Just days after our spies uncovered an almost undisguised 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class prototype, images of the upcoming midsize sedan were leaked on a German news website. The photos, which appear to be mildly retouched media photography, clearly show the 2010 E-Class sedan in its entirety - just weeks before it is set to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

As we saw in the earlier interior spy shots, we can see that the car has a decidedly more angular interior design to match its sharper exterior.

The E-Class loses its round headlights in favor of two-piece units similar in overall shape to the new single-piece lights on the new SL-Class. The next E-Class was previewed by Mercedes’ recent Fascination Concept.

Because the new W212 E-Class is an entirely new car, it features a redesigned interior with new technologies and more room for passengers. New features include the latest generation COMAND interface, lane-departure warnings, an eye-movement monitor, traffic-sign identification, road-condition sensors, and stability control that accounts for crosswinds, camber changes, and tire wear.

The exterior design is expected to follow in the footsteps of the S-Class, and more recently, the new C-Class. So far, most of the design elements appear entirely predictable, although we’ll hold final judgment until the official unveiling at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Engine-wise, we’ll get the usual V6- and V8-engines, plus a normally aspirated, 500-plus-bhp 6.3-liter V8 for the E63 AMG model.

Article key : Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz, E-Class, Future Cars, 2010