Auto Motor und Sport has published an article today outlining what they believe we can expect to see in the forthcoming 2009 Mercedes E-Class.

According to the story, prospective E-Class owners can expect to see a slight facelift in 2006, to help combat the widely-spread "quality issues" we hear about so often.

The real facelift, however, won't come until 2009. If Auto Motor und Sport is correct (and they usually are fairly accurate), one of the most notable differences we'll see in the E-Class' newest incarnation will be redesigned front headlights.  Gone are the oval headlights E-Class owners have come to love, replaced by a slightly more tear-drop shape.  Another major difference is the overall stance of the vehicle - the new E-Class features a more agressive, almost "CLS" style design.

As for the interior, the new E-Class will benefit from an increase in lenth of 20mm.  The added length in combination with a re-organized interior will provide occupants with greater feeling comfort and spaciousness.  A couple other interior highlights include a newly-designed instrument cluster, to help accomodate the night-vision screen (similar to the 2007 S-Class), as well as a hinged Command plus system screen, to avoid detracting from the look of the other interior design elements.

If you're wondering what will power the next E, expect to see similar powerplants to the ones currently offered. Mercedes will keep the four-cylinder variants, starting with a 175 hp gas engine, and will produce powerplants all the way up to a 500+ horsepower AMG version. Of course, you can also expect to see 4-MATIC and wagon versions as well.

That just about covers the E-Class rumors for the day.  Obviously a lot can change between now and 2009, so if we hear anything new, we'll be sure to keep you posted.

In the meantime, you can check out the full story over at Auto Motor und Sport by clicking here. It's roughly translated from German, so consider yourself warned.




Photos copyright © 2005, Auto Motor und Sport