Mercedes E-Class

Mercedes is loading up on style! These are the clearest images yet of its next-generation E-Class estate, caught testing with the minimum of camouflage. Due to make it public debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the E-Class is still over a year away from its on sale date, but the sharp styling has almost been finalised.

The pronounced crease rising along the waistline, as well as a sculpted grille and rectangular quad headlamps give the car a chiselled look and a sportier stance than the outgoing car.

Like the latest S-Class model, the new E-Class will offer a huge amount of hi-tech equipment. Expect lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes and tyre wear. However, it's not all about the future... In a nod to tradition, it's also reported that Merc will be ditching its electronic SBC brakes in favour of conventional hydraulic stoppers.