Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Next Generation

Stuttgart, Germany – The last time the Mercedes-Benz E-Class was completely updated, it's habitat was a very different place.

Traditional rivals such as the BMW 5 Series are now less threatening and vehicles such as the Lexus GS series and Jaguar XF line have adopted aggressive tactics and are now much more dangerous to the E-Class.

The global credit crunch that begun in earnest in mid-2008 is affecting spending habits, particularly larger and more expensive purchases such as cars, so in this respect the new E-Class is unlikely to surpass its predecessors sales figures.

What you see here are the first official photos of the new generation 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which will be officially launched at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.

These images have only just been leaked, not a lot of information is known about the new models.

Originally planned for an early January launch, we're all quite happy about the leak because we'll be on holidays over January, and the early consensus on the new look is moderately positive.

The rear end design has upset a few people in the Web Wombat offices, being called "Russian" by one contributor which could be an insult or a compliment.

The brake lights look somewhat out of place on the new 2010 E-Class, but as only three images were leaked it could be a case poor camera angle or colour/lighting choice.

At the front of the car, the overall shape is recognisable: the grille and the engine hood are traditional Merc.

But it's the new headlights that give the car difference.

Blending the previous E-Class's "double bubble" headlights with the Lexus GS series' twin clusters, the look is appealing.

Another new feature at the front of the 2010 E-Class are new LED fog lights.

As with all new models, the 2010 E-Class will be longer and wider than its predecessor and will feature a raft of new technologies.

The car's safety will be so advanced that the car will half drive itself, but this raises the ethical question of taking control away from the driver.

For instance the car will able to brake on its own if it detects the driver failing to do so in the event of a collision.

Engine technology isn't expected to improve greatly. The usual V6 and V8 petrol engines will be offered along with BluTec diesel models (though they may not come to Australia because of our low-grade diesel).

The range-topping AMG E-Class model, most likely the E63, will be powered by a 6.2-litre V8 outputting up to 450 killowatts of power, which is about 600 horsepower.