adapted from the E-Class' SUV relative, the GLE.

In 'All Terrain' mode, the air suspension would raise the chassis by 20mm at speeds of up to 35km/h, while the ESP, active yaw control, and traction control thresholds are adjusted accordingly. To help drivers get their bearings correct, the 'All Terrain' mode will display vital off-roading information such as steering angle, slope and inclination angle, accelerator and brake pedal position, and a compass, on the onboard vehicle displays.

For now Mercedes-Benz Australia is keen on bringing the E-Class All-Terrain to Australia.

From its European launch, the E-Class All-Terrain will only be available in the E220d 4MATIC guise, which utilises a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 143kW and 400Nm of torque, and coupled to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic as standard.

With an acclaimed 0 to 100km/h time of 8.0 seconds, the E220d 4MATIC won't be gunning for performance junkies, but Mercedes-Benz says that six-cylinder diesel variants will follow shortly - though no word on petrol variants as yet.  

For now Mercedes-Benz Australia is keen on bringing the E-Class All-Terrain to Australia. "We are pretty confident that we will be able to introduce it here," said David McCarthy Senior Manager of Corporate Communications for Mercedes-Benz Australia. "Should we introduce it here it will be after the first half of 2017."

Would an E-Class All-Terrain tempt you away from a traditional SUV? Tell us what you think in the comments below.