Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a rear- or all-wheel-drive premium business car (niche “E” by European standards). The car is available in four bodies: sedan, 5-door station wagon, coupe, and convertible. This model is a true “classic Mercedes-Benz”, we can say “the benchmark of its segment”.

The car is addressed to people who have a good income, combining an excellent balance of consumer qualities, functionality and a high level of prestige and comfort. In total, there were five generations of the “German”. The latest generation was presented by Mercedes-Benz at the beginning of 2016 during the Detroit Auto Show. The whole model range is Mercedes-Benz.

Car history

The serial “career” of the car, which has an internal index W124, began in 1984, but the name E-Class (from the German “Executivklasse”) was received only in 1993. In general, the subject of Mercedes E-Class begins with the car Mercedes-Benz 170V, which represents a pre-war development, production of which began in 1936. Since that time, the world has seen many notable models. For example, these are:

• W120 (1953-1962);
• W110 (1961-1968);
• W114 (1968-1976);
• As well as the legendary version of the W123 (1975-1986).

These cars can be attributed to the ancestors of the class, but confidently call them exactly E-class, would be a mistake. The next generation W124 got more rights to the name of the oldest in the class, even in purely legal terms. During the production of the Mercedes-Benz W124 body, the company officially introduced the concept of Executivklasse – business class.

First generation (1984-1995)

The Stuttgart model of the first generation of Mercedes-Benz W124 began its production in 1984 and was produced until 1995. Interestingly, the car received the name E-Class only since 1993. This version was produced as a sedan, station wagon, coupe and convertible. Not everyone knows that this car is considered one of the most popular “Mersedes”. In total, more than 2,200,000 cars were produced. The “German” has been updated several times.

When the “first” generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) came out, many German cab drivers were not happy with it. The debut cars actually had some shortcomings, which the company quickly corrected.

Exterior Appearance

The appearance of the car was not at all similar to what the German specialists produced before. Mercedes E-class was equipped with wide plastic moldings (in common people called “foliage”). Bumpers were made of plastic, and the right and left mirrors had different dimensions. Also Germans put only one wiper blade, while the W123 body had 2 “wipers”.

The front area of the Mercedes E-class body W124 got nice outlines, rectangular optics, a prominent radiator grille. Overall, the novelty could boast a modern silhouette, body contours and so on. Nice-looking and Mercedes E-class coupe, as well as convertible body (since 1987). Interestingly, already in 1991 there was a version with a convertible roof.

But in our country were distributed mainly sedans and Mercedes E class station wagon. The new body had the most advanced aerodynamics with plastic molding to direct the air under the car. Because of this reduced fuel consumption and noise from oncoming airflow.

The height of ground clearance is 160 millimeters. And it does not matter what model you have – Mercedes E wagon or Mercedes E coupe. It is important to note that even the water washer tank, wiper area and washer nozzles were heated.

Interior

The interior has gotten better. As for the finishing materials of the first-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, they are of excellent quality. The interior is equipped with plastic door handles, other small details. All other elements are lined with leather or apply wood inserts. Leather lasts a long time, but needs care, so there are a lot of worn out seats on the market.

The chairs themselves were comfortable. There were versions with anatomic or sports seats. Ergonomics is on a high level. Of course, inside there are no displays. In front of the driver is 4-spoke steering wheel, behind which an analog dashboard is hidden. And the stereo supports cassettes at all.

Technical part

Under the hood of the 1st generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a lot of engines running on gasoline and diesel fuel. There is no sense to write about all of them. The gasoline lineup was represented by engines with a displacement of 2.2-5.0 liters, which developed from 136-320 horsepower.

Speaking of diesels, their working volume was 2.0-3.0 liters. They generated 75-147 horsepower. Such “engines” worked together with 4- or 5-speed manual or 4- or 5-band automatic transmission.

Although many versions were equipped with rear-wheel drive, there were modifications of the Mercedes E-Class W124 with all-wheel drive. The suspension has independent spring mechanisms on both axles. The braking system has disc mechanisms on all wheels (front ventilated).

II generation (1995-2002)

Germans in 1995 showed the second generation of E-Class with W210 body. People called the car “eye-catching” because it had a peculiar layout of the front optics. The novelty was very different from the first generation technically, because of which there could be problems.

Appearance

The Mercedes Benz E-Class W210 looks a bit dated today. However, this classic is not without its own style. If the last generation had a little conservative style, the W210 has a radically new look. The front has four elliptical headlights. Thanks to them and soft lines it was possible to provide a dynamic (at that time) exterior.

