In what has to be good news for wagon fans, Mercedes-Benz is showing off their all-new E-Class All-Terrain. Following in the steps of the Subaru Outback, Audi Allroad, and most recently the Volvo V90 Cross Country, the All-Terrain is Mercedes' entry into the station-wagon-as-quasi-SUV segment. The model gives some of the extra height of an SUV, adds fender flares and cladding to provide the rugged look of an SUV, but maintains most of the ride and space of a wagon.
On the outside, there are the aforementioned flares and cladding, in grey for implied off-road ability (the unpainted plastic is more scratch-resistant). The All-Terrain also gets a unique grille, styled like that of the company's SUVs instead of the sedan-style grille. Complimenting that are more aggressive bumpers front and rear. The available 19- and 20-inch wheels also get tires with more sidewall, for improved ride comfort and rough-road capability.
The All-Terrain is 29 mm higher than the E-Class wagon, and the standard Air Body Control air spring suspension can raise that an additional 20 mm at speeds up to 35 km/h. That gives some needed extra clearance when driving on the worst roads. Selecting the All-Terrain driving mode raises the height, and also adjusts stability control, yaw control, and traction control to operate in a more rough-road friendly manner.
Inside is the similar to the E-class wagon, with loads of room, a three-way split rear seat, and all E-class safety, comfort, and convenience options available. Unique to All-Terrain will be aluminium-carbon-look trim, stainless steel pedals, and special floor mats.
The engine at launch will be the E220d 194 hp diesel engine. It will be a new engine, with a nine-speed automatic standard. All-wheel drive will, of course, be standard equipment. A six-cylinder diesel will follow sometime later. While the All-Terrain has previously been confirmed for Canada, the date has not been announced, and it's not clear if we will receive the diesels. More likely is the 329 hp six-cylinder gas engine from the E400 4MATIC wagon we get currently.
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