Both the E-Class AMG and the regular sedan are expected to be launched simultaneously at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, just as the company did with the recently revealed SL facelift earlier this year. Remaining similar in size to the current model, the new E-Class will pick up styling cues from the CLS four-door coupe as well as a new angular front end with four square-shaped headlights.

Slumping sales of the current E-Class show the aging car is due for an update. May retail sales of the E-Class were down 55% compared to 2007, and year-to-date sales in 2008 are down more than 43%. By contrast, the recently updated C-Class' sales are up 237% over the first five months of the year.  To help turn things around, the new E-Class will blend the best of the outgoing model with a reworked platform and a few new features as well.

Engine line-up a mix of old and new
Despite concerns about global warming and the impending end to the horsepower war between Germany’s in-house tuners, the new E 63 will continue with the same potent hand-built 6.2-litre V8 found in the current car. The rest of the car’s mechanical package is expected to receive a thorough makeover, however.

Variations of the engine will develop more than 500kW in the SL63 Black Series and upcoming SLC supercar, but the new E 63 will likely be restricted to around 410kW to keep it in line with rivals such as the 432kW Audi RS6. Engineers will also be focusing on improvements to the car’s handling and chassis strength, borrowing a number of features from the new C 63 AMG.

Base models will be powered by a 137kW four-cylinder turbo engine. New to the line-up will be a direct injection petrol V6 model, a 263kWhp diesel V8 version and an all-new hybrid model that’s expected to arrive after 2010.

New styling inside and out
The next E 63 is tipped to receive a widened front track and quicker steering ratio compared to the regular E-Class as well as a MacPherson strut and multi-link active suspension. The car will also be distinguished from its more ordinary stable mates by aggressive front and rear bumper designs, forged alloy wheels and a set of redesigned side sills.

The interiors of the entire E-Class range will test Mercedes’ recent return to form in quality. Expected features include a mix of elements from the S- and C-Class models such as a centrally mounted colour screen and an in-dash multifunction display between the speedometer and tachometer. The central control module and steering wheel use a similar design to the ones used in the new C-Class. The side mirrors will also pick up the same integrated indicators.

A wagon variant is expected to reach the global market less than 12 months after the launch of the sedan and will feature a widened C-pillar and a chrome strip across its rear. A second long-wheelbase E-Class variant is rumoured to stretch 20cm longer than the standard E-Class and could be manufactured in China. It will be aimed at emerging markets as an executive limousine.

Lower prices across the line
Another cue the new E 63 is likely to take from its smaller C-Class sibling is a healthy price cut. The current C 63 AMG is priced just below $140,000, more than $20,000 less than the car’s price just a year ago. The Australian dollar’s continued strength should mean the E 63 AMG will also be priced below its predecessor. The current model starts at $228,800 for the saloon and $234,800 for the estate version, so following the C-Class model, prices for the new E 63 AMG could start as low as $210,000.

The rest of the range from the entry-level E 200 to the E 500 is also likely to drop in price, though not as sharply as the AMG model. Current pricing starts at $88,200 and ranges up to $161,500, but next year's cars could be priced as much as 10% below the current line-up thanks to the rising dollar.

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class preview

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