The appearance of the Mercedes E-Class W210 was immediately appreciated by the Roter Punkt award. With the help of a unique body design, it was possible to achieve low drag coefficient (Cd = 0.27). If we talk about paint – water-based paint was used. Ground clearance was the traditional 160 millimeters in the sedan and wagon.

Interior

Design Department tried to give the interior of the car massive and rounded. As before, among the finishing materials was natural wood. On the technical side the car was equipped with front and rear power windows, external temperature display, dust filter, “climate” system with air recirculation and a third brake light on the rear armrest.

In general, the interior is much better withstanding time. The group of engineers managed to create materials for a long time. Functionality could be the envy of even some modern cars, although it depends on the level of performance. The top version has electric adjustable seats with memory and ventilation. After the upgrade, the Mercedes W210 received the Command multimedia system, which has dynamic navigation.

There is enough space inside, as it is a full-fledged E-Class in front of us. And this applies not only to the front row, but also to the rear. The instrument panel itself received three round analog gauges. The role of the largest one was performed by the speedometer, which was the largest. To its left was a combined temperature and fuel gauge.

On the right was the tachometer. The lower part was occupied by a small display of the trip computer. It is important to remember that the second generation of Mercedes-Benz E-Class was produced in sedan and 5-door station wagon. The trunk volume of Mercedes E-Class station wagon was 600 liters. And the sedan version could boast 520 liters of usable space.

Technical Specifications

The list of engines, as before, is very large. Gasoline versions had engines with a displacement of 2.0-4.3 liters. They developed 136-279 “horses”. As for the “diesels”, they received engines with a capacity of 2.0-3.0 liters. They generated from 88 to 177 horsepower. Transmission was a 5-speed, and since 2000, a 6-speed manual transmission. There was also a 4 or 5-range automatic transmission.

It is worth noting that a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual Touch Shift was provided. All torque potential, as before, is transferred either to the rear wheels, or to all 4. As for the suspension on the E-Class 2 generation, here the Germans have applied an independent 2-lever suspension in front and independent 5-lever rear. Both axles are equipped with a stabilizer bar.

III generation (2002-2009)

The next third generation of Mercedes luxury E-Class was presented by the Germans in the body W211 in 2002. Despite the fact that the whole generation has changed, the group of designers did not risk to “change the concept. The car remained “eye-catching”, but moved to a new level of technology, comfort and equipment.

The novelty was produced in a sedan and wagon body. Mercedes E coupe of the 3rd generation was not provided. In 2006, the car was slightly updated, due to which it became larger in size, got new front lights, grille, front spoiler, taillights, as well as technical stuffing.

Appearance

The front area received four oval headlights with different size. Between them the designers placed a neat grille. The front bumper has a characteristic aerodynamic shape. In some version, the bumper has a mass of air ducts, “fog lights” with different configurations. The hood has stylistic stamps in the form of waves, continuing the stylistic solution of the headlights.

The body features of Mercedes W211 look smooth, which gives the car lightness. Although the overall appearance is unchanged, the 3rd generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasts a more impetuous look. The frontal optics are tilted at a more vertical angle. The pre-styled model had a ground clearance of 140 mm, and after the update – 160 mm. This also applies to the station wagon body.

The rear area of the new model bears a resemblance to a C-Class executive sedan. The wide wheel arches conceal the light alloy “rollers”. The sedan and Mercedes E wagon were optionally equipped with a glass sunroof, which had the option of an interior overlap with a special partition to protect against sunlight. The W211 Sedan also received a two-part panoramic glass roof that had electronic controls.

It extended across the entire length of the top of the German. After updating in 2006, the car received bi-xenon headlights with Intelligent Light System (5 different lighting functions). The Germans have taken into account the shortcomings of the last generation, concerning the quality of the body and paintwork.

Interior

If before the basic equipment was frankly weak, now the Germans already “in the base” offered a lot of useful features. The quality of finishing materials became better. Nappa leather was used, and in the cabin you can find a lot of wooden inserts. There is more space inside.

The new seats have electrical adjustable, heated and ventilated function. More expensive versions could even have a massage. As a separate option Germans installed anatomic armchairs, which adjusted to the body. Noise insulation has been improved. Buyers will be glad:

• Command APS multimedia system with navigation;
• Split climate control;
• Keyless keyless access;
• Heated steering wheel;
• Harman/Kardon music with 12 speakers;
• DISTRONIC$ Cruise control
• Linguatronic multimedia voice control system;
• PRE-SAFE safety system.

