Mercedes-Benz has indeed come up with a contender against Audi's A6 Allroad and Volvo's V90 Cross Country. Called the E-Class All-Terrain, the new high-riding wagon features an increased ride height, more rugged-looking exterior and all-wheel-drive for better maneuverability off the beaten path.

“No E-Class has ever been as versatile as the All-Terrain. The new model combines a striking look in SUV style with the intelligent space concept of the estate. This is coupled with lots of innovative safety features and the multi-award-winning E-Class interior,” said Ola Kallenus, member of the Daimler management board for Sales and Marketing of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Based off the new E-Class wagon, it features several off-roading styling elements. Up front, it gets an SUV-styled two-fin front grill finished and a distinct front bumper. Turning towards the side, it gets flared wheel arches with black lip moldings and side skirts with chrome accents. Three wheel styles will be available in the All Terrain and will come in either 19- or 20-inch sizes.

Compared to the wagon version, the E-Class Terrain is 29mm taller thanks to the uprated suspension.

Around the back, Mercedes-Benz said it has a three-part rear bumper. The top portion is body painted while the lower section is finished in grained black plastic which is suited for rugged use. Completing it all are the skid plates that are electroplated in silver-chrome.

Over to the interior, Mercedes-Benz claimed the All Terrain features a unique interior theme. The cabin is spruced up with splashes of aluminum and carbon. It also gets floor mats with 'All-Terrain' lettering, stainless steel sports pedal and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats carried over from the E-Class wagon.

High-grade models will even come with a digital instrument panel, along with a bigger 12.3-inch screen that comes with COMAND, navigation, audio and other infotainment functions.

Currently, the only available powertrain for the E-Class All Terrain is the 220 d 4MATIC. Displacing 2.0-liters, the turbo-diesel produces 194 PS at 3800 rpm and 400 Nm at 1600 – 2800 rpm. It is then mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. 0 – 100 km/h comes in at 8 seconds while top speed is rated at 232 km/h.

The All-Terrain also comes standard with technologies such as Dynamic Select and Air Body Control. The former allows the driver to select from five driving programs that can set the engine, transmission, stability program and steering to one's preference. The latter, on the other hand, works with the All Terrain system which manages the height and comfort of the air suspension. With it, the E-Class All Terrain's height can be increased further by up to 35mm with the Air Body Control.

Mercedes-Benz will be displaying the E-Class All Terrain at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.