Mercedes-Benz E-class review – executive tour-de-force still one to be reckoned with - Design
The E-class is more diverse, multi-talented and capable than ever, but still retains those key Mercedes attributes
The E-class is a familiar sight on UK roads now, but remains a sophisticated, if not particularly adventurous, design. The smooth lines have aged relatively well, given the pace that design trends come and go these days. E53 models go some of the way to looking more aggressive, with new round exhaust outlets and gloss black elements on the front and rear, setting them apart from lesser AMG Line models, but the only E-class to really grab your attention is the full-strength E63 S.
That’s not just due to the massive wheels, exhaust outlets and front intakes, but also a completely re-profiled nose, so far as to completely displace the headlights, setting them lower down on the nose around a more open grille. The front wheelarches and bonnet are also new, with a more pumped up and aggressive demeanour. You can see the level of change that went into the E63 thanks to the new nose cone-like front bumper, which extends up and over the headlights, on standard E-class models the bonnet overhangs the these.
Estate models do trade some style for the sake of practicality, and although this pays dividends in terms of class-leading boot space, they do look frumpier than their siblings. The Coupe and Convertible also share the same smooth design language, pairing a familiar nose to a more rounded, muscular tail and wider hips. The trademark lack of a B-pillar is still present, although like the previous E-class, the coupe does make a slight concession with a tiny rear quarter window that doesn’t quite drop, failing to achieve peak open window kudos.
The E-class is soon to undergo a pretty major update though, with a new nose, tail and interior, but for now it remains an understated executive car with plenty of class, if not outright style.
