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2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon: Up Close

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The last of Mercedes’ many E-Class body styles, unless they have something truly unique in their proverbial back pocket, is the E-Class wagon. The new family hauler looks more interesting and sporty than the previous generation, especially in the Sport model. But unlike wagons from Audi, BMW and now Cadillac, the E-Class doesn’t try to look sporty at the expense of cargo volume. The rear end is more conventional rather than sloped, and it pays off in a cargo area that looks expansive for a wagon.

The most interesting aspect, though, involves the seats.

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The E becomes the only wagon in the U.S. market with a rearward-facing third-row seat, which is standard. This two-seat bench is for children — small ones. The footwell is only a few inches deep, but if history is any indication, kids will be happy to endure it in exchange for the privilege of taunting people in the cars behind them. The liftgate’s sheet metal rises pretty high, though, so they’ll have more luck mocking SUV drivers than other car or wagon motorists. (Being wagon rather than SUV buyers, their parents will probably condone this activity.)

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Mercedes says it has reinforced the rear end to ensure rear-end crash protection. The seat raises from the floor in just a few steps, starting with the backrest, which even has integrated head restraints that raise high enough to support the noggins of any passenger who’s small enough to fit back there in the first place. The rearmost part of the cargo floor then flips 180 degrees forward to provide the bottom cushion.

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Another cool feature we haven’t seen before simplifies folding down the second-row seat: When you pull a small handle on the B-pillar, the seat’s backrest springs forward. Nothing unique there. But if the front seat is positioned far enough back to block the folding backrest’s progress, it automatically motors forward. Anyone who’s ever had to go around the rear door, open the front door and move the front seat forward — even with easily accessed door-mounted controls like Mercedes uses — will love this feature. Mercedes says it works even if someone’s in the front seat, but the amount it moves the seat shouldn’t do its occupant any harm. Pretty cool stuff.

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Executive Editor
Joe Wiesenfelder

Former Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder, a Cars.com launch veteran, led the car evaluation effort. He owns a 1984 Mercedes 300D and a 2002 Mazda Miata SE.

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