Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain: Luxury Meets Adventure

Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with refined engineering and luxury vehicles. The introduction of the E-Class All-Terrain represents a strategic pivot toward versatility without sacrificing the brand’s core values of comfort and sophistication. This variant of the acclaimed E-Class estate transforms a conventional luxury wagon into a capable crossover vehicle, bridging the gap between everyday practicality and weekend adventure.

Understanding the All-Terrain Concept

The All-Terrain designation has become increasingly popular among premium manufacturers seeking to capture buyers who desire both luxury and capability. The Mercedes interpretation of this concept begins with the fundamental platform of the E-Class estate, a vehicle already recognized for its spaciousness and refinement. Rather than completely reimagining the architecture, Mercedes strategically enhanced specific elements to create a vehicle that appeals to a broader demographic without alienating traditional E-Class enthusiasts.

This approach distinguishes Mercedes from competitors who have adopted more radical transformations. The philosophy emphasizes that adding capability should enhance rather than compromise the core identity of a luxury sedan. The result is a vehicle that maintains the sophisticated presence of the E-Class while projecting an adventurous aesthetic.

Suspension Engineering and Ground Clearance

At the heart of the All-Terrain’s transformation lies an innovative suspension system. Mercedes equipped the All-Terrain with Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension, providing a foundation for both comfort and capability. This technology represents a significant advancement over traditional steel springs, offering variable ride characteristics that adapt to driving conditions.

The suspension geometry provides substantial ground clearance benefits. The All-Terrain delivers 29mm additional height compared to the standard E-Class estate. This elevation is achieved through a combination of recalibrated air suspension components and the fitment of 20-inch alloy wheels. The engineering distributes this height advantage strategically—14mm originates from larger wheels, while the remaining 15mm derives from suspension modifications.

Ground clearance specifications demonstrate the engineering precision involved:

• Lowest setting (above 125km/h): 121mm for reduced aerodynamic drag during highway driving
• Standard driving modes: 135mm for balanced capability and comfort
• All-Terrain mode: 156mm at low speeds for optimal off-road performance
• Fording depth: 300mm, suitable for moderate water crossings

Dynamic Driving Modes and Terrain Response

Mercedes developed a comprehensive driving mode system that distinguishes the All-Terrain from its estate counterpart. The All-Terrain mode raises the chassis by an additional 20mm while automatically adjusting stability and traction control parameters. This specialized mode recognizes that off-road environments demand different vehicle responses compared to paved surfaces.

The mode’s functionality includes several sophisticated adjustments:

• Suspension height optimization for increased ground clearance and approach angles
• Modified ESC thresholds preventing over-intervention on slippery surfaces
• Adjusted yaw control settings for improved sideways maneuverability
• Recalibrated acceleration skid control for traction maintenance
• Enhanced throttle mapping for progressive power delivery

A practical consideration emerges with the 35 km/h (approximately 19-20 mph) speed limitation in All-Terrain mode. Above this threshold, the air suspension automatically lowers to reduce energy consumption and improve handling stability. This restriction occasionally proves inconvenient when traversing deeply rutted terrain at moderate speeds, though it reflects Mercedes’ engineering priorities regarding fuel efficiency and highway safety.

Four-Wheel Drive System Architecture

The Mercedes 4Matic system forms another critical component of the All-Terrain’s capability profile. This all-wheel-drive setup uses a fixed 55 percent rear and 45 percent front torque distribution, with dynamic adjustment capabilities reaching 40Nm per axle. This configuration differs from some competitors who employ more aggressive bias toward the front wheels.

The 4Matic architecture delivers several performance benefits:

• Enhanced traction during acceleration on slippery surfaces
• Improved stability through progressive power distribution
• Better steering feedback maintained through electronic management
• Seamless power transfer without perceptible interruption to the driving experience

Testing scenarios confirmed the system’s effectiveness. Vehicles driven in fresh snow demonstrated crisp acceleration and confident grip without excessive wheel spin, indicating well-calibrated electronic intervention systems.

Interior Practicality and Cargo Solutions

The All-Terrain retains the spacious interior architecture of the E-Class estate while adding purposeful refinements. The rear seats incorporate a 40:20:40 split configuration, producing a maximum cargo capacity of 1,820 liters. This flexibility appeals to buyers requiring versatile storage for both daily commuting and leisure activities.

The cabin environment maintains Mercedes’ reputation for material quality and ergonomic excellence. Heated leather steering wheels, premium audio systems, and intuitive control layouts create an environment where long journeys remain pleasurable. The air suspension’s multi-chamber design directly contributes to interior comfort, as it filters road imperfections with remarkable efficiency.

