This is the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain, and according to the carmaker, this is the most versatile E-Class ever made.
We’re not just talking about the inherent practicality that comes with the station-wagon design. As the name of the vehicle suggests, this is an all-terrain vehicle, that on paper, is not afraid to get its standard 19-inch wheels dirty.
Wearing the E220d badge, it comes with Merc’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The All-Terrain also has added ground clearance compared to the sedan thanks to the self-levelling multi-chamber air suspension system.
It’s powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (143kW at 3 800 r/min and 400Nm from 1 600 r/min) that’s also found under the bonnet of its sedan sibling. Power is sent to the wheels via a 9G-Tronic (nine-speed) automatic gearbox. Additionally, the gearbox features an ‘all-terrain transmission mode.’ This mode selects the appropriate gearing based on the car’s handling characteristics when driving on gravel roads.
On the styling-front, some features from the brand’s SUV range have trickled down to the E220d All-Terrain, chief of which is the ‘twin-louvre’ grille that hugs the three-pointed star. Scuff plates also surround the underside of the car, while black wheel-arch covers further enhance the brawny looks of the station wagon.
While the All-Terrain looks set to compete for sales against the Subaru Outback and Volvo V60 Cross Country, it’s not yet known if Mercedes-Benz will bring it to South Africa. If the monthly sales figures of off-roady station wagons are anything to go by, probably not.