Can you keep a secret? Apparently someone at Mercedes-Benz can't. After being spied multiple times in various forms, the first official photos of the upcoming 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan have leaked online ahead of the luxury car's scheduled debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. Taking several cues from the automaker's ConceptFACSINATION design study that debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the new E-Class will also reportedly form the basis for a new coupe version to replace the CLK, as well as a convertible variant.
The production 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class seems to have retained several of the features that made the ConceptFASCINATION memorable, including the stout, angular nose and four sharp LED headlights that replace the rounded units on the present-generation E-Class. The rear wheel arches feature swept-up, gentle fender flares and new LED light-bar-style turn signals are found in the front valance vents in a fashion similar to current Porsches.
Engine options should remain the roughly the same (at least initially) as those of the present E-Class, meaning a 3.5L V-6, 5.5L V-8, and 6.2 V-8 (E63 AMG). Later, expect a Bluetec diesel option (including possible diesel AMG models) and even a hybrid variant. Mercedes' recently unveiled myCOMAND infotainment system should also be featured prominently in the new car.