Technical Data

The list of engines was always changing. As a result, an extensive list of engines that ran on gasoline and diesel fuel was assembled. Initially, the under-hood was equipped with simple engines, but later they were equipped with BlueTEC system. Also Germans decided to install a motor that runs on gas. In the role of the base “engine” was a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel power plant, generating 136 “horses”.

The top variant was considered a V-shaped 8-cylinder 6.2-liter version E 63 AMG, which produced 506 horsepower. But in 2003, the 722.9 7G-Tronic gearbox has been installed for some engines. After the upgrade, the latter transmission has already supplemented the extensive list of engines. Some versions also have six-speed manual transmission.

All torque forces are transmitted to a greater extent to the rear wheels, although there are all-wheel drive cars with the 4Matic system. As for the suspension, it has a different structure. The initial versions received independent architecture with 2 levers in front and 5 in rear. In addition, the axles have stabilizers.

As a separate option (or standard for V8) Germans offer air suspension Airmatic DC with the W220. In the 3rd generation of Mercedes E-Class engineers used aluminum in many elements. The brake system is of disc type. It is supplemented by ABS, ESP, ASR, Brake Assist, SBC (a system that cleans the brake discs).

Generation IV (2009-2016).

By 2010, the German specialists have demonstrated the fourth family of business car in the body W212. Already in 2013, the car underwent a planned upgrade.

Appearance IV generation.

The designers decided to revise the format of the headlights. The exterior of the Mercedes W212 came out a little controversial. The car retained the traditional headlights, but its shape changed circles to angles. Rear lights were equipped with a more traditional horizontal orientation. After the update there were no global changes, but aerodynamics and cosmetic restyling was improved.

So the car got a more sporty front bumper, made in a multi-faceted intricate form with an imitation of an aerodynamic spoiler at the bottom, which played the role of air intake. As for the head optics, it was finally decided to combine them. It boasts a complex shape with internally pronounced shaped compartments of headlights and flares. The impression is that the Germans decided to save the traditional “four-eyes”.

The updates have also affected the radiator grille, which has received two large horizontal lines in chrome. It is interesting that the 4th generation Mercedes E-class coupe has a single horizontal line on the grille, while the sedan and wagon, as written before, have two. The height of ground clearance of all models is equal to “traditional” value – 160 millimeters. If you compare the novelty with the last generation, it became a little bigger in size.

Interior IV generation

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 could definitely please. The interior stands out with its beautiful appearance and quality finishing. The German company has decided to return to the past traditions. Appearance of the front panel has chopped forms of the unforgettable classics in the W123 body, modern selected materials, auxiliary buttons, switches, sensors and displays.

The dashboard received only three “wells”. As for the central console, it also underwent a serious modernization of its appearance. The cabin began to look fresh, modern, improved ergonomics. It is worth noting that the interior of the Mercedes E-class coupe stands out a little bit against the “basic” version of the sedan or wagon. The volume of the trunk is solid 540 liters.

Technical information

For Russia, the Germans have provided Mercedes W212 engines that run on gasoline and diesel fuel. The gasoline list got a 1.8-liter CGI BlueEFFICIENCY 4-cylinder powerplant that generates 184 horsepower (E200), as well as a 204-horsepower version (E250). There was also a powerful 3.5-liter V-twin six-cylinder engine that produced 252 “horses” (E300) and 272 hp. (Е350).

The top was a V8 engine with a working volume of 4.7 liters, which generates 408 horsepower. This “engine” was installed on all-wheel drive modification Mercedes E500 4MATIC.

There is only one diesel option. It is a 2.1-liter CDI BlueEFFICIENCY engine, available in two power versions – 170 “horses” (E220) and 204 hp. (Е250). As a linking link Germans have installed 7-speed automatic gearbox 7G-Tronic. The top versions have the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Price today

Today you can buy a used Mercedes E-Class 4 generation from 8,693.67 euros. This price tag is current as of January 2020.

V generation (2016-present)

In January 2016, the Germans presented their latest to date 5th generation Mercedes E-Class body W213. The company calls its car “the smartest and most technologically advanced. The novelty is equipped with the “family” design of the brand, became larger in size, and in terms of equipment in general it has swung on the “big brother” S-Class.

Exterior

The Germans decided to perform the exterior of the new 2016 Mercedes E-Class in the style that was first shown on their flagship S-Class W222 in 2013. In the future, the rest of the company’s models, including the junior C-Class, switched to this style. Some believe that such unification of the exterior has led to the fact that the “Ashka” has lost its own identity and now it can be confused with the same C-Class.

