A semi-camouflaged Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) prototype was spotted on the road recently. If the 2025 self-imposed deadline of its maker is to be believed, this could be the last internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the range.

The dimensions, stance, contours, and exposed areas of the car in the spy video confirm that it is indeed the E-Class. The prototype shows a strong resemblance with the current model but with several tweaks to mirror some of the updates in the design philosophy of its maker to its new vehicles as well as to adopt some of the changes shown in the latest generation of the S-Class, especially in terms of onboard tech.

Considering that the E-Class only got its facelift in 2020, the earliest debut of its next-generation series should come by next year. The next-gen E-Class is expected to bear a 2024 model-year badge when it will be introduced.

To put things in perspective, Mercedes has confirmed that it will completely shift its focus into making electric vehicles and hybrids in 2025. It comes with the ultimate goal of producing solely full-electric models in 2030. However, the automaker comes with the caveat that the implementation of the changes will be subject to “market conditions”. Nevertheless, the brand is bound to remain true to its word, unless influenced by major factors to change its direction.

It’s not clear whether or not the E-Class will be turned into an all-EV range by then. The presence of its all-electric counterpart, the Mercedes-Benz EQE, just increases the chance of this long-running car series being shelved when the countdown comes to a close though.