Mercedes-Benz kicked of 2016 with the sketch image of the upcoming new E-Class. The image comes after the teaser image of the interiors released in December 2015. The complete unveiling of the new E-Class, codenamed W213, will be held on 11th of this month (January) at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

As expected, the teaser image clearly indicates the E-Class will adopt the new design language of Mercedes-Benz sedan like the new S-Class and C-Class. The sketch image shows a very sleek design, and a roofline sloping to the C-pillar makes it seem like a four-door coupe-like silhouette. The current arrow-inspired headlamp will be replaced by an optional Multibeam LED headlamp system. These use 84 individually controlled high-power LEDs in each headlamp. That makes them bright and precise. The principle behind this is the same as the Audi's Martrix light system.

The previous interior image showed the E-Class' dashboard would boast of a high-resolution dual display (12.3 inches per display) screen. The driver can choose between three different styles.

The newly designed touch-sensitive control buttons on the steering wheel enable drivers to control vehicle functions without taking their hands off the wheel. The inputs can be given by the touchpad on the centre console.

The details on the powertrains are scarce at the moment. The line-up is expected with more powerful and fuel-efficient engines. The E-Class is pitted against the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series in India and foreign markets.