For luxury carmakers, the emirate of Dubai isn't just a growing market resort town with a penchant for tropical drinks and artificial ski slopes. It's also the perfect place for hot-weather testing. Our buddy Christophe recently found himself to the rear of a convoy of what looks to be two Mercedes E-Class prototypes, including the elusive wagon. Word is, the new W212 E-Class will debut in Frankfurt ahead of a 2009 debut for the sedan and 2010 for the wagon. But will the ladies who lunch accept the new, sculpted design as fashionable enough to parade in front of the the Neiman Marcus valet? Signs point to yes.