#e300

It’s January, which means two things: One, it’s fricken cold here in Detroit, and two, the North American International Auto Show is in town. Getting a jump on its competitors, Mercedes-Benz revealed its all-new E-Class the day before the show officially begins.

Already suspected to be in the works for 2013, Mercedes-Benz confirmed that it will replace the aging 3.0-liter V6 in its C300 4Matic sedan with a detuned version of the 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 already found in the more powerful C350. 

Paperwork filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is suggesting that Mercedes-Benz will offer a new option in the E- and C-Class as a late-cycle update.

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its E300 Bluetec Hybrid is on the way and will hit showrooms in Europe by the end of 2012. While it hasn’t been confirmed for a U.S. launch, execs also haven’t ruled it out.