PREVIEW: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class FL (W/S 212) - latest scoops and a few renderings

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The 212 model generation has been on the market since spring 2009 and is now scheduled to undergo a facelift procedure intented to keep the business models under the Star brand up-to-date and appealing to new customers. The revised E-Class, in both sedan and wagon variants, is slated to make its official debut in January 2013, at the Detroit Motor Show, with the market launch and delivery commencing right after by March. From what we were able to see so far thanks to previous spy shots, Mercedes-Benz is hiding some big changes under the black cladding of the prototypes.

The most radical rehaul is planned for the front fascia, as the new-generation W/S 212 E-Class is about to drop the quad headlight design that made it so recognizable in the industry since the W 210 was out almost 20 years ago in favour of a more dynamic, fresh and striking look deeply influenced by the latest products of the German brand. Specifically, the car will receive a brand new pair of intelligent, LED-based single-piece headlamps. Moreover, the grill will become rounder, more upright and more sophisticated, stylistically speaking.

The new front apron will introduce into serial production the intricate, curvaceous design for the air intakes we've already seen on the F 800 Style research vehicle and which is to be implemented on all the new Mercedes-Benz models which are bound to be released in the next period of time. Although the street testing cars don't show it, the final E-Class Facelift will be stripped off the Ponton crease in an effort to create a clean, straight, yet elegant and beautifully flowing profile. The back end will suffer minor updates, among which are worth mentioning the new tail LED tail lamps with different inner graphics and sharper details on the trunk lid and and rear bumper.

Inside, we expect designers to implement a slightly new attitude in terms of styling. Most probably, the new E-Class FL range will feature company's latest steering wheel designs, in addition to a new instrument cluster and a functionally-improved center console. New assistance and comfort technologies as well as the newest iteration of the internet-based COMAND Online infotainment are prone to showcase when the car is unveiled next year.

There will also be some important modifications across the entire engine lineup. Every powerplant gets standard start/stop function and added efficiency measures grouped under the successful BlueEFFICIENCY package of green technologies. Gasoline, diesel and hybrid - there is a right choice to suit any taste. From the E 200 BE variant with 156 hp up to the mighty E 63 AMG cranking out a massive 525 hp, the new E-Class will boast a rich offer where to choose from. Some peak output upgrades are also possible: the new E 350 BE will now deliver 340 hp, whereas the range-topping E 500 BE should now be rated at 435 hp instead the current 408 hp.

Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Facelift are still surrounded by mystery, but they won't certainly look very different from the current tags. To help you make a clearer picture on the new design philosophy to be emphasized on the forthcoming business class models from Stuttgart, we have gathered a comprehensive gallery of the latest spy shots and computer-generated images. We invite you to take a look through them. Enjoy!

Image Credits: Autoevolution / WorldCarFans / Gmotors.co.uk / CAR and DRIVER

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