New Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain Makes You Think Twice About SUVs

First introduced in the previous W213-gen range, the E-Class All Terrain gets a follow up for a second generation based on the latest sixth-gen - W214 (S214) - E-Class. 

First introduced in the previous W213 generation E-Class, the All Terrain moniker for the E-Class Estate proved that the three-point star marque could indeed think out of the box. Now, a follow up to which based on the latest W214 (S214) E-Class Estate has spawned this week during the IAA Munich 2023 show.

The debut of the new S214-based Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain comes as a surprise given how the marque reportedly opted to streamline its portfolio by axing a bevy of estates, coupes, and four-door coupes prior. For those seeking something practical for the that isn’t an  SUV, this is perhaps one viable alternative.

Unlike the regular S214 Estate, the All Terrain variant features up to 46 MM of ground clearance.

Other notable styling cues include dark grey wheel arch cladding, high-gloss chrome guards lining the undersides of the front and rear bumper, as well as an illuminated grille.

Unlike the regular sixth-gen estate (S214) it underpins, the new E-Class All Terrain variant boats up to 46 MM of ground clearance. It also sits taller at 1,497 MM, whilst its long-roofed bodystyle also sees it imbued with massive SUV-matching – and perhaps beating – maximum luggage capacity of up to 1,830 litres with the seats down.

In terms of styling, the new E-Class All Terrain sports a slightly rugged appearance thanks to the dark grey wheel arch cladding and high-gloss chrome guards lining the undersides of both bumpers. Speaking of the latter, these bear different designs over the regular S214 estate too, and there’s even an illuminated front grille.

Besides the aforementioned ground clearance, the E-Class All Terrain benefits with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and a sensor-laden air suspension with adaptive ground clearance abilities for light off-roading.

Designed with light off-roading in mind, the new E-Class All Terrain is also brimmed with a host of features for which such as a trick sensor-led air suspension system with adaptive ground clearance abilities, all-wheel-drive (AWD), and the same ‘transparent bonnet’ function in the 360-degree camera module from the latest-gen GLC 300 4Matic AMG Line.

As for powertrain, things on this front appears similar as the regular saloon and estate with Mercedes-Benz employing its modular range of 4-cyl mild-hybrid (MHEV) diesel and 6-cyl petrol engine choices. Available too is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4-cyl diesel that boasts a claimed WLTP electric-only range of up to 102 KM. 

On board, the base S214-gen E-Class's high-tech features and connectivity functions are retained, as is the latest-gen MBUX infotainment suite.

Besides sitting slight wider and taller than the regular W214 sedan, the All Terrain also boasts a cavernous boot that can offer up to 1,830 litres of space with the rear seats down.

On board, much of the base W214 saloon’s high tech features and connectivity-driven amenities are retained. Customers can opt to specify the dash with the latest 15.6-inch Superscreen display suite plus an optional passenger side screen that allows passengers to consume ‘dynamic content’.

Present too is Mercedes’s latest MBUX infotainment suite that enables users to indulge in things like TikTok, attending video calls (whilst stationary), take selfies, and play games. Another highlight is seamless integration with Apple products to enable a novel digital key that’s shareable with up to 16 different users.

Sales in the EU are slated to commence within Q1 2024, and Mercedes plans to offer the E-Class All Terrain in North America as well. Entry into other markets worldwide remains uncertain for now.

The new W214-derived Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain is set to hit European showrooms sometime in the first quarter of next year (Q1, 2024). Beyond which, Mercedes-Benz has only confirmed plans to offer the model in North America too, whilst entry into other markets worldwide remains uncertain.

Would you opt for this high-riding estate over an SUV equivalent? We certainly would. Share your thoughts in the comments section below, as well as through our social media pages…