These are the latest spy photos of Mercedes-Benz's next-generation E-Class sedan that was spotted testing near Stuttgart. While this isn't the first time that we've seen lightly camouflaged prototypes of Merc's mid-size sedan, our photographers managed to scoop a few pictures of the vehicle's interior that reveal new aspects of its dashboard that follows the edgier design language of the C-Class.

One of the most notable differences between the current model and the new E-Class concerns the S-Class-inspired automatic gearshift. As opposed to the console-located shifter of the current E-Class, in the model the driver selects Park, Drive and Reverse through a stalk on the right side of the steering column.

On the outside the 2010 E-Class is shedding more and more of its disguise making the differences to the outgoing model clearly visible. The saloon's design that was previewed at the Paris motorshow through the ConceptFascination adopts tauter body surfacing and sharper creases for a more imposing and dynamic look. The most notable feature of the 2010 E-Class' design will be without doubt the diamond shaped quad headlights.

Peel of the sheetmetal and you'll find a gazillion safety and comfort-orientated technologies like the radar-assisted cruise control and the automatic lane guidance system. You will also discover a revamped petrol and diesel engine line-up that will use cutting-edge technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions. Among the new powerplants to be introduced in the next-generation E-Class will be a 4-cylinder turbo diesel featuring BlueTEC and AdBlue technology to develop an output of 204HP from a displacement of 2.2-liters.

Mercedes-Benz will also reveal the first hybrid variants of the E-Class. The E300 Blutec Hybrid will link a V6 diesel engine to an electric motor mixing performance with ultra-low consumption and emission figures while the E400 Hybrid will adopt the 299HP 3.5-liter V6 petrol-hybrid system used in the new S400 Hybrid (click here for details).

There will also be a new E63 AMG that will use a slightly tweaked version of the current generation model's 6.2-liter V8 engine producing close to 550HP.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class will make its first official appearance in sedan form at next year's Geneva Motor Show in March with the Estate variant following towards the end of the year.