Its unofficial because the look of the new generation E Class was already a badly kept secret Mercedes didn’t want you to know about, but at least now we are able to see it without the unofficial speculative interweb renders. Late yesterday images of the new E Class were leaked and spread like wildfire on the interweb. We already know what the interior looks like Because Mercedes have already revealed official images.

Now finally we know what the new E Class will look like…. And…. it looks kind of OK-ish if a little bland. We here at DCB Towers had just gotten used to how the W212 looked and the current, soon to be previous generation E Class, only looked good with the AMG body style and low profile alloys.

The images of the new generation were lead on Auto-Press, a German website but you won’t find any related article because it seems Mercedes has twisted the knife into the back of the editors. But the damage has already been done. To many the new E Class design shares a super-sized design language with the new C Class and S Class.

Interweb forums have been mixed, some referring to the new design language as a “Russian Doll” although we’re sure the designers at Mercedes would prefer to use the term homogenous. We think Mercedes has ditched the retro 80’s look of the W212 in favor of a retro 90’s look for the W213.

When the new E Class begin in early 2017 it will share the same platform that underpins the S Class so that means it will be slightly longer and wider than the current offering. Expect to see plugin-hybrids as well as 4-cylinder and six-cylinder engines in different states of tune.

Actually not much info is available on the engine line, but the current trend for auto makers is produce smaller capacity engines with turbo powerplants to make up for the power differences. However, you can still expect to see a twin-turbo V8 powered AMG version with a reputed power boost of up to 610bhp.

Technology wise the highlight will not be the all digital dashboard but but the introduction of semi-autonomous driving technology. The new system works a little like cruise control, however sensors and radars combined with serious computer processing power will allow car to effectively steer fully automated.

As a measure of safety and to comply with current legislation the driver must have his/her hands on the steering wheel when the autonomous mode is engaged. Not doing so will set off warning sounds to alert the driver to get his/her finger out.

Furthermore the system will only operate on the motorway and will be able to keep a safe distance between the car in front and even brake and adjust speed accordingly should the traffic slow, speed up and also adjust accordingly should some jerk pull in front of you.

The new E Class will be available to order in the UK later on in the year, if you are in the US you’ll have to wait another year… LOL.