The frontal area has a quite sloped glass, followed by a long hood with a small relief on the edges. Then you can notice the radiator grille, which can be equipped with different design, depending on which version it will be. So the Germans have provided a chrome trim with two long ribs and a massive “nameplate” in the center, as well as more elegant, classic with a thicker chrome frame and thin ribs, which are separated in the center by a single vertical line.

The logo in the latter version stands in the form of a statuette. The lower part of the bumper has two air intakes on the sides and another slot in the middle of the grille. How the bumper will be designed will directly depend on the chosen modification. The side part immediately hints that this is a premium car. For example, it is noticeable by the big wheels, expensive appearance of “rollers”, which are shod in low-profile rubber.

The profile of the sedan is decorated with a chromed frame of side windows. With the help of tapering to the rear relief, sloping roof line and the rear pillar, which flows smoothly into the luggage cover, the profile of the car looks both elegant, sporty and dynamic. The rear end is typically “Mercedes-like”.

The rear end boasts sloped glass, a short luggage compartment lid with a spoiler-like edge. Below, there is room for a decorative chrome strip, as well as small trapezoidal lights on the sides. The lower section is equipped with additional chrome elements – a decorative bar across the entire width of the rear section and two trapezoidal tips of the exhaust system of massive size.

Interior

With the new generation also changed the interior of the car, which has become more beautiful and modern. There are no problems with free space. The front row is equipped with leather seats, which are electrically adjustable and have a comfortable seating position. On the center console you can notice a pair of connected massive 12.3-inch screens, one of which is responsible for the dashboard, and the other for the entertainment center and navigation system.

Installed on the right side of the display supports touch-screen control. Below there is a place for four round deflectors of the ventilation system. Then there is a horizontal control unit for separate “climate”. After this, the console neatly flows to the tunnel, which has a large compartment for small things, a control unit for the multimedia center with a touchpad and a washer. Not without cup holders and other elements.

The less rich Mercedes-Benz W213 features the usual analog “instrumentation” and a central 8.4-inch screen.

The driver’s seat itself Mercedes Benz E-Class 2019 has a stylish 3-spoke steering wheel. It has all the necessary buttons to control the entertainment system. “Steering wheel” can be adjusted in height and reach. The instrument panel has two massive analog gauges and a large trip computer in the middle (base version).

More expensive versions received a full screen in the form of “dashboard”. Inside the German car there is chic “music”, designed for 23 speakers, producing an excellent sound. The second row can seat three adults without feeling discomfort. The seats are also leather, which is very pleasant.

The trunk has a volume of 540 liters in the sedan body. The rear can be removed in 3 parts, but not without a smooth, but noticeable step, preventing the formation of a flat floor. The Mercedes E wagon has a larger trunk.

Specifications

Powertrain

Germans have provided for the Russian market five power units, working on gasoline and diesel fuel. Under the hood of the initial complete set of Mercedes-Benz E-Class 5 generation is petrol 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a vertical configuration (E200/E200 4Matic and E300). It also gets turbocharging, direct fuel injection, piezo injectors and phase shifters on the exhaust and intake.

As a result, it generates 184 horsepower (300 Nm). More “pumped up”, the same engine can also give out 245 “horses (370 Nm). Already for 6.2-7.9 seconds the car accelerates to the first hundred, and the maximum speed does not exceed 233-250 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is from 6.9 to 7.3 liters in the combined cycle.

Next up is the top-of-the-line 3.5-litre six-cylinder V-engine in the E400 4Matic version. It has a turbocharger, direct injection technology, variable valve timing, and low-noise chains in the 24-valve timing drive. As a result, it develops 333 “horses” (480 Nm).

“The top speed is 250 km/h, and the car accelerates from zero to the first hundred using only 5.2 seconds. The engine needs about 7.9 liters of gasoline in the mixed mode.

The last two variants are diesel-powered – the E200d and E220d. They only come with rear-wheel drive. Their displacement is 2.0 liters. They get direct fuel delivery, a 16-valve layout, and turbocharging.

The first version produces 150 horsepower (360 Nm) and the second 195 “horses” (400 Nm). This is enough to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3-8.4 seconds. The speed limit is fixed at 224-240 km/h. Engines require no more than 4.3 liters per every 100 kilometers.

