New spy photos of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype made it online recently. The new version is dubbed by several sources as the W213 because it is expected to be the replacement for the current W212, which has been on sale four years from now.

A quick glance at the photos would make one easily mistake the camouflaged vehicle as a C-Class due to its front grille’s resemblance with the best-selling range of the German marque. The MRA platform where it is based can also be found in the C-Class. The interior seems to house similar features with the C-Class too. However, a more careful look at the car would reveal that it is wider than the mentioned range, has longer overhangs, and its curves appear to be quite different.

Aside from the strong likeness of the next Mercedes-Benz E-Class with the C-Class, it should be noted that the design languages of the GLA and S-Class coupe were adopted in the new range as well.

Various online automotive publications claim the next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class would offer the same engine options provided under the C-Class. In addition, expect the car to benefit from the technological improvements introduced in the new S-Class.

Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the MRA architecture is designed to accommodate plug-in hybrid technology. So, look forward to some of its petrol and diesel variants with super fuel-efficient solutions.

The next E-Class range would likely have the same sedan, station wagon, coupe, and convertible lineups. An E63 AMG variant is expected to join the mix also, which would possibly possess a state of tune similar or above the Mercedes-AMG GT.