Spy photog commander Brenda Priddy tell us that this is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, still at least a year away from the showroom floor.
Code-named W212, the new E-Class will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Priddy says, and will copy the S-Class' wheel-arch extensions, rising character line below the door handles, massive bumpers and greenhouse. A more sculpted wide-frame grille, more geometric nasal air intakes and a wedge-shaped profile should give W212 a sportier stance, she adds.
The 2010 E-Class is also expected to include cutting-edge safety technology, including lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors, and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes and tire wear. Engine-wise, expect the usual V6 and V8 options, including a normally aspirated, 500+hp 6.3L V8 in the E63 AMG model.