E-Class Spy in Böblingen near Stuttgart (Germany)

At last year's Essen Motor Show in December, European coach-builder Binz announced it started production of the Binz Xtend E-Klasse conversion. Now we can show you a full set of images of the production-ready model.

The most obvious change brought by the conversion is the addition of another 795 mm (31.3 inches) to the base model Mercedes Benz station wagon, between the rear doors and rear axle. The extra bit of length has resulted in an increased cargo volume to a whopping 2620 liters (92.5 cubic feet). The car is a lot longer now, as it measure 5.7 meters (about 19 feet), with a wheelbase 3.65 meters (12 feet) long. Just like any long wheelbase vehicle, the turning radius should be affected. The company doesn’t mention anything about this, but we can’t imagine this will do well in a parking lot.

Weight is also up to a 'healthy' two tons (4,400 lbs), as much as some vans. Engine choices for the Binz Xtend E-Klasse conversion include standard mills from Mercedes themselves, namely the E250CDI's 204 hp unit, an E350 producing 292 horsepower or the E500 packing 388 hp. The standard combination of 245 mm tires and 17 inch rims is still used. All models are limited to the same top speed as the standard E-Klasse. As you’d probably expect, all these modifications don’t come cheap, as prices start at €121,950 ($163,100).

Binz also has approval from Mercedes Benz to build a six-door stretched limousine version of the same car. It measures 5.98 meters in length (19 ft 7 in), 1.11 (3 ft 7 inches) meters more than the standard E-Klasse sedan it’s based upon. The car gains two more seats and two more doors, the total seating capacity reaching seven places.

Source:AutoEvolution