Mercedes-Benz has just launched the E-Class facelift, but its engineers are already busy working on the sedan's next generation. Our spy photographers caught the next E-Class for the first time back in December 2021, and then again in January of 2022. Things have been quiet ever since, but today, the car has been spotted once again. And, this time it's headed to the Nürburgring for some endurance testing.

The prototype caught testing today is still heavily camouflaged, but this comes as no surprise, as the next E-Class is still at least two years away. Still, we expect the next E-Class to feature an evolutionary design, with design elements inspired by the recently launched C-Class and S-Class.

The grille hiding under the camouflage features a very familiar look - but that's probably because it is due for a change before the official debut. We can also spot what appears to be a set of next-gen production headlights and new styling to the corner air intakes.

The rear end is also very well protected by the camouflage, but we do expect it to be completely revised. Also, just like the prototypes caught testing before, the new one does not wear any exhaust outlets.

As for the engine lineup, we expect it to be very similar to the one launched with the E-Class facelift, probably with the addition of a new hybrid model. The current lineup includes the E350 and E450. The E350 has a 2.0-liter inline-four that delivers 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, while the E450 has a hybridized, 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.

The new generation E-Class should be launched sometime in early 2024.