Mercedes-Benz is directly targeting the Audi A6 Allroad and newly-announced Volvo V90 Cross Country with its new E-Class All-Terrain.
The off-road version of the large estate will be unveiled at the Paris motor show on 29th September, and will arrive in UK showrooms in the Spring of 2017.
The car follows the now traditional formula for such vehicles of adding extra body panels to give it an SUV-style look, raising the ride height by 35mm and specifying the 4Matic all-wheel-drive transmission as standard.
“The All-Terrain-is a flexible all-rounder – for unpaved roads, family and leisure time,” says Mercedes-Benz Cars sales and marketing head Ola Källenius.
Most notable visual feature of the car is the two-fin grille, in the style of Mercedes SUVs, with the brand’s three-pointed star badge integrated into it. There is a three-part front bumper with the top section in body colour and the lower formed from grained black plastic, while the silver chrome colour also incorporated is repeated in extra lower panels. The body colour/black combination also features on the rear bumper.
Black wheel arches and side skirts are included, the former enclosing the wheels and higher-sidewall tyres, in either 18 or 19-inch sizing and with a choice of three alloy designs.
Inside the All-Terrain gets its own aluminium-carbon trim, with stainless steel pedals and bespoke floor mats. It is modeled on Avantgarde trim levels, though there are likely to be extra options available.
Initially the car will be available in E 220d form with the four-cylinder diesel engine of 194hp. Mercedes also intends to launch a six-cylinder version, both power plants paired with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
Standard on the All-Terrain is the Dynamic Select driving programme controlling engine, transmission, ESP and steering characteristics, and this includes a fifth All-Terrain mode developed from that fitted to the Mercedes GLE.
By selecting the mode the air suspension raises the car’s ride height by 20mm, a process that can be carried out on the move at speeds up to around 20mph. Three levels from 0 to 35mm higher can be selected manually using a button on the centre console.
The car’s electronic aids are adjusted to suit off-road driving, and an information panel on the dash shows steering angle, vehicle level, slope and incline angle, where the throttle and brake are positioned and a compass.
UK prices for the All-Terrain will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date. Industry sources predict a starting price of around £45,000, £5,000 above a standard E-Class estate, which would put the car between its two rivals.
