What's all this about?
It's the expected Estate version of the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And it's big.
How big?
Up to 1,820 litres big. That's if you fold the rear 40:20:40 seats away. As standard, there's 670 litres of luggage capacity, but that rises to 700 litres with a new function on the car, which angles the rear seat backs up a further 10 degrees. This means that five people can still clamber aboard, even if the boot is absolutely stuffed to the gunwales.
It looks a lot like the C-Class Estate, no?
True, it does. But as we think the C-Class wagon is a lot more attractive than the saloon, we're inclined to say the E-Class Estate could be our favourite Mercedes of the moment. It looks elegant, despite the fact it is obviously physically big in order to have all that useful room in its interior.
Are we getting all the same sorts of technology options as found on the E-Class saloon?
Indeed, so expect twin 12.3-inch interior TFT screens on up-spec models, plus goodies like air suspension, fancy LED anti-dazzle main beam lights and electronic counter measures to repel missile attacks. Actually, scratch that last option...
O-kaaaay. How about the engines?
A fairly limited choice for the UK launch, as there will just be the 194hp/400Nm E 220 d. This four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbodiesel will be joined later in the year by a 3.0-litre V6-engined E 350 d, with 258hp and 620Nm. The 220 is obviously greener - 67.3- plays 52.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 109g/km, instead of the 350's 140g/km - but the V6 has the pace; 0-62mph takes 6.2 seconds and its top speed is 155mph. The E 220 d manages 7.7 seconds and 146mph, which are hardly shabby figures.
What if I want more oomph - is there an AMG variant?
There is, but it's not a storming V8-powered '63'. Instead, the excellent 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol, rated at 401hp and 520Nm, sits in the nose of the Mercedes-AMG E 43 4Matic. This thing can hit 62mph from rest in 4.7 seconds and has to be electronically limited to 155mph. Come on, a 400hp, four-wheel drive estate? Who doesn't like that sort of thing?
I'll ask the questions, thanks. How about mpg and CO2?
The E 43 Estate manages 34.4mpg and 192g/km. Like the E 350 d, it should appear at the end of this year. Oh, and as a technical addendum, all three E-Class Estate variants are fitted with the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Why is there no option of having extra seats in that giant cargo area?
Ah, but there is. Later in 2016, Mercedes will offer a fold-down bench 'for children' in the E-Class wagon. So, perhaps not a full-on seven-seater, then; more of a '5+2'. We'll bring you full UK prices and specs as and when they're announced.
Matt Robinson - 8 Jun 2016