2024 Mercedes E

Mercedes usually reserves light bars to its EQ electric cars, so could it denote hybrid power here?

We’ve caught the 2024 Mercedes E-Class testing on multiple occasions, but a new set of pictures has revealed an eye-catching detail we’ve not seen before.

Though the prototype in these images is still wearing a fairly heavy camouflage wrap on the nose and tail that prevents us from getting a clear look at the finished grille, bumpers and lights, we can plainly see a slim LED light bar running horizontally across the front end between the grille and leading edge of the hood.

The idea isn't completely new to Mercedes cars, but so far it's been restricted to electric EQ-badged vehicles like the EQC and EQS and offers a way to distinguish the company's EVs from its combustion machines. But since Mercedes already has the mid-size electric sedan segment covered with the EQE, it can't be planning an electric version of the regular E-Class.

This leaves us pondering exactly how Mercedes is planning to use this new LED bar. It might decide to use it on certain up-scale trim levels, or maybe on plug-in hybrid models to visually connect them to the fully-electric cars in its range.

Related: Virtually Undisguised 2024 Mercedes E-Class Looking Sharp In AMG-Line Trim

In reality, every E-Class will feature some kind of electrical assistance, though for many models that only means 48v mild-hybrid technology. The big question is what Mercedes has planned for its flagship AMG E63. The smaller C63 recently swapped its traditional twin-turbo V8 for a four-cylinder PHEV drivetrain, but since BMW's next M5 will continue to offer a V8, this time with hybrid assistance, it seems likely Mercedes-AMG will stick to V8 power for the E63.

Getting back to the design, but leaving aside the question of the light bar, we know that the E-class will follow a predictable path, blending styling cues from the C-Class and S-Class. One thing it borrows from the S-Class not seen on the baby C is a set of handsome flush-fit door handles, but it will look different to both cars inside, where it will feature a new landscape-oriented infotainment screen.