One notable absence is the traditional full-size spare wheel, which several reviewers identified as a practical oversight. This decision likely reflects weight reduction strategies and the assumption that modern tire repair capabilities and roadside assistance services render a full spare unnecessary.

On-Road Performance and Handling Characteristics

The transition from E-Class estate to All-Terrain introduces subtle compromises in on-road dynamics while maintaining exceptional overall capability. The elevated ride height and larger wheel sizes introduce marginally increased wind and tire noise. However, these drawbacks remain minimal compared to many competitor vehicles operating in similar segments.

Mercedes’ engineering philosophy prioritizes comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. The air suspension in comfort mode neutralizes small road imperfections while maintaining body control during spirited driving. The electric power-assisted steering provides feedback without excessive assistance, creating an engaging driving experience that feels connected to the road.

In sport mode, the vehicle’s character transforms noticeably. Suspension stiffness increases, throttle response sharpens, and transmission response quickens. However, traction challenges emerge more readily in sport mode on low-grip surfaces, as the system prioritizes performance over stability assistance.

Off-Road Capability Assessment

Mercedes deliberately positioned the All-Terrain as a vehicle for lighter off-road excursions rather than serious expedition work. The company does not market this vehicle as a true SUV, but rather as a sophisticated estate car with enhanced ground clearance and traction systems.

Real-world testing revealed surprising competence within these parameters. The All-Terrain successfully tackled steep muddy slopes while towing a twin-axle horsebox carrying 250kg of ballast. The hill-hold function allows confident stops on slippery inclines, with secure departure assistance even under substantial towing loads.

The on-board display during All-Terrain mode provides valuable driving feedback:

• Real-time steering angle visualization
• Current suspension height status
• Slope angle measurement
• Compass directional reference
• Throttle and brake position indicators

Despite wearing road-biased tires rather than specialized all-terrain rubber, the vehicle maintained excellent traction across uneven terrain. This performance advantage stems partly from the 4Matic system’s intelligent torque distribution and partly from the suspension’s compliance characteristics.

Comparative Market Positioning

The All-Terrain enters a competitive segment dominated by established players from Audi and Volvo. The Audi A6 allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country offer similar propositions—luxury estates with enhanced capability—yet Mercedes’ offering distinguishes itself through several factors.

Air suspension technology provides a comfort advantage over many competitors, delivering superior isolation from road imperfections while maintaining responsive handling. The comprehensive driver assistance systems available on the E-Class platform exceed offerings from some competitors in this segment.

However, pricing represents a significant consideration. Projected pricing around $110,000 USD places the All-Terrain approximately $20,000 above a comparable diesel Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV. This premium positioning requires buyers to clearly understand and value the estate’s practical advantages and refined character over a purpose-designed SUV.

Engine Performance Considerations

The 220d diesel engine available in the All-Terrain delivers impressive efficiency and refinement, though some reviewers noted that additional power reserves would enhance the overall package. Diesel propulsion aligns with European market preferences, particularly for owners covering substantial annual mileage.

The diesel engine operates remarkably quietly during normal driving, contributing to the luxurious ambiance. Under acceleration, the four-cylinder engine demonstrates adequate responsiveness without inspiring enthusiasm among performance-oriented drivers.

Driving Comfort and Refinement

The air suspension’s effectiveness at filtering road imperfections represents perhaps the All-Terrain’s most compelling advantage over competitors. Long-distance comfort rivals luxury sedans two classes higher, with minimal fatigue development during extended highway driving.

Wind noise isolation remains excellent despite the elevated ride height, testament to Mercedes’ meticulous acoustic engineering. Cabin ambiance emphasizes tranquility over sportiness, creating an environment conducive to relaxation during both urban commuting and highway travel.

Practical Assessment and Recommendations

The 2017 Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain succeeds at its fundamental purpose: delivering a luxury estate car with genuine all-terrain capabilities for buyers seeking occasional adventure without compromising daily driving refinement. The engineering sophistication evident throughout the vehicle justifies the premium positioning within the market.

Prospective buyers should recognize that this vehicle targets a specific demographic—individuals who value versatility, comfort, and technological sophistication over extreme off-road capability or rugged aesthetics. The All-Terrain performs admirably within these parameters while maintaining Mercedes’ reputation for quality and refinement.

Key Advantages and Limitations

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Perspective

The 2017 Mercedes E-Class All-Terrain represents thoughtful automotive engineering. Rather than forcing existing platforms into unsuitable roles, Mercedes created a vehicle that genuinely serves multiple purposes. The combination of luxury refinement, practical versatility, and capable all-terrain performance appeals to discerning buyers who reject the false choice between comfort and capability. For these individuals, the All-Terrain delivers a compelling proposition that few competitors match so comprehensively.