{"id":73705,"date":"2024-03-22T21:02:21","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T17:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dubicars.com\/news?p=73705"},"modified":"2024-03-22T21:02:28","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T17:02:28","slug":"mercedes-benz-e-class-history-generations-more-details","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dubicars.com\/news\/mercedes-benz-e-class-history-generations-more-details.html","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes-Benz E-Class History, Generations & More: The Evolution Of Mercedes\u2019 Best-Seller"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With over 15 million units sold, the Mercedes-Benz<\/a> E-Class is the best-selling car from the German auto giant. Since the very beginning, the E-Class has been an elegant and classy sedan that impresses on all fronts.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It first debuted way back in 1953 as the W120 and 11 generations of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class<\/a> have been produced since then. In this DubiCars Car Spotlight article, we take a detailed look at the history and generations of the E-Class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz W120 | 1953 – 1962<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The roots of the Mercedes-Benz<\/a> E-Class trace back to when the company introduced the W120 model in 1953. This marked the beginning of the “Ponton” series, characterized by its rounded, pontoon-shaped design.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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While not officially bearing the “E-Class” moniker yet, the W120 laid the groundwork for what was to come. Mercedes-Benz also launched the W121 sedan based on the W120. Buyers could choose between 1.8-litre and 1.9-litre inline-4 engine options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz W110 | 1961 – 1968<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 1961, Mercedes-Benz launched the W110, which featured a more elegant design language than its predecessor. This model featured improved safety features and performance enhancements, setting the stage for the E-Class’s future evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The first series which was produced until 1965 featured a 1.9-litre or a 2.0-litre inline-4. The second series that went into production in 1965 came with a more powerful 2.3-litre inline-4 as well. The signature fin-tail rear-end defined this generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz W114 | 1968 – 1976<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The true precursor to the E-Class, however, arrived in 1968 with the introduction of the W114 series. This model featured a more angular design and stately design and a range of engine options to suit different preferences and market demands. For the very first time, an inline-6 engine<\/a> was placed under the bonnet of this generation.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Petrol inline-4 engines ranged from 2.0-litres to 2.3-litres while inline-6 engine options ranged from 2.3-litres to 2.8-litres. Diesel engine options included inline-4 engines ranging from 2.0-litres to 2.4-litres while the star diesel engine was obviously the OM617 3.0-litre inline-5, known to be one of the toughest and most reliable engines ever made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz W123 | 1976 – 1986<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 1970s saw the debut of the iconic W123 series in 1975. Revered for its durability, safety innovations, and timeless design, the W123 solidified Mercedes-Benz’s reputation for building reliable luxury automobiles. It set new standards in comfort, performance, and longevity, laying the foundation for the E-Class’s future success.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Its iconic design and tough build quality make it much sought-after even today, almost 50 years since it was first launched. The W123 used the same engines as its predecessor. However, Mercedes-Benz also began offering a turbocharged version of the OM617<\/a> inline-5 diesel engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz W124 | 1984 – 1993<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building upon the legacy of the W123, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W124 series in 1984. This generation marked the official debut of the E-Class nameplate in 1993, reflecting the model’s enhanced status within the company’s lineup.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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The W124 showcased cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and a wide range of engine choices. The inline-4 and inline-6 engines from its predecessor were retained. However, with the W124 came high-performance Mercedes-Benz sedans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mercedes-Benz 500 E featured a massive 5.0-litre V8 engine while the 400 E featured a 4.2-litre V8. The W124 was available in sedan, cabriolet, and estate wagon body styles<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) | 1993 – 1997<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mercedes-Benz took on a new naming convention and in 1993 changed the names of all of its cars. This is where the \u2018E-Class\u2019 as we know it, took shape. The W124 was already in production and Mercedes-Benz simply changed its name. The \u2018E\u2019 moniker was placed ahead of the trim level on all models.<\/p>\n\n\n

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For instance, the aforementioned 500E was renamed the E500, and other trim levels came to be known as E320, E420, etc. In 1993, AMG fettled with the E-Class and launched the insane E60 AMG powered by a 6.0-litre V8 engine and it is now a prized possession for classic car collectors. Here\u2019s how you can register classic cars in the UAE<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210) | 1994 – 2003<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As the automotive landscape evolved, so did the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. In 1994, the company introduced the W210 series, signaling a departure from the boxy design language of its predecessors. The W210 embraced smoother, more aerodynamic lines while incorporating the latest technological advancements of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Standard versions of the car were powered by inline-4, inline-6, and V6 engine options while AMG derivatives like the E36 AMG, E55 AMG, and E60 AMG used monstrous V8 engines. Mercedes-Benz even launched the bulletproof Guard version to cater to VIPs and businessmen who need more security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third Generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211) | 2001 – 2009<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The W211 series debuted in 2002, further refining the E-Class’ design, performance, and comfort features. With sleeker styling and improved handling characteristics, the W211 appealed to a new generation of luxury car buyers while retaining the timeless elegance that defined the E-Class lineage.<\/p>\n\n\n

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By this time, the E-Class was being assembled in nine countries around the world and had gained immense popularity. A variety of engine options were offered for buyers with varying requirements. The smallest engine on offer was a 1.8-litre inline-4 and the largest one on offer in the full-blown AMG was a 6.2-litre V8. There was also a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 on offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth Generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) | 2009 – 2016<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2009, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the W212 series, marking the fourth generation of the E-Class. This is the most popular E-Class of all time and thereby most commonly spotted as well. This iteration introduced a host of groundbreaking technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems<\/a>, fuel-efficient engines, and luxurious amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The smallest engine on offer was a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol inline-4 while the largest still remained the 6.2-litre AMG V8. In 2013, the E-Class underwent a major facelift, ushering the sedan to the modern era, with Mercedes-Benz\u2019s new design language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifth Generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213) | 2016 – 2022<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The fifth generation of the E-Class, represented by the W213 series, made its debut in 2016. Embracing a more dynamic design language, the W213 combined sleek aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology, including semi-autonomous driving capabilities, digital instrument clusters, and enhanced connectivity features.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Our detailed review of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E300<\/a> shows just how modern and elegant this generation was. This generation prioritised environment-friendliness and hence more efficient engines made their way under the bonnet of the E-Class. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The smallest engine was a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol inline-4 while the large 6.2-litre V8 in the top-spec AMG models was replaced by a more efficient 4.0-litre V8. Plug-in hybrid variants were also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sixth Generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) | 2023 – Present<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2023, Mercedes-Benz introduced the latest iteration of the E-Class \u2014 the W214 series. Building upon its predecessors’ successes, the W214 represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and luxury craftsmanship.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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With electrification becoming increasingly prevalent, the W214 incorporates hybrid and electric powertrains, offering improved efficiency without compromising performance. It is only available with 2.0-litre inline-4 and 3.0-litre inline-6 mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n