2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift caught undisguised ahead of Detroit debut
Images from South West Germany show the facelifted 2014 E-Class saloon free of camouflage, confirming major design changes before its January 2013 reveal.
Mercedes-Benz’s updated E-Class saloon has been photographed on public roads in South West Germany, showing its revised styling in full ahead of the official launch at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.
The facelift brings substantial changes to the E-Class’s appearance. The most obvious is the new front end, which now features a single-piece headlamp design in place of the split units used on the outgoing model. The grille and bumper have also been reshaped, bringing the E-Class’s look closer to the latest Mercedes-Benz design language seen on the S-Class and CLA. At the rear, the tail lamps and bumper have been updated, though the overall profile remains familiar.
Design changes visible on test car
The undisguised test car confirms Mercedes-Benz’s move away from the quad-headlamp arrangement that had become a hallmark of the E-Class since the late 1990s. The new single-lens units integrate LED daytime running lights and are expected to improve both aesthetics and lighting performance. The grille appears more upright and prominent, with a larger Mercedes star at its centre. Subtle changes to the side profile include new alloy wheel designs and minor trim updates.
Engine range and technical updates
Mercedes-Benz will offer the facelifted E-Class with a mix of four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Entry-level petrol models start with the E200, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 181hp. The E250 uses the same engine tuned to 208hp. Diesel options begin with the E200 CDI, delivering 134hp from a 2.1-litre four-cylinder, followed by the E220 CDI at 168hp and the E250 CDI at 201hp. Higher up the range, the E350 retains the 3.0-litre V6 with 248hp. All engines are expected to meet stricter emissions standards and offer improved fuel efficiency over the outgoing versions.
- E200 petrol: 2.0-litre turbo, 181hp
- E250 petrol: 2.0-litre turbo, 208hp
- E200 CDI diesel: 2.1-litre, 134hp
- E220 CDI diesel: 2.1-litre, 168hp
- E250 CDI diesel: 2.1-litre, 201hp
- E350 petrol: 3.0-litre V6, 248hp
The facelift is expected to be rolled out across the full E-Class range, including estate and coupe variants, following the saloon’s launch. Mercedes-Benz is positioning the updated model to compete more directly with the latest BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, both of which have seen recent updates to styling and technology.
What the facelift means for buyers
For existing E-Class owners, the new look marks a clear break from the previous generation’s conservative styling. The move to single-piece headlamps and a more aggressive front end may appeal to buyers seeking a sharper, more modern appearance. Updates to the engine range should also bring running cost improvements, particularly for company car drivers and high-mileage users. Full pricing and equipment details are expected at the model’s Detroit debut.
