The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a fine luxury sedan that competes with the likes of Audi's A6 and BMW's 5 Series. We've already been shown the facelift of the A6 thanks to a leak from China and prototypes of the all-new 5 Series have also been spotted out and about. With that in mind, Mercedes must work to refine its own entry into the segment and ensure that the competition with its rivals remains fierce. To that end, Mercedes engineers are at the Nurburgring to evaluate the handling and ride of the next-generation luxury sedan that we first saw in the icy climes of Sweden.

Sadly, these new images reveal little, but we already know that major changes are coming. The new E-Class is set to adopt an even more elegant look that will borrow styling cues from the 2021 S-Class, including its large chrome grille and resculpted headlights. The rear will get new taillights too, but the changes are not just skin deep. In fact, the new E-Class is expected to arrive with a longer wheelbase and a wider track. That means more comfort and better handling, with the driving dynamics further bolstered by a new rear-axle steering system that is a first for the model.

An AMG model will follow soon enough, ditching its traditional gas-guzzling V8 in favor of a hybridized 2.0-liter four-pot. Naturally, we're not happy to hear this, but you can't keep beating emissions regulations indefinitely without downsizing at some point. As poorly as it will surely sound, it should go like stink, as we're expecting up to 600 horsepower from this setup, if not more. Level 3 autonomous driving is also expected, along with the infotainment and digital info systems from the S-Class.

A reveal will likely only happen months from now though, with the new E-Class predicted to go on sale sometime in the first half of 2023.