4.2L 275 hp (205 kW) V8
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive-size cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E initially stood for Einspritzung, (German for fuel injection); a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the “E” first appeared as a suffix to the engine nomenclature (eg 220E) in the 1950s. It was not until the launch of the facelifted W124 that the E was used as a prefix (ie E220) and the model reffered to offically as the E-Class (or E-Klasse). At odds with Mercedes-Benz as a “Premium Brand”, the E-Class’ size and durability means that it also frequently serves as taxis in European countries. Rather than deter this a “taxi specification” is available from the factory.
The 400E and 500E went into production on August 6, 1991 as 1992 models.
The 1994 E500 production ended on June 24, 1994.
Production of the 1995 E-Class W124 ended on May 23, 1995.
Production of the 1996 E-Class began on July 17, 1995.
Production of the 2002 E-Class ended on February 20, 2002.
Production of the 2003 E-Class began on May 13, 2002.
Through time the E-Class has been built in:
The first modern midsize Mercedes was the W120 “Ponton” 180 of 1953. Sharing its engineering with the R121 190SL of 1955, the Ponton was a stylish sedan with four-cylinder power. A larger-engined W121 190 appeared in 1958.
Mercedes added tailfins to both the big S-Class and the new W110 “Fintail” 190 of 1962. Straight-6 power appeared for the first time in the 1965 230 model, and the fours grew in displacement that year as well.
The midsize Mercedes was redesigned in 1968 as the W114/W115 “Stroke-8″. This time, the 6-cylinder models (The W114s) were most prevalent, with the W115 line making up the bottom of the company’s offerings with four- and five-cylinder power. Diesel engines joined the lineup, as did a coupe body.
The popular W123 quickly became a best-seller on its launch in 1977. Especially in Diesel 240D (and later 300D) guises, the cars enhanced the company’s reputation for product quality. Over 2.3 million examples were produced through to cessation of production in 1985.
Saloon/Sedan, Coupe and Estate body configurations were offered.
The “E-Class” name first appeared in the USA with the face-lifted W124 in 1994. The 300D continued to be the fuel economy option over the 4 and 6 cylinder gasoline engines, and the gasoline V8 engines (available after 1992) increased gasoline power outputs further. The V8 powered sedans/salloons were named 400E/500E from 1992-1993, and E420/E500 after 1993. Likewise, the 3-liter cars (e.g., “300E”) where also re-badged to “E320″ with the new 3.2 litre engines and naming rationalization of 1994. For a short period Mercedes offered a limited production sport version of the W124, created with and assembled by Porsche. This was called the 500E.
Saloon/Sedan, Coupe, Convertible and Estate body configurations were offered.
The W210 E-Class, was launched in 1996. Four and six-cylinder models in gasoline and diesel were offered in a range of capacities. Saloon/Sedan and Estate body configurations were offered.
In September 1999 the W210 E-class was facelifted. This included visual, mechanical and quality improvements addressing issues raised by earlier versions.
Launched in 2002, the W211 E-Class was another evolution of the previous model and was considered by the motoring media as a more valid comparator to the long term rival BMW 5-Series (which previously was the deafult choice of the motoring media).
The W211-based W219 CLS-Class 4-door coupe was introduced as a niche model in 2005, primarily to attract a younger demographic.
The W211 E-Class was facelifted in 2006 to address quality and technical issues raised by earlier models. The largest factory built engine in the E-class range is the E500 (badged E550 in the U.S.) which had its engine size increased from 5 litres to 5.5 litres in 2006 along with the facelift. There is also an AMG model badged E63 AMG and other tuning house installations.
Mercedes-Benz introduced their BlueTec Diesel system to the E-Class at the 2006 North American International Auto Show as the E320 CDI BlueTec. BlueTec is a two-phase system for cleaning diesel emissions. The first phase makes the E320 CDI legal in 45 of the 50 United States (plus the District of Columbia). The second phase uses urea for further reductions to meet the more stringent standards of California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. Sales of E320 CDI BlueTec began in autumn 2006 as a 2007 model, but 50-state legal models with urea injection will not be introduced until the 2009 model year.
The W212 will replace the W211 in 2009.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year for 1996.
German automotive tuner Brabus makes a modified E-Class sedan with a modified version of the S600’s V12 engine powering it. Sold as the Brabus E V12, it is the fastest four-door sedan in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The 640 hp (480 kW) E V12 has a top speed of 211 mph (340 km/h) and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds.