This is the first official glimpse of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, set to do battle with BMWs new 5-Series and Audi's A6 when it comes out next year.
The new E-Class will make its debut at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January, but already we know that the next generation Merc will come equipped with a raft of new interior features inspired by Mercedes' range topping saloon – the S-Class.
Top of the order is the new digital dashboard. Mercedes has placed two 12.3-inch HD screens next to each other in front of the driver, which house the instrument cluster and controls for climate control, satellite navigation and other features.
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The driver can interact with the screens using touch sensitive pads mounted on either side of the steering wheel – or using the standard touchpad controller which is already fitted to the Mercedes range.
The large glass cockpit is available in three different designs; 'Classic', 'Sport', and 'Progressive' which alter the look of the digital dials and determine what appears on the screen. It comes available as standard on every model in the range except the entry level Avantgarde versions, but Car Magazine says that the "dual-screen display is a box worth ticking."
Auto Express says that the cabin will "feel familiar to those who've sat in the flagship S-Class" - most of the E-Class' interior design language is cut from the same cloth as that of Mercedes' biggest saloon. Highlights include the four central air vents, the wraparound dash which feeds back into the creases of the doors, as well as the centre console which pours down from the dashboard and houses some of the controls.
Inside the centre console storage is a wireless charging mat for mobile phones capable of inductive charging, as well as a USB ports for Apple CarPlay and SD card slots.
Speaking to Autocar magazine, Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener said the interior of the new E-Class "moves forward two generations," and that "all Mercedes cars should have a glamour factor when you pull up, and this has it."
Beyond the cabin, Top Gear reports that the new E-Class will get all-new four-cylinder diesels, as well as some six-cylinder petrols and a hybrid. In time, there will be an AMG version – the E63 – which will probably come with "a healthy 600bhp or more."
Other new features expected on the next E-Class include all new semi-autonomous driving technology including the ability to park the car via simple instructions issued by smartphone, and systems which assist the driver in maintaining distance and speed on the motorway.
Final prices and specifications for the new E-Class will be revealed in January, when the car makes its global debut at the Detroit Motor Show.
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