| Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
|
| Production | E-Class nomenclature adopted in August 1993 (Predecessors traced to 1946) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Executive car (E) |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive orall-wheel-drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz W124 (pre-facelift models, 1984–1993) |
TheMercedes-Benz E-Class is a range ofexecutive cars manufactured by German automakerMercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E-Class falls as a midrange in the Mercedes line-up, and has been marketed worldwide across five generations.
Before 1993, theE suffix in Mercedes-Benz model names referred toEinspritzmotor (German forfuel injection engine) when in the early 1970s fuel injection began to proliferate beyond its upper-tier luxury and sporting models. By the launch of the faceliftedW124 in 1993 fuel injection was ubiquitous in Mercedes engines, and theE was adopted as a prefix (i.e., E 220). The model line is referred to officially as theE-Class (orE-Klasse). All generations of the E-Class have offered eitherrear-wheel drive or Mercedes'4Maticfour-wheel drive system.
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz' best-selling model, with more than 13 million sold by 2015.[1] The first E-Class series was originally available as four-doorsedan, five-doorstation wagon, two-door coupe and two-door convertible. From 1997 to 2009, the equivalent coupe and convertible were sold under theMercedes-Benz CLK-Class nameplate; which was based on the mechanical underpinnings of the smaller C-Class while borrowing the styling and some powertrains from the E-Class, a trend continued with the C207 E-Class coupe/convertible which was sold parallel to the W212 E-Class sedan/wagon. With the latest incarnation of the E-Class released for the 2017 model year, all body styles share the same W213 platform.[2]
Due to the E-Class's size and durability, it has filled many market segments, from personal cars to frequently serving astaxis in European countries, as well special-purpose vehicles (e.g., police or ambulance modifications) from the factory.[3] In November 2020, the W213 E-Class was awarded the 2021 Motor Trend Car of the Year award, a first for Mercedes-Benz.[4]
The nomenclature used by Mercedes-Benz before August 1993 was a system loosely based on engine displacement. It followed a simple logic that the larger the engine, the more prestigious the car is. As a result, the hierarchy consisted of a set number of numerical series, across the engines shared within each series. Suffixes would further elaborate on specifics deemed necessary, be it the fuel system e.g. D – Diesel, E– Einspritz (injection); the body type: C – coupe, T –Transport (estate); or the car application: SL – sports; G –Gelande, off-road. Sometimes a combination of several suffices would be used. One particular suffix was S –Sonder which translates as "special" literally but is figuratively used in German language to denote a premium or more luxurious product.
Up until 1972, the S index was liberally applied to any top-end trim. Only in 1968 did it become unique to a particular set of chassis models and only in 1972 with the launch of theMercedes-Benz W116, did Mercedes-Benz split off the luxury segment into a separate product line – theS-Class. Afterwards, and up until 1985, the cars shared the same platforms, shells and underpinnings.
Thus, the retroactive labelling of the predecessors below as an 'E-class' can be both ambiguous and questionable, particularly to pre-1968 models like the W136 and W191170S; theW105 219 or theW111 220 and 230S, which can be considered as both E and S Class predecessors alike.
What is important to note, that the predecessors of the E-Class were initially positioned as the standard 'bread and butter' range and slowly evolved as anExecutive car with marque's growing success in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. The genuine de facto positioning took place only in 1982, upon the launch ofW201 190 compact sedan, establishing the basic C - E - S class lineup of Mercedes-Benz sedan range.
Mercedes-Benz resumed the post-WWII production with the W136 170V series in 1946, with the passenger deliveries commencing in May 1947.
In May 1949 a diesel 170D version was introduced andSpecial 170S version was premiered with a much larger body and refined chassis. The 170S was also offered as two door Cabriolet in an A and B bodystyle.
In July 1951 the new generationM180 OHC engine was introduced, and coupled with the 170S chassis the car became the W187 220, which is retroactively considered an S-Class predecessor. However, production of the 170S sedan continued, and it gained a new chassis code, the W191, and a diesel 170SD model.
