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Mercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase Spotted in Germany as Right-Hand Drive Tester

Cannibalization risks, styling challenges... all these matters stand in the way of creating long wheelbase versions of premium sedans. However, the Chinese market's love of extra rear legroom means that carmakers have no issue with introducing LWB versions of their machines for the world's largest automotive market. One of these proposals is the W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB, which made its debut at the Beijing Motor Show back in April 2016 and now the saloon has been spotted in Germany.
Mercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase Spotted in Germany 7 photos
Photo: walkoart/YouTube
Mercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase spotted in GermanyMercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase spotted in GermanyMercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase spotted in GermanyMercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase spotted in GermanyMercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase spotted in GermanyMercedes E-Class Long Wheelbase spotted in Germany
To be more precise, a current E-Class LWB was recently spotted in Stuttgart and while some might wonder wether the three-pointed star is willing to introduce the model in its home market, the right-hand drive nature of the car only raises more questions.

Nevertheless, the RHD configuration probably involves the Indian market. We have to mention that the E-Class L has been the most successful model of the automaker as far as the 2017 sales in India are concerned. The carmaker's local representatives have explained that 80 percent of these cars are handled by chauffeurs, so the LWB version makes full sense for the buyers in that part of the world.

For one thing, the elongated Mercedes-Benz E-Class is brought to life by a joint-venture between Daimler and BAIC Motor, with the company being called Beijing Benz Automotive Co.

The LWB aura of the car can clearly be seen thanks to the third side windows adorning the C-pillars, as well as the more generous rear doors. Speaking of which, the Merc measures 121.2 inches (3,079 mm) from axle to axle, which makes for a wheelbase boost of 5.5 inches (140 mm). As you can imagine, most of the extra length has been invested into providing extra rear passenger legroom (think: 5.3 inches or 134 mm).

All in all, we wouldn't hold our breath for the Old Continent introduction of the elongated E-Class.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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