Currently reading: Facelifted Mercedes E-class spied
Mid-life update brings revised front-end styling, a higher-quality interior and smaller, cleaner engines

Mercedes-Benz is set to ditch the E-class’s distinctive quad-headlight treatment as part of a series of mid-life changes to the current model.

The heavily reworked E-class, caught here in prototype estate guise during testing ahead of its launch at next year’s Detroit show, sports a new front-end look aimed at providing it with a more cohesive appearance than the current model.

Among the styling changes made to the car, codenamed W212, are the adoption of two new single-element headlights complete with integral LED daytime running lights.

The angular units are said to provide the E-class with a much tidier appearance, less shutline exposure and improved aerodynamic efficiency. 

Other changes include a revised grille and front bumper, reworked tail-lights and a reprofiled rear bumper.

Higher-quality trims, revised instrument graphics and the latest version of Mercedes’ Comand multimedia system are among the interior changes as part of a bid to lift the perceived quality of the E-class, which is under fire from the newer Audi A6 and BMW 5-series.

The existing M271 four-cylinder petrol engines will be replaced with the newer, more efficient M274 units.

Mercedes plans to bring a 154bhp 1.6-litre unit to the E-class. Already found in the C180 BlueEfficiency, it will be fitted to an entry-level model likely to be badged E200 BlueEfficiency.

A trio of 2.0 four-pots will be positioned above it: a 181bhp unit for the E220, 208bhp for the E250 and 248bhp for the E300. Also planned is a turbocharged 335bhp 3.5 V6 for the E400 and a turbo 4.6 V8 with 429bhp for the E500.

Diesels are expected to include a 2.1-litre four-pot in different states of tune for the E200, E220 and E250 CDI. The 208bhp 3.0 V6 for the E300 CDI is likely to be axed.

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Uncle Mellow 31 July 2012

Merc facelift.

There was nothing wrong with the front, the problem is the rear passenger doors.

5wheels 31 July 2012

Competing with

MB used to bring out a new model every 5-7 years thus helping mainain their value. Over the last decade or so that model change/revamp has dropped to 4=3 and now 2 years. Very poor show

disco.stu 31 July 2012

Finally...

Glad they're ditching the awful four-headlight look, although the heavily-styled rear quarter panel still grates.  Pity they're not going to update the interior design other than trim and graphics, because I think it's dating fast.

Now all they need to is improve the reliability issues that the coupé & convertible have suffered from and they'll have a lovely motor on their hands...