After the premiere of the W120 180 Ponton in July 1953, a hybrid 170S-V and 170S-D was introduced, with the larger 170S body on the older 170V chassis. Production of these discount models continued until September 1955.
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In July 1953 Mercedes-Benz built its first postwar design on a unibody with a small front subframe and a rear swing axle. The 180 series would be followed up with the diesel 180D in February 1954.
The platform would be successfully applied across the most of the range, with the W187 giving its engine to create theW180 220 sedan in June 1954, and the new four cylinder OHCM121 engine debuting on the sport190 SL roadster in May 1955.
In 1956 the range would further grow with the W121 190 sedan sharing the 190SL's engine, but with a more subtle performance for economy and longevity, and theW105 219 model, gaining the M180 six cylinder engine from the 220, but keeping the 190's bodystyle.
The final complement was the 190D model with the new diesel OHCOM621 engine in August 1958.
Replacement of the Pontons with the Fintails began in August 1959 with the six-cylinder sedans, and finished in September 1961 with four cylinder versions. However, the W120 180 and 180D models continued production as discount series until October 1962
Mercedes-Benz began development of new generation in the mid-1950s. In light with growing safety concerns, a new body was envisioned with front and rear crumple zones and retractable seatbelts. The exterior was influenced by the American trend with pronouncedtailfin orheckflosse feature on the rear fenders.
The series made its debut on the August 1959 on the six cylinder range, with the W111 220, 220S and 200SE. Although the latter two are typically considered S-Class predecessors, just like the many Ponton models, all of the Fintails would share the same chassis, bodyshell and many trim features. Furthermore, the unification reached its peak in 1961-1965 when not only the four-cylinder 190 series, but also the top range 300 series, theW112 would share the same body and wheelbase.
The 190 and 190D models would respectively debut in April and June 1961. For differentiation, the Ponton's fascia was used making them visually different from the six-cylinder models. Features like disk brakes and optional automatic transmission would make their way into the car's inventory.
In August 1965 Mercedes-Benz would launch the newW108 sedan, sometimes referred to as the 'greenhouse' series, effectively a redesign of the Fintail body byPaul Bracq. However, this only affected the top range six-cylinder models, with the new 250 series and 300 carried across. The W110 and W111 was also re-badged and the engines were tweaked to become the 200 & 200D four cylinder and 230 & 230S six cylinder series. The latter was of particular notice, as it was represented by the W110 and W111 bodies respectively.
Production continued for a two and half years until the start of 1968.
Breaking from the now vintage Ponton platform, for 1968 Mercedes-Benz introduced the newW114/W115 models. Though visually reminiscent of the W108 models in styling, and also being a timeless Paul Bracq exterior, the cars were a clean sheet in terms of body and chassis, introducing a rear-subframe instead of a classic rear axle.
The four cylinder models were labelled the W115 and these initially consisted of the petrol M115 powered 200 and 220 series, and the diesel 200D and 220D models. The six cylinder range was called the W114, these included the 230 with the vintage M180 and the 250 with the new M115 engine. In keeping with tradition, the 250's top status was punctuated with a double front bumper and a chrome strip on the door's window frames.
New to the lineup was a 2-door coupe, introduced in October as the 250C and 250CE. The latter had the electronicD-Jetronic fuel injection. For export to the United States the 1970-72 MY 250C and 1971-72 250 were powered by the larger displacement M130 engine to overcome the emission controls requiring lower compression.
In summer of 1972 Mercedes-Benz introduced the new DOHCM110 engine, which was made available on /8 models as both carburettor powered 280 and 280C and fuel injected 280E and 280CE. In parallel Mercedes-Benz opted to retire the M114 engine and the 250CE model. The 250 and 250C models would now be supplied with the 2.8 litre M130, as they were for export to North America in the previous years.
