Since their heyday several decades ago, wagons have struggled to hold on to a piece of the U.S. market, as buyers have turned their backs on them in favor of SUVs and crossovers. Despite strong headwinds, Mercedes-Benz will continue to fight the good fight with the 2011 E-Class Wagon.
Though the new wagon will come with a host of drivetrains in its native Europe, the trouble that cargo-friendly wagons face in the U.S. is evident in the fact that Mercedes-Benz will only offer one model here, the E350 4Matic. While its brethren across the pond pick up several diesel and gas powertrains, and no doubt a high-performance AMG model, the U.S. will make due with only a 268-hp 3.5L V-6 mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox and Mercedes' 4Matic AWD system.
While the E-Class wagon for our shores comes in only one engine flavor, it still offers plenty of features inside. Mercedes' new Agility Control suspension with active dampening and auto-leveling keeps the car under control while nine airbags and 12 different safety systems protect passengers before and during a crash. Mercedes' Comand system with navigation will get you where you need to go and a power opening and closing tailgate will make loading and unloading a breeze when you get there.
While wagons may not be all the rage anymore, they can still make a case for themselves. The E350 picks up increased shoulder and elbow room over the standard E-Class sedan and the spacious cargo area can swallow nearly 69 cubic feet of gear, which is more than can be said for the trendy GLK-Class SUV.