The E-Class impresses by its well-resolved design. The rear end of the estate blends in harmoniously
with the stylish E-Class family lines and provides a seamless extension of its siblings’ flanks. One of the key features here is the sweeping roof line, which extends from the delicately sculptured A-pillar to the likewise extremely slim, downward-tapering D-pillar. This gives the rear an extremely elegant air, yet the car has everything you expect of a station wagon: a low trunk sill, large tailgate opening, load-swallowing trunk capacity and the functionality to handle the rigors of everyday life.
Opening the tailgate is a good example. At the touch
of a button on the electronic ignition key the large rear hatch (electro hydraulically operated as standard) sweeps up high and the load compartment cover
lifts to showcase the roomy luggage compartment.
The new “Quickfold” system allows the 1/3:2/3 split rear seat backrests to fold forward quickly and easily. Pull either the two levers on either side of the load
area or those to the sides of the rear seats, and the rear seat backrests pivot forward, complete with head restraints. All this happens fully automatically; you need not lift another finger. Creating a flat load area extending two meters (6 ft. 5 in.) from the tailgate to the backs of the front seats – sufficient for 18 packing cases – is that simple.
The engineers also took things one step further in the development of the load compartment floor. This con-
sists of several segments which fold together, allowing the floor to open in stages and be fixed in various positions. In this way, you can make use of the 132 liter storage compartment underneath and exploit the full load height of this incredibly spacious vehicle.
The load area can therefore grow with the owner’s requirements. EASY-PACK is the name aptly chosen by Mercedes-Benz for a concept that makes loading up a refreshingly straightforward process. The package of measures also includes a standard-fitted load compartment cover, safety partition net, folding load compartment floor (for the Elegance and Avantgarde equipment lines), electro hydraulic tailgate and the above-mentioned Quickfold rear seats.
The EASY-PACK system can also be ordered with other options focused primarily on enhancing safety. These include a load securing kit with aluminum rails built into either side of the load compartment floor and a telescopic bar which separates off the load area.
In addition, the wide retractable belt (also optional) stretches around a load to prevent it from slipping.
The mission statement of the Mercedes-Benz engineers – instead of setting out with a lifestyle car
in mind, their priority was to create a station wagon worthy of the title. This was to be a vehicle without compromises for a large target group with differing requirements and desires – one which aims to offer the room necessary to handle the array of transpor-
tation jobs on the to-do lists of leisure-time sports enthusiasts, businesspeople and families alike. Take those of us needing extra seats from time to time: in two easy movements, the E-Class Estate can be swiftly extended by two backward-facing seats for children.