In August of 1973, the /8 models underwent a facelift. This time the model changes affected the four cylinder W115 range, upon launch, the M115 and OM615 shared the same cylinder blocks for both the 2.0 and 2.2 versions. The latter displacement was a compromise for interchangeability and to lower production costs. This led to the petrol version under performing. Tweaking the bore/stroke ratio for a more undersquare, a larger displacement resulted. This created two 230 models, and to differentiate, the W115 was now known as 230.4 and its W114 namesake - as the 230.6
In parallel, Mercedes-Benz also showed its commitment to expanding its diesel range, with a highly successfulOM616 diesel engine on the 240D model and the five cylinderOM617 engine, badged as 240D 3.0 in Europe and 300D in US following in October 1974.
Despite the introduction of the W123 in late 1975, production of the /8 models would continue in overlap for the whole of 1976 with the final models delivered in December.
Although it shared the bodyshell, platform, most of the chassis elements and powertrain with /8, the styling was updated with design language byFriedrich Geiger, and was sufficient to separate the project as new model, which made its premiere in late 1975. Visually the W123 shared many cues with W116 S-Class, with it also technically related in both body and chassis.
Most of the models and their powerplants were carried across, except for the lower-tier six cylinder, where both the vintage M180 and M130 on the 230.6 and 250 were replaced by the somewhat controversialM123 on the 250. The effect of the1973 oil crisis set more emphasis on fuel economy, which resulted in models such as the 230C for Europe and 300CD for the United States export, with the four cylinder petrol and five cylinder diesel on what was a high-end coupe.
New to the lineup was the five door estate S123 range, which came in 1978. The top end retained the DOHC 2.8 M110 motor, but the fuel injected variant now had the mechanicalK-Jetronic system. Initially the 280 series sedans were made visually different with square halogen headlamps and chrome bumper tips.
Although never experiencing a 'facelift' 1979-81 brought a few major changes to production. The carburettor powered 230 and 280 series were phased out, as was the poorly selling 220D and 250T. In their place came the new modular M102 engine in 1980, bringing fuel injection into the four cylinder range on the 230 series and keeping carburettors only on the entry 200 series. The OM617 diesel range now had a turbocharged option, though this was available only for the estate in Europe. ABS and power steering became standard at the same time, as was an optional five-speed manual with an overdrive fifth gear.
Known for its reliability, particularly on the diesel versions, over 2.6 million units were produced until production ceased in 1986.
TheW124 was presented in November 1984, with production commencing in January the following year. Much of the body shell and chassis was an upscaled design from theW201 190 sedan, featuring the rear multi-link suspension and Bruno Sacco's famous 'form follows function' concept of clean contours with emphasis on aerodynamics and efficiency. Emission control was also taken into account withCatalytic converters,Diesel particulate filters andExhaust gas recirculation being introduced over the course of production.
The model range, followed the established layout of two four cylinder petrol models: 200 and 230 series; two six cylinder petrol models: 260 and 300; and three diesel models in four, five and six cylinder arrangements 200, 250 and 300 series, all built round the same modular inline layout.
Over the course of production several important changes would occur. The diesel 250 and 300 series would become available with turbocharged options. In 1987 a4Matic all-wheel drive system would become available on select few models. Another important addition was the A124 Cabriolet body in 1992, with self-popping rear headrests and reinforced front windscreen frame to facilitate occupant safety in case of a rollover.
Although never envisioned for motorsport, the sleek design made it a popular choice for the growing tuning and street racing scene. Of particular mention is theAMG-builtHammer series with a transplantedM117 V8 engine, bored out to 6.0 litres with DOHC cylinder heads, stiff suspension and widebody exterior kit. Seeing a market, Mercedes-Benz entered a joint venture withPorsche to build the500EWolf in 1990.
The transition to DOHC began in 1989 with the 300-24 models, featuring the M104 engine with a four valve per chamber head and variable timing on the intake. This was followed on in mid 1992 when the M102 was replaced by the M111 on the 200 series and the 220 replaced the 230 series for the four cylinder and the M104 280 and 320 replacing the M103 260 and 300 series. The KE-Jetronic for fuel injection gave way to the Motronic engine management systems, that not only controlled fuel delivery, but also ignition timing, engine cooling and other parameters. Two years prior the final carburettor powered 200 series left the production.
