Next Mercedes E-Class caught testing in C-Class body

Thu, 26 Jun 2014

At first glance, you might think these spy photos show off the upcoming Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. After all, this test car sports obviously widened fenders, not to mention camouflage around all of the areas we would expect Mercedes to modify its C-Class sedan for a high-power version. However, according to our spy shooters, it's all a ruse. Under all the obfuscation, this C-Class is apparently a test mule for the next-gen E-Class.

The key to this cover-up is that the next E-Class is expected to share the same modular platform with the C-Class. That makes it relatively easy for Mercedes' engineers to mock up the larger sedan and send it out for testing with a modest amount of camo. In this case, the wider fenders are easy to spot, but it takes an eagle eye to also spot the added length. If you look at the test car in profile, notice that there is extra room in the length of the hood and in the area between the wheel well and front door, compared to the standard C-Class.

Earlier rumors put the launch of the new E-Class in 2016, possibly to coincide with the debut of Mercedes' rumored, new inline-six engine. If true, that might make this a fairly early prototype for the next E. We expect the sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon variants to all continue to be offered, but of course, Mercedes has yet to confirm any of them as of right now.

By Chris Bruce