Transmission

Torque is transmitted using the optional 9G-Tronic hydro-mechanical nine-band automatic transmission. All-wheel drive versions have the “family” 4Matic transmission, which has an asymmetrical axle differential. The latter has an electronically controlled locking, which in normal position divides the forces between the axles in the proportion of 45/55.

Chassis

As the basis of the 5th generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, German engineers decided to use the “rear-wheel drive” MRA structure, which has independent suspensions on all wheels. The front has a 2-lever system and the rear has a multi-lever system. The chassis, which has steel springs, is available in 3 solutions – conventional, with 15 millimeters reduced ground clearance and with adaptive dampers.

As a separate option, you can install Air Body Control pneumatic suspension, which has dual-chamber pneumatic elements, single-tube shock absorbers and 3 modes of operation. As for the body of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2020, it is made of steel and aluminum (about 16 percent).

Aluminum was used for the hood, front fenders, trunk roof, and suspension supports. The “German” steers perfectly with the help of the electric booster. There are ventilated disc brakes on all wheels, equipped with many modern “tricks” (ABS, EBD, BAS and so on).

Safety

The German flagship in the form of Mercedes has innovative developments. For example, the Mercedes-Benz W213 has autonomous driving. A similar option is available in the flagship Volvo S90, but the German specialists managed to develop their own system, which even in some ways exceeds the Swedish one. 23 sensors are responsible for active safety in the new car. This list has:

• 12 ultrasonic sensors, 6 each in the front and rear;
• 4 multi-mode radars on each corner of the body;
• 4 video cameras – front, rear and mirrors;
• Front long-range radar;
• Stereo camera on the windshield;
• Steering wheel position sensor.

In addition, there is Active Brake Assist and Evasive Steering Assist. They are aimed at preventing accidents. If a potential danger is detected, the brakes are automatically applied and additional force is applied to the steering wheel to increase the efficiency of the evasive maneuver. Thanks to Car-to-X Communication technology, information about the situation on the road is exchanged with other road users.

During a side impact, the PRE-SAFE Impulse Side system is triggered. With the help of special air cameras placed in the body of the seat, the system manages to move the passenger away from the point of impact. The PRE-SAFE Sound technology is also worth mentioning, which generates a certain frequency of sound in the speakers before the impact, which causes the stirrup muscles of the ear to contract and saves the eardrums from being destroyed.

It can be completed by remote parking. The technology uses wireless high-frequency Near Field Communication. It allows you to use your smartphone instead of a key. You can open doors, start or stop the engine. If the owner is about three meters away from the car, he or she can park it thanks to a special app.

Crash test

Price and equipment

You can buy Mercedes W213 2020 in a large number of configurations. The price tag starts at 35565.01 euros. This version will get:

• Leather upholstery;
• Hill-start assist;
• Driver fatigue sensor;
• Electric seat adjustment;
• Strart/Stop system;
• 2-zone climate control;
• Cruise Control;
• Heated seats;
• Rear Parktronic;
• Light, rain sensor and tire pressure sensor;
• Navigation system.

The most expensive option gets almost nothing, because you only get the engine. It costs about 53291.07 euros. But the Germans have provided many important options. Among them we can highlight the presence of:

• Heating of the “steering wheel”;
• Memory of adjustments;
• Blind spot and lane control;
• Adaptive “cruise;
• Music, designed for 23 speakers;
• Sunroof;
• Alcantara on the roof;
• A system that automatically parks the car;
• Autocorrect optics;
• Automatic high beam;
• Keyless access;
• All-around vision;
• Collision protection and more.

Comparison with competitors

Competitors to the Mercedes E-Class 5th generation include the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Volvo S90, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF, Infinity Q70, Cadillac CT5, Genesis G80 and Volkswagen Passat CC.

Reviews of owners

Judging by the reviews of owners of Mercedes-Benz E-Class 5 generation, the car turned out to be beautiful, economical and extremely comfortable. I like the comfortable suspension and good dynamics. The quality of the interior is at a high level.

Some owners of the W213 do not like the trunk lid, as it is light and does not always close the first time. There are also shortcomings in the operation of the air suspension. It will be pleased with the quality noise isolation. There is a lot of space inside.

Pros and cons

Summing up

To summarize, we would like to say that the 5th generation Mercedes W213 was able to continue the tradition of producing a quality, comfortable and premium car. Although it is not a sports model, it stands out for its fast ride. Separately, it is worth noting the beautiful exterior and ergonomic interior. The only question is whether the car is worth its money. And what do you think about it?

We advise you to read the article: Mercedes-Benz, classic German cars

Mercedes-Benz E-Class photos

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