New E500 model to arrive soon.
 

Based on an article in the April Car & Driver mag. the E series is coming back with an E500 series. Not sure how accurate it is - they state that the 1995 model had the four ovoid headlights - WRONG - I have one parked in my garage that proves them wrong.
Anyway, the article states that the E500 will be 302 hp V8. In addition, it says a 463 hp supercharged model will be available later on (AMG version). Don't believe how much they say just because they do not even seem to have a clue when the front headlights were changed. Says the two diesel powered models will NOT be available in the US.
In another article in the same month C&D they test the 2003 SL500 and believe it or not complain about the climate control complexity - imagine that.
I sure wish they would come out with a brand new 1985 300D :) with the climate controls from a 1983 240D. I believe I would head on down to put my order in.
Just my preference I guess.

It is mentioned in March issue of Mercedes Enthusiast magazine that the E500 is due out soon. There is a picture of it from the rear. The new E500 will be powered by 306 hp V8, and uses 8Jx17" wheel. The Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) which was first seen on the new SL will also be a standard on the new E. The new car will be on sale in England in August, but the article has no mention when it will hit our shore.

Some E-class info
 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/front_html_net.php

Then type in E500 in the search field.