Three years after the launch of the latest generation, Mercedes introduces a restyled version of its E-Class, dubbing it ‘model year 2012′. The large sedan of the three-pointed star house expands its offer aiming at a younger and more dynamic custom-base, promising a more sporty and exciting driving experience. This doesn’t mean that Mercedes is adding more versions to the already large E-Class family, they actually did quite the opposite: in an attempt to simplify things, they have reduced the number of the variants, but those which survived the slashing will get a fairly enriched standard equipment. However, the classic Mercedes-Benz’s partition in three levels of equipment - Executive, Elegance and Avantgarde - is still in place.

The entry level version now comes with ILS bi-xenon lights, LED daylight strips and new 17″ alloys, which join features such as the multifunctional steering wheel and the advanced info-tainment system with Bluetooth connectivity in the standard equipment. All that already makes it quite a rich entry level model. The Elegance trim confirms its more comfort-oriented attitude, while the new Avantgarde variant pushes the boundaries of its sporty feeling even further: the car now includes in its standard equipment the AMG Exterior Sport Package, 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels, an upgraded braking system with bigger discs and Mercedes-branded calipers and also a lowered ride height. All models will come with two trapezoid shaped mufflers.

In the cabin we find some pretty interesting addition too: Mercedes’ own Comand Online - the innovative browser-based app solution that provides users with access to several connected services such as Google POI search, weather, full internet browsing and the likes - is now standard for all E-Class models, as is the three-spoke steering wheel borrowed from the CLS. Besides, in order to emphasize the new-found sporty attitude of the whole range, AMG packages will be made available for both Executive and Elegance trim levels. The package include AMG sports steering wheel, AMG 18″ or 19″ alloys, sporty seats, aluminum pedals and lowered ride height.

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German tuner Prior Design presents its PD500 aerodynamic kit, which represents the perfect solution for those Mercedes E-Class owners who would like the cars to look like the mighty E63 AMG model. The kit includes a front bumper which is almost identical to the one used for the AMG version - hence featuring larger intakes, side vents, black mesh and LED day-time running lights - a pair of new side sills and a new rear bumper with integrated gloss black diffuser. We think the package delivers the sort of aggressive AMG looks it promises, but the lack of AMG badges just prevents it from conveying the same kind of thrill that only the real deal can trigger off.

View the full Mercedes E-Class kit by Prior Design photo gallery

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The Car of the Year prizes have been dominated by the Germans with many being awarded one of Autobild’s “Golden Steering Wheel” awards. The Porsche Panamera won the luxury car category, beating the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S Class, while the medium to large sedan category was won by the Audi A5 Sportback, followed by the BMW 5-Series GT and the Mercedes E Class.

Among the compact class, a nice win for the new Opel Astra, beating the Skoda Yeti, which came in second ahead of the Renault Megane. In its sector, the Renault Scenic emerged ahead of the Toyota Verso and Peugeot 5008, and among the small cars the Volkswagen Polo won over the Citroen C3 and Hyundai i20. The Toyota Prius took out the ecological prize, followed by the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion and the Mercedes S400 Hybrid.

The supercar category was dominated by the new Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing, followed by the Audi R8 Spider and the Aston Martin One-77. The finalists for overall COTY are the Citroën C3 Picasso, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Opel Astra, Peugeot 3008, Skoda Yeti, Toyota iQ and Volkswagen Polo. Take your bets now…

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The shooting-brake variant of the new Mercedes E Class could be on its way, showing that the Fascination concept seen at the 2008 Paris show may not be a dud. The estate car body style is known as a “shooting brake” and is in the design of many new and differing models seen especially in the German brands of late.

The Mercedes E Class family will expand to include the shooting brake, in addition to the sedan, coupé and convertible. It should be on the market in 2011 and follows other similar styles such as the BMW X6, the Mercedes CLS and the future Audi A5 Sportback.

The E Class shooting brake is set to be a mix of coupé style with three doors and sports style, and the versatility of a station wagon with a roomy boot. The Paris concept was originally meant to be a look at the E-Class Coupé but here we could see a standalone model.

Continue reading: Mercedes E-Class shooting brake on its way

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Here are more official pics of the Mercedes E Class Coupé and an accompanying video as part of a press release, with a reminder of the plethora of electronic options that come with the vehicle. The video shows the elegant car on a drive around a coastal hilly landscape, with some static shots including the interior.

Continue reading: Mercedes E Class Coupè video and gallery

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Not exactly the height of excellence in marketing communications, here is the new Mercedes E Class coupè commercial. Lots of horses, lots of lovely girls, and a brief look at the new car. See what you think.

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The Mercedes E-Class Coupé has stolen the limelight at the Geneva motor show, but in addition to its presence, the debut of two important European models also occurred. The E Class sedan and SLR Stirling Moss were both revealed, which you can see in our gallery below.

Continue reading: Mercedes E-Class Coupé steals show at Geneva, along with the E-Class sedan and SLR Stirling Moss

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These spy shots of the Mercedes E Class Coupé come from testing in Italy, though we’ve already seen the official E Class pics released.

The model will presented at the upcoming Geneva show, although testing is still being concluded before the car hits the market in May. Thanks to “vmelle88″ for the shots.

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After the initial leaked pics of the Mercedes E Class Coupé, here is a brief gallery of what is set to be the star of the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. This is the most aerodynamic car in the world, according to Mercedes figures, and here you can see it in lovely white.

The new sporty model includes the already noted 3.5 litre V6 CGI at 292hp and the 5.5 litre V8 at 388hp. In addition three new engines will be available: a 3.0L V6 at 231hp, a 2.1L, 204hp engine and the new 1.8L turbo with direct injection at 204hp. All have either CDI or CGI BlueEfficiency.

Continue reading: Mercedes E Class Coupé official pics

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No official photos have been made available yet, but in their place we have these shots of the Mercedes E Class Coupé, set to be presented at the 2009 Geneva motor show. These shots (in low resolution) come before any press releases or official news before the show.

Apparently these photos come from press material and show the new Mercedes design. The engine range for this vehicle should be the 3.0 litre V6 common rail from the 350 CDI, the 3.5 litre V6 petrol with aspirated direct injection (from the 350 CGI), and the 5.5 litre V8 of the 500. Another news should be revealed from the Geneva show.

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The first official videos of the new Mercedes E Class have arrived, with the opportunity to get a three-dimensional look of the design. We may have had some doubts on the style of the new sedan, but these videos give us the impression that the car needs to be checked out in person to really appreciate it.

The E Class should prove to be an important step for Mercedes, taking its sedans to the top of the line for comfort, technology and image. The potential of the new on-board safety systems is currently without a rival on the market, and the elegance should certainly tip the scales in its favour, too.

The E Class videos show that the style is almost cubist in its look, with a classic Mercedes touch. After the jump you will find a range of videos of the new sedan, in production, on the road and generally showing off.

Continue reading: Mercedes E Class videos

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Plenty of spy shots have been floating around the internet, but here are the first official pics of the Mercedes E Class escaped from under lock and key and leaked to the web.

The new sedan has all the elegance you’d expect, with a touch of fascinating aristocracy from Mercedes. The new headlights change the look significantly, although the side and rear looks awkward - as though the designers couldn’t quite get the right mix of class and sports style.

More galleries are set to come after these first leaked images of the Mercedes Class E, and we’ll also wait to see it in the flesh to decide.

Continue reading: New Mercedes E Class: official images leaked

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