Detroit show: Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift leaked

IMAGES of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon have been leaked ahead of the range’s official world debut at next month’s Detroit motor show.

Officially, Mercedes-Benz is expected to release details and images of its large car tomorrow night, but the lapse by German web site, German Car Forum, has given the motoring world a sneak peek.

The restyled E-Class sedan and wagon – which will go on sale in Australia in the middle of next year, followed by the coupe and convertible in late 2013 – has most noticeably ditched the twin-lens headlight layout in favour of a one-piece design.

A link to the outgoing four-light design has been achieved by LED daytime running lights separating the beam units.

Although instantly recognisable as an E-Class, a closer look reveals comprehensive sheetmetal changes in addition to the new lights, bumpers and grille.

The outgoing model’s striking haunch-like rear wheel arches have gone, replaced by a crease extending from the rear door to the rear guards, ending at the remodelled tail-light clusters.

Left: Leaked images of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Wagon variants pictured with a sporty body-kit have a new two-louvre sports grille design, aggressive front bumper and deep side skirts.

The classic Benz grille has become more prominent, with a thick chrome surround.

Aerodynamic lips on the edges of the bumpers usually reserved for sportier variants on the outgoing model appear to have become standard as part of the facelift, as have integrated twin trapezoidal tail-pipes.

A shot of the interior shows it has been modernised to reflect that of the sleek CLS four-door coupe, with revised instruments, an analogue clock between the central air vents, updated switchgear and a tidier centre console.

Further details and technical specifications are expected to be revealed in the run-up to Detroit.