We’d prefer to have your SUVs.
Mercedes took a while to develop a direct competitor for the Audi A6 Allroad. In Europe, the All-Terrain was introduced in the second half 2016 as a rugged and lifted E-Class Wagon with standard 4Matic. It also has extra plastic body cladding to make this look tough. Mercedes surprised us with a more capable, jacked-up wagon that could go off-road than any E-Class before it.
Today’s headlines are dominated by the E-Class All-Terrain 42, a bizarre three-pointed star who has shown that its larger wagon can climb ramps only for the G-Class or the all-conquering Unimog. The car seems unstoppable, even when it is driving up steep hills and through deep water, or tackling bumpy roads.
It’s not available for sale. The E-Class All-Terrain 42×42 is a one-off project and a personal project of Jurgen Eberle, Mercedes developer. This E-Class Wagon is not your average one. It features portal axles that were inherited from the G5004x4 2, and a very generous ground clearance.
It’s the standard engine that you will find under the hood of the E400. A twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 is 329 horsepower and 354 pounds-feet (354 Newton-meters) respectively. The All-Terrain 4×42 was designed for off-road use, but it can also be used for drifting on a muddy road.
This wasn’t an individual job. After Jurgen Eberle got his boss’ approval, a small team worked on the project. The project took six months, and six weeks to build.
The E400 Wagon-based All Terrain 4×42 is a great idea coming from a company which has made some amazing vehicles in recent years, such as the G63 6×6, G650 Landaulet and the G500 4×4 . It would be great if they could build it.