It's been about six months since the first mule of the next-generation 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class started parading its camouflaged body on public roads and the prototype keeps showing up with new details for us to gaze at. Our paparazzi spotted the sedan->ke142 in the wild once again, this time around carrying production taillights and a heavily revised cabin with various bits taken off the S-Class->ke359. It seems the E-Class isn't becoming only lighter and sportier compared to its predecessor, but more elegant too.

Expected to break cover in 2016 and arrive in dealerships for the 2017 model year, the next E-Class will represent a far cry from the current model. The sedan is being built on the same modular MRA platform that debuted with the redesigned C-Class,->ke1593 meaning it will be lighter, better suited to carry different body styles, and more fuel efficient. Official details are still in the vault as of December 2014, but until more details surface let’s have a look at the latest E-Class prototype that hit German streets.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2017 Mercedes E-Class.

2017 Mercedes E-Class spy shots

Although these spy shots only reveal details of the dashboard, it's safe to assume the next-gen E-Class is more stylish than the current version. The new dash layout borrows heavily from the S-Class, with the rectangular A/C vents replaced by the round, aviation-inspired vents. Down below, there's a revised center stack that also includes the classic clock, previously placed right under the infotainment screen, between the air vents.

Other interior details are difficult to spot right now, but it seems the steering wheel is also different. Of course, the new E-Class will also bring more passenger room thanks to the longer and wider version of the company's MRA platform, which debuted with the redesigned C-Class.

Not much has changed on the outside, with the sedan still wrapped in swirly camouflage. The headlamps carry different LED graphics, but that's far from surprising considering we're looking at a brand-new vehicle. Around back, the E-Class prototype has finally been equipped with production taillights, which replace the prototype units seen on previous test cars. By the looks of things, these new taillights are scaled down versions of those seen on the larger S-Class.

As far as engines go, we expect the next E-Class to break cover with a wide range of gasoline and diesel powerplants, including a fresh lineup of six-cylinder mills. Plug-in hybrid->ke147 versions are also on the table, as well as an AMG variant powered by the brand-new, bi-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 that debuted in the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT sports car.->ke506

Why it matters

We already knew the next E-Class will be better in all aspects, especially due to its new platform, which is lighter and more rigid than the previous generation. Now, these spy shots come to confirm the E-Class is receiving a heavily redesigned interior inspired from the S-Class'. With the latter having won a lot of praise from costumers, the E-Class will become a better option in a segment dominated by the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6.