Mercedes-Benz has added yet another variant to its E-Class line-up, with the launch of the all-new X214 All-Terrain at the IAA Mobility 2023 auto show today. As the name suggests, the All-Terrain is designed to go almost anywhere (if you dare), including even some light off-roading on dirt roads.
Taking the form of a raised estate model based on the S214, the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain’s only change in dimensions is its height – now measuring some 28 mm taller than the wagon. Ground clearance, however, has been increased by up to 46 mm thanks to the adjustable Airmatic single-chamber air suspension that comes as standard on the All-Terrain.
The system combines air suspension bellows with continuously-adjusting ADS+ dampers, promising “maximum responsiveness”. Sophisticated sensor technology and algorithms adjusts both the dampers’ compression and rebound stages individually on each wheel, which means even if one wheel hits a bump, the impact will not be transferred to the entire axle and interior.
In Comfort driving mode, which is probably where the car will spend the majority of its time, the suspension also automatically lowers by 15 mm at above 120 km/h to reduce air resistance, and thus improving fuel efficiency.
For those that actually want to take the all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain off-road, there’s now a new “transparent bonnet” feature, coming as part of the 360-degree surround view monitor system, that helps drivers navigate tricky terrains with more ease.
The standard-fit larger wheels (chunkier 235/55 section tyres wrapped around 18-inch alloys) should also help when you’re navigating rocky surfaces, although 19- and 20-inch items are still available as options.
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Aside from the wheels, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain is distinguished by its unique off-road design elements, including a variant-specific front grille, special bumpers, high-gloss chrome front and rear under-ride guard, as well as dark grey wheel arch liners.
The grille in particular is billed as “SUV-style”, with a twin-louvre design finished in Iridium Silver, accented by the Mercedes-Benz star pattern and a massive emblem in the centre. For even more flair, customers can also opt for an illuminated grille frame that uses optic fibre bundles to light up the grille at night.
Because its overall dimensions haven’t been changed aside from height, the interior space of the All-Terrain is also still identical to the regular S214 E-Class wagon variant. Ditto the c argo room at the back, which measures 615 litres with the rear seats in their normal position (460 litres on plug-in hybrid), expandable to 1,830 litres (1,675 litres on PHEV) by folding down the 40:20:40 split-folding seats.
The interior design is also essentially unchanged, and customers can still opt for the Superscreen set-up that features an additional screen for the front passenger, alongside an interior selfie-camera for online video conference if you – for some reason – want to hold a Zoom call while in the car.
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The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain will be offered in three electrified flavours: an E 450 4Matic with a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine for a total output of 381 hp and 500 Nm; an E 220d with a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre diesel making 197 hp and 440 Nm, and an E 300de 2.0-litre diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant making a total of 313 hp and 700 Nm.
For the PHEV variant, a 19.5 kWh (net) battery translates to a fully electric driving range of up to 100 km (WLTP) at up to speeds of 140 km/h, with the electric motor making 95 kW (129 hp) and 440 Nm.
Towing capacity remains unchanged compared to the S214 Estate, with all three variants rated at 2,100 kg, and an unbraked towing capacity of 750 kg.
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