Mercedes-E-Class-3

The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the W212, has been with us since 2009 and received its mid-life facelift in 2012. Work on its replacement is of course well underway, attested to by spyshots of the next-generation W213 E-Class prototypes - expect more to come as the months go on.

This isn't the first time we've spotted the car, as an earlier report showed a test mule makings its rounds on a circuit and on public roads. From what we can deduce from the photos, it shows the new car adopting a less angular design, most likely echoing the current C-Class (W205) and S-Class (W222) design cues.

The new E-Class is expected to employ the same MRA platform as the W205 C-Class, helping it shave more weight off. Engine options will most likely be a range of new six-cylinder powertrains. The higher-performing AMG variants will likely employ a derivative of the M178 engine currently serving in the Mercedes-AMG GT.

We can also expect the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission - first available in the E350 BlueTec, to feature in the new car. With the prototype phase of the car already at full throttle, the new car should make its public debut sometime in late 2015 or early 2016.