We’ve updated this article with live images of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain from its world premiere at the Munich Motor Show that runs Sep 5-10, 2023. Check out our complete coverage of the show here.
Mercedes has taken the wraps off the all-new E-Class All-Terrain, a model that has managed to survive the chopping block, returning for a second generation. Additionally, Mercedes has confirmed that the All-Terrain will be offered in the U.S., making it the brand’s only “estate” body style in the American lineup.
While crossover SUVs seem to be the flavor of the last decade (or two, for that matter), the All-Terrain is a breath of fresh air for those looking for something a bit different. With standard all-wheel drive, 46 mm of extra ground clearance, and Airmatic air suspension, the all-new All-Terrain will continue to battle with the likes of the Audi A6 All-Road and Volvo V90 Cross Country.
Multiple Engines In Europe, One Mild Hybrid For The US
Live images Baldauf / ten Brink for Carscoops
European consumers will be able to sample from three variants, including a four-cylinder mild-hybrid diesel (E 220), a six-cylinder gas (E 450), and a four-cylinder diesel plug-in hybrid (E300 de).
The U.S. market will have to make do with just the E 450. We say “make do,” but the specs for the 3.0-liter six-pot are rather impressive. It features 375 hp (381 hp / 280 kW in euro-spec) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque between 5,800-6,100 rpm. That’s enough for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) estimated at 4.6 seconds, making it the quickest of the crop. Top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.
See Also: Stylish 2024 Mercedes E-Class Estate Is A Wagon With A Wow Factor
Back on the continent, both diesels feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which develops 197 hp (145 kW). That’s only enough for a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 8.1 seconds in the entry-level E 220 d.
But, when combined with the electric motor in the E 300 de, output jumps to 308 hp (230 kW) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm). That’s enough for the E 300 de to do the 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h) sprint in 6.9 seconds. Evidently designed for fuel-sipping mile-munching, the plug-in hybrid E 300 de also has the advantage of being capable of traveling 63 miles (102 kms) on battery power, based on the WLTP cycle.
An Alternative To The Norm
The E-Class All-Terrain takes its basic form from the estate, which is unavailable to U.S. customers but remains a strong seller in Europe. There are unique design tweaks to differentiate the two.
For instance, the All-Terrain features a unique front grille, special bumpers, high-gloss chrome front and rear underride guard (although the one at the back is described as “simulated,” aka, “for show”), and dark grey wheel-arch cladding.
Related: Americans Are Buying Station Wagons – As Long As They’re Disguised As SUVs
What’s not for show is the extra 1.8 inches (46 mm) of extra ground clearance. Air suspension is standard, and at speeds above 75 mph (120 km/h), the car will lower by 0.6 inches (15 mm) for aerodynamic efficiency. 18-inch 8 J wheels on 235/55 R 18 tires are standard, although if you want to fill out the arches, you can option 19- and 20-inch wheels.
The dimensions stay largely the same as the estate, but it’s wider than the sedan. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain measures at a width of 75 inches (1,904 mm), a height of 58.9 inches (1,497 mm), and a length of 195 inches (4,950 mm).
Compared to the outgoing All-Terrain, that’s 1.1 inches (28 mm) more width on offer, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 0.87 inches (22 mm) to 116.6 inches (2,961 mm).
Off-Road And Practicality
Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard for the All-Terrain and, together with Airmatic, is tied into an off-road driving program. Although not much more information is provided, Mercedes does say that ground clearance is kept constant despite weight changes, thanks to the air suspension. In addition, each shock absorber works independently to adapt to the prevailing road conditions and ensure that the transmission of impacts to the cabin is minimized.
There’s also a “transparent hood” feature similar to that found in Land Rovers. Using the 360-degree cameras, the system uses a delayed image of what you’ve just driven over to stitch together an image of what’s underneath the hood as an image on the infotainment screen.
See Also: 2024 Mercedes E-Class Thinks Hybrid Power, In-Car TikTok And A Selfie Cam Will Help It Beat BMW
But, while the All-Terrain is being marketed as an off-roader-y version of an E-Class, the omission of mentioning things like locking differentials, wading depths, and approach and departure angles makes us think Mercedes probably expects light off-roading at best.
What we can’t deny, though, is the practicality on offer. Being the only wagon body style of Mercedes on offer to U.S. customers, it’s worth a look in for this point alone. There’s a load capacity of 615 to 1,830 liters (plug-in hybrid model: 460–1,675 liters), with the rear-most seats folding down with a 40:20:40 split.
Of course, what you don’t get is a third row of seats, as you’d find in the W124 generation of E-Class estate — for that, you’d have to look towards a crossover SUV. Still, with a tech-centric interior, you at least won’t have many bored passengers.
The All-Terrain now comes with an optional front-passenger screen, and there’s even the option of a selfie/video camera that sits atop of the dashboard (no, really). And, if that wasn’t enough, there are apps from the likes of TikTok to Angry Birds baked into the software to while away those hours on the road — at least, if you’re a passenger.
Pricing And Availability
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, but expect the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain to come in at around $70,000-80,000. European customers can expect to see cars arrive in showroom sometime during Q1 2024, with U.S. deliveries confirmed for 2024, but with no launch date as yet.