Since 1972 Mercedes-Benz had two distinct product lines. The S-class premiere range, represented by the W116 and W126 sedans and the W107 and R129 two door range; and the standard range represented not only by the W114, W115, W123 and W124, but also by the W201 190 series from 1982 and the W463 G-wagen from 1989. This made marketing increasingly difficult and very confusing. For example, the W201 was limited to its 190 series, and all the models were punctuated by indicating displacement separately, e.g. the 190D 2.5 and 190E 2.6. The W124 sharing these same engines would be named simply as the 250D and 260E, whilst the W463 and W126 also featuring one of these motors would be called the 250GD and 260SE respectively. All of this made the whole series nomenclature hierarchy increasingly archaic as each model now had its own distinct chassis and body.
In spring 1993 Mercedes-Benz released the successor to the W201, and unlike the 190, which was initially seen as a sporty car appealing to the younger generation, theW202 was to be a fully fledged automobile for all age groups, with a range of engines and trims. For this Mercedes-Benz opted to create a third, entry, Compact orC-Class range. To prevent confusion with the Coupe suffix, the Class letter now preceded the displacement e.g. C180. Particulars of the engine's fuel system would be written out on the boot - Diesel, Turbodiesel. Whilst Petrol engines were all fuel injected and thus the E, Einspritz suffix was deemed redundant.
In the first months of the W202's production, the branding was deemed successful and in August the whole range underwent a major re-branding creating several new Classes. In some cases, like on the W140 S-Class this was a formality of having the S suffix now become a prefix. The R129 SL became the SL-Class and this coincided with changing several engines and thus models. The G-wagen also became the G-class, and this made marketing easier as it allowed to bridge between the privately sold W463 and the commercially sold W461 models. This left only the W124 remaining in the unnamed Mercedes-Benz standard range.
As all of the petrol engines were now all fuel injected, and remaining the most commonly sold versions (particularly the 220E and 320E series), this made the E-suffix the most predominant on the W124. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz opted to re-christen its mid-range as the E-class and the models underwent the same re-badging as others.
The "E-Class" name first appeared with the faceliftedW124 in August 1993 for Europe and in September for 1994 model year for export into the United States. The W124 was introduced in 1984 but continued with the older naming convention until 1993 when all Mercedes-Benz models switched to a new system, e.g. E 320 instead of 320 E. Sedan (W124), Coupé (C124), Convertible (A124), and Estate (S124) body configurations were offered. Sedans were built through 1995, estates and coupes through 1996 and cabriolets finished in 1997.
TheW210 E-Class, launched in January 1995.
The E-class made major changes compared to the earlier version of the E-class, including four large oval headlights, which gave Mercedes an updated image intended to attract more younger buyers and women. The new E-Class was 1.6 in (4.1 cm) longer and 2.3 in (5.8 cm) wider and offered significantly more interior room but was still considered mid-size.[5][6]
In September 1999, the W210 E-class was facelifted. This included visual, mechanical, and quality improvements over the earlier versions.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wasMotor Trend'sImport Car of the Year for 1996.
While the W210 sedan was replaced by the W211 in 2002, the wagon version continued to be sold until March 2003 when the S211 wagon returned the S210 wagon.
_Avantgarde_sedan_(2015-07-09)_01.jpg)
Launched in 2002, theW211 E-Class was another evolution of the previous model.
The W211-basedC219 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 June 2006 for the 2007model year to address quality and technical issues raised by earlier models,Sensotronic was dropped, whilePre-Safe (w/o brake support) was made standard. The largest factory-built engine in the E-class range is the E500, which had its engine size increased from 5 liters to 5.5 liters in 2006 along with the facelift. There are also AMG models badged E55 and E63,AMG as well as other tuning house installations.
