2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: First Official Picture?

German car magazine Autozeitung is claiming to have obtained the first official photo of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class in its latest September issue. According to the folks over at Autozeitung, the above image has not been digitally enhanced in any way, and unless someone can provide substantial proof of the opposite, we have no reason to doubt them. Clearly apparent on this photo is the 2010 E-Class’ distinctive front-end design with the new trapezoidal shaped headlights that ditch the rounded theme used on the previous two generation models. -Continued

The new headlamp treatment was first previewed in the ConceptFASCINATION that will make its world debut in Paris next week. Like the concept, the rest of the styling falls in line with Mercedes-Benz’s current range and especially the new C-Class, adopting tauter body surfacing and sharper creases.

Under the body panels expect to see an updated engine line-up with several new and revised gasoline and ultra-clean Bluetec diesel powerplants including a base 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol unit and Merc’s new 204 HP 2.2-liter turbo diesel. By 2010, Mercedes-Benz will also enhance the E-Class range with the BMW M5-rivaling AMG version equipped with a powerful direct-injection V8 engine developing around 550 HP as well as the first hybrid E-Class that will use the same mild-hybrid drivetrain as the new S400 BlueHybrid.

According to our sources, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class will make its global premiere in sedan form at the 2009 Geneva Show in March, followed by the Estate and Coupe / Cabriolet models at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow in September of the same year.

Via: Autozeitung