Audi or Volvo have been offering combi-SUV hermaphrodites like the A6 Allroad or V70 Cross Country for many years. Now reacts too Mercedes and presented the E-Class Estate as an off-road-inspired derivative called All-Terrain at the Paris Motor Show (October 1-16, 2016). The combi-Kraxler is due to take off in spring 2017.
Mercedes uses classic ingredients to design the all-terrain. The front and rear aprons suggest more robustness with the indicated underride protection. The same applies to the additional sill elements in the flanks or the plastic frame of the wheel arches. There is also a separate grille design with two large cross struts.
Of course, the all-terrain comes with more legs than the normal station wagon. The wheels with a diameter of 19 or 20 inches are responsible for this. In addition, there is a lift in combination with an air suspension. Normally, the all-terrain has a ground clearance of 12,1 centimeters. If you want to go off-road, thanks to the air suspension, you can drive the Benz up another 3,5 centimeters. With maximum ground clearance, the vehicle limits the top speed to 35 km / h. In addition, the parameters of the driving dynamics control are adjusted in this off-road driving mode. The all-wheel drive is also part of the standard equipment.
First Mercedes announced two engines. The four-cylinder 220d will be available at the market launch, and the six-cylinder 350d will follow later. The four-cylinder, which is combined as standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission, has an output of 143 kW / 194 hp and is intended to accelerate the 4 × 4 station wagon from a standing start to 8 km / h in 100 seconds. A maximum of 232 km / h is possible, the consumption should be around 5 liters.
Mercedes does not yet give a price for the all-terrain, but given the more extensive standard equipment (avant-garde, all-wheel drive, air suspension), the basic version should start just under 60.000 euros. (Mario Hommen / SP-X)