---
title: "This Sure Looks Like the Facelifted 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class"
description: "Benz's traditionally handsome sedan gets a makeover."
date: "2020-01-28"
modified: "2020-01-28"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/31984/this-sure-looks-like-the-facelifted-20201-mercedes-benz-e-class"
categories:
  - "Mercedes-Benz News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "E-Class"
  - "luxury"
  - "Mercedes-Benz"
  - "sedan"
---

# This Sure Looks Like the Facelifted 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2020/01/e-class-leak-hero2.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com\</em\>*

The current-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class debuted in 2016 as a 2017 model year, which means it's due for a mid-cycle refresh. Thanks to spy photos allegedly taken on the factory floor that were posted to [Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cochespias/?hl=en>), we have a pretty good idea of what it'll look like way before we're supposed to. Like an edgy comedy club, [these German auto plants](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/30572/leaked-photo-of-bmw-with-massive-kidney-grille-could-be-next-gen-4-series>) really need to start collecting people's phones at the door.

Seen on [CocheSpias](<https://www.instagram.com/cochespias/?hl=en>), Merc's revised E-Class gets new headlights and taillights that change its look almost enough to make casual observers mistake it for an all-new model. Its front end is now more angular, scowly, and softly reminiscent of the new CLS and [AMG GT 4-Door's](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/26253/2019-mercedes-amg-gt-63-4-door-first-drive-the-e63-that-sees-itself-as-a-gt-c>) fascias while the new rear end now resembles an upmarket version of the [A-Class sedan](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/23699/2019-mercedes-benz-a-class-first-drive-review-a-well-rounded-compact-sedan-with-a-bad-sense-of-humor>)...or Hyundai's Sonata circa 2013.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B73B8sIqUEy

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7wJAudKHHU

It's hard to make out the badges on the back of the gray car but judging from the wheels, blacked-out lower grille, and quad exhaust finishers, this is probably an AMG-variant E-Class of some caliber, as is the black car based on its vertical-slatted [Panamericana](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/19678/the-2019-mercedes-amg-c63-gets-a-new-grille-and-two-more-speeds>) grille.

As for changes under the skin, it's unclear whether the mid-size Benz will get any new and possibly electrified engine choices but it's a pretty safe assumption that its interior will integrate the company's latest version of [MBUX infotainment](<https://www.thedrive.com/tech/23816/daddy-mbux-testing-mercedes-benzs-new-infotainment-system-in-the-2019-a-class>) as well as the obligatory improvements in assisted-driving tech.

Also unclear is when exactly Mercedes plans on officially unveiling this refreshed E-Class but when it does, we'll be sure to bring you all the details.

*h/t:* [*Motor1*](<https://www.motor1.com/news/395341/2021-mercedes-amg-e63-photo/>)

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## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)