2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate Due In Australia Feb-March 2010: Video

DUE TO JOIN its sedan and coupe counterparts in Australian showrooms early next year, the E-Class Estate is scheduled to make its international debut at September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Following last week's image leak, Mercedes-Benz has issued official details, photos and video of the new E-Class Estate.

In international markets, the E-Class Estate will be offered with a total of ten engine options, ranging from diesel to petrol engines of varying capacities and output.

Peter Fadeyev, Corporate Communications Manager for Mercedes-Benz Australia, told TMR today that while specific engine options have not been confirmed for Australia, buyers should look to the outgoing model for an idea of what to expect.

"We haven't locked in our engine line-up or specifications, but as a guide and for what can be expected of the new model, the previous version was available as the E280 petrol V6, E280 CDI turbo diesel V6, the larger and more powerful E350 petrol V6, the E500 petrol V8, and the E63 AMG Estate - albeit it in limited numbers," Mr Fadeyev said.

If the E-Class Estate follows the lead of the recently launched sedan, model grades would likely include the diesel E220 CDI, E250 CDI and E350 CDI models. Petrol models would include the E220 CGI four-cylinder, E350 CGI V6 and E500 V8.

The E-Class Estate wagon offers up to 1950 litres of storage space with the rear seats laid flat. Passenger space is increased, elbow width in the rear growing by 50mm to 1505mm.

Rear headroom with the large tilting/sliding sunroof installed is increased by 50mm to 1010mm. Models with no sunroof offer headroom of 1012mm.

The tailgate is equipped with Mercedes' EASY-PACK system, automatically raising the load compartment cover. The load compartment floor uses the same technology, increasing the useable height of the storage area.

Safety features of the E-Class estate include nine airbags as standard, with four belt tensioners and belt force limiters. NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints for the driver and front passenger are standard.

The nine airbags include two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests, two pelvis bags up front and two large windowbags extending from the A-pillar to the C-pillar.

Sidebags for the rear passengers are also available as an option.

DIRECT CONTROL automatic self-levelling suspension at the rear is now standard for the E-Class Estate, including the adaptive damping system, which keeps the car at the same height no matter how heavily loaded.

Mr Fadeyev was unable to confirm specific launch dates in Australia for the E-Class Estate, but remained confident that a date very early in 2010 is likely.

Australian specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the E-Class Estate's local launch.