What’s better than a Mercedes-Benz wagon? Why, an off-road version naturally. The 2022 E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain is the vehicle we didn’t know we needed, offered as part of the refresh a couple of years back. And it’s pretty darn cool.

The idea of this new offering is to blend elements from the brand’s SUV line whilst still keeping the sleek shape of the model. Check out the GLE-esque silver twin bladed grille, decorative polished front skid plate, roof rails and black wheel arch and lower bumper mouldings.

Inside, the 450 isn’t too different from the regular variants featuring ARTICO man-made tumbled leather upholstery that is admittedly on the harder side. Our press tester had the optional MANUFAKTUR — Mercedes-Benz’s in-house customization program — Black Piano Lacquer “Flowing Lines” wood trim equipped, which is basically a shiny black dashboard with an interesting inset pin-striping effect. A large panoramic sunroof is standard.

As expected, the wagon is a joy to pilot and is arguably one of the best form factors for hauling a small family around. Parking is a breeze thanks to a birds-eye view camera displayed on the 12.3-inch infotainment display, next to the matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (one observation though is for taller drivers who lower their seat, the A pillar creates a bit of a blind spot). The cargo capacity, rated between 640 and 1,820 litres depending on whether the back seat is folded, is easily able to accommodate groceries, luggage and sports and recreation gear.

Offered for the first time in the segment, a punchy 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid mill propels the vehicle. Making 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, the engine is fitted with an Integrated Starter-Generator producing up to a temporary 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 48-volt onboard electrical system, assisting everything from initial acceleration to smoothening the engine start-stop transition. It also enables a zero-emissions “gliding” mode under low loads, resulting in about 14.1 L/100 km fuel consumption in mixed city/highway use.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain Wagon starts at MSRP $82,900.