2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Mule Shows Off S-Class Inspired Interior

The interior of a 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype has been spied up close and as expected, it heavily draws on the existing W222 S-Class for inspiration.

First and foremost, the centre console is remarkably similar with four prominent circular air vents. Additionally, the new E-Class makes use of similar air conditioner and heater controls to the S-Class with them being laid out horizontally along the centre console.

One key point of difference however is that the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class won’t make use of two large 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and gauge cluster. Alternatively, it makes use of more traditional gauges with a smaller screen incorporated into the dashboard bucking the firm’s recent trend of mounting its COMAND systems on top of the dash.

Underpinning the new E-Class will be the same shared MRA platform as the new C-Class. This new platform is not only lighter than the one currently used by the E-Class, but it is also more rigid thanks to its utilisation of aluminium in its construction.

Under the hood, a few key changes are predicted. First and foremost, there is a suggestion that a host of new engines are being tested for the new C-Class including a few inline-six cylinder engines.

The new inline-six cylinder engine from Mercedes-Benz, no matter of its displacement, will then spawn brand new four-cylinder and three-cylinder engines for the brand and the new E-Class will likely be the first Mercedes-Benz model to debut this inline-six.

[Via Carscoops]