The headlamps have been redesigned and comprise all functional elements with a single headlamp lens. Flowing light elements within the headlamps help to ensure that the "four-eyed" look which is typical of the E-Class has been graphically retained, and afford both the Saloon and the Estate an unmistakable night design. The low-beam headlamps and the daytime running lamps feature LED technology as standard. Full LED headlamps are also available as an option for the first time in this class.

Design: two new front ends to choose from 

For the first time, the E-Class is available with two different front ends: the basic variant and ELEGANCE equipment line come with the classic, three-dimensional Saloon grille with 3-louvre look and Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. The AVANTGARDE equipment line, on the other hand, incorporates the sporty front end with central star and twin louvre which is softly shaped around the star recess, and as such boasts an independent, front-end look with a sporty emphasis.

The swept-back bonnet and front bumper have also been redesigned. With its flowing lines, the bonnet follows the new design idiom in a sleek and very straightforward manner. Its contours merge elegantly and smoothly into the frame surrounding the radiator trim and the headlamps. The newly shaped bumper, which is now free of all light functions, presents an exciting shift between differently curved areas with precisely executed contour lines and soft shapes. It has a modern appearance and with the wing design of its curved spoiler lip subtly underscores the sporty aspirations of the E-Class.

The faces of the new E-Class 

A new line visually stretches the E-Class 

From the side, the new E-Class appears visibly stretched. This comes courtesy of a redesigned line which starts on the rear door and runs dynamically beneath the structure line through to the tail light. In this way it visually underscores the structure line with its typical "undercut". The redesigned side view visually benefits the vehicle in terms of length, and also makes it look broader when viewed from the rear. The new line is a stylistic feature of the new design idiom, which is based on beautifully stretched, voluminous shapes with convex/concave areas, accentuated by sharp lines. 

The three-dimensional side trim has been repositioned and moved downwards. As a result, the greenhouse appears flatter, despite the window areas remaining unchanged. This has given rise to visually new, more dynamic proportions.  

The same intelligent design modifications have also given the Estate a more superior and more dynamic appearance. Here, elegant, chrome-plated roof rails provide an exciting line. The roof rails are chrome-plated in all design and equipment lines, while the mounting hardware is finished in black. Concealed B and C-pillars featuring "frame under glass" and a steep D-pillar tapering downwards characterise the closed look of the Estate model's greenhouse.

Broad, distinctive rear end 

At the rear, the lights and bumper have been revised. The new horizontally structured LED tail lights with new two-tone look (divided into ¾ red and ¼ white) emphasise the width, and with fibre optics create a characteristic night design which is typical of Mercedes. A third brake light – integrated into the tailgate spoiler above the rear window in the case of the Estate – as well as the number plate illumination, also make use of LED technology. 

In the Estate, thanks to the steeply angled, narrow D-pillar, a large, broad tailgate provides for a large loading aperture and therefore ease of loading and good usability of the luggage compartment.  

The new rear bumper captures the new design idiom and brings it to a consistent conclusion with a wing attachment which appears to float. Depending on the engine, the tailpipes are concealed out of sight or are highlighted to the onlooker. The eight-cylinder models as well as the AVANTGARDE line feature rectangular tailpipe trim integrated into the bumper. This is also the case for the optional Exterior Sports package as well as the AMG Sports package.  

E-Class owners can also apply some individual visual highlights with an attractive range of new wheels. The base variant comes with wheels measuring 40.6 cm (16 inches), while the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines are fitted with 43.2 cm (17-inch) wheels. In conjunction with the Exterior Sports package, wheels measuring 45.7 cm (18 inches) are fitted, and the variant with the AMG Sports package comes with AMG light-alloy wheels measuring 45.7 cm (18 inches). As an option, wheels with a 48.3 cm (19-inch) diameter are also available. 

The elegantly dynamic style is also highlighted with some new colours: covelline blue, dolomite brown and hyacinth red are new additions to the range of paint finishes.