Who said diesels were dull? The one in the 2016 Mercedes E-Class will rock 400 HP

By Joe Mahan Published March 17, 2014

Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of a big upward shift with its models, since the debut of the entry-level CLA-class. Even though the E-Class is an exceedingly luxurious sedan, the German automaker is keen to improve it.

According to GTSpirit, the next-gen Mercedes E-Class is set to appear in 2016. No special models are slated for debut, just the standard edition.

The E-class platform will remain roughly the same but the fifth generation E-Class will more drivetrain options, including a twin-turbocharged straight-six that makes 376 horsepower or a tuned-up version of that same motor, which could produce around 435 hp. A new 2.9-liter turbo diesel could be the second option. The power output of which could be anywhere from 300 to 400 hp and 400 to 500 pound-feet of torque.

Mercedes-Benz will always have its sights set on rivaling with BMW and Audi, so the new turbo-diesel drivetrain should compete directly with BMW’s TwinPower and Audi’s excellent twin-turbo diesel setup.

Of course the E-Class would not be complete without a hybrid variant. The hybrid will likely be powered by a 170-hp diesel or four-cylinder gas engine bolted to an electric motor, which supposedly will produce 120hp on its own.

Joe Mahan is an intern at Digital Trends working in the Cars section. He is currently a Junior at the University of Portland…

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