_sedan_(2015-07-14).jpg)
TheW212 replaced the W211 in 2009 (as a 2010 model). Official photos of the W212 were leaked on the internet on 9 December 2008 ahead of its 2009Geneva Motor Show unveiling.[7] Scans of a leaked brochure were posted onto the internet in January 2009, detailing the whole E-Class range including the new E 200 CGI and E 230 CGI withdirect injected forced induction engines. New features included ablind spot monitor,Lane Keeping Assist,Pre-safe with Attention Assist, andNight View Assist Plus. In the United States the E-Class was priced nearly US$4,600 less than the previous model.[8] The W212 estate was also announced and available from November 2009.[9]
In 2013, the E-Class had a comprehensivefacelift, featuring significant styling changes, fuel economy improvements, and updated safety features. Daimler invested close to €1 billion into the development of the extensive refresh, making it likely the most expensive mid-life facelift in the history of the automobile.[10][11] The biggest change was the singular front lights replacing the twin headlamp design (marking the end of Mercedes's dual headlamps use) with integrated LEDDRLs.[12] Although not an all-new model, the W212 facelift was the only mid-cycle refresh featured on a family portrait of several generations of the E-Class side by side by Mercedes-Benz for the unveiling of the W213 E-Class.[13][14] While the factory has rated the E63S model at 577 hp/590 lb-ft, there is significant real-world dynamometer testing that indicates the AMG-tuned S model exceeds 600 hp at the flywheel.
The coupé (C207) was first shown at the 2009Geneva Motor Show, while the convertible (A207) was unveiled at the 2010North American International Auto Show.[15][16] Both models replaced the previousC209/A209 CLK-Class models. The C207/A207 E-Class is based on theW204 C-Class platform, and is produced alongside each other in theBremen plant.[17]
_FL_IMG_3965.jpg)
The fifth generation E-Class was unveiled at the 2016North American International Auto Show.[18] This generation E-Class has design cues from the largerW222 S-Class and the smallerW205 C-Class.[19] While the W212 E-Class has tighter surface and harder edges, the new model is curvier and more flowing.[20]
Engine options for the W213 E-Class saw a major update, thanks to the switch to inline six-cylinder engines from the previous V6 engines,[21] along with a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines, codenamedOM654, and existing four-cylinder petrol engines.[22]
The W213 E-Class is the second-most technologically advanced Mercedes after the newS-Class. The E-Class received the latest in autonomous driving technology for use at highway speeds, capable of piloting itself up to speeds of 130 mph (210 km/h) for up to 2 minutes. The system uses a complex array of motion sensors, radars, and cameras to scan the road ahead, and requires the driver's hands to be placed on the wheel at all times.[23][24] This feature was also available on the fourth-generation Mercedes-AMG E 63 model.
In 2020, Mercedes-Benz introduced a facelift to the W213.
The sixth generation E-Class debuted on April 25, 2023. Body styles include the saloon and estate (wagon), while coupés and convertibles were discontinued. As part of a consolidation of model ranges, executive coupés and convertibles will slot between the E-Class and C-Class in size under the newCLE nameplate.[25]
| Year | Production (sedan/estate/coupe/convertible) | Sales | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Europe | China[26][note 1] | ||
| 2001 | 44,445[27] | 128,208 | ||
| 2002 | 42,598 | 156,317 | ||
| 2003 | 55,683[28] | 191,809 | ||
| 2004 | 58,954 | 171,071 | ||
| 2005 | 50,383[29] | 125,348 | ||
| 2006 | 50,195 | 110,494 | ||
| 2007 | 48,950[30] | 109,872 | ||
| 2008 | 38,576 | 77,661 | ||
| 2009 | 43,072[31] | 100,947 | 8,200[32] | |
| 2010 | 323,200 (208,400 / 44,400 / 49,600 / 20,800)[33] | 60,922 | 139,192 | 40,760[34] |
| 2011 | 338,386 | 62,736[35] | 129,963 | 44,738 |
| 2012 | 310,408 | 65,171 | 98,142 | 36,385 |
| 2013 | 69,803 | 106,559 | 36,836 | |
| 2014 | - (257,571 / - / - ) | 66,400[36] | 99,565 | 43,708 |
| 2015 | 232,453[37] | 55,888 | 84,771 | 57,853 |
| 2016 | 304,200[38] | 50,896 | 99,494 | 57,439 |
| 2017 | 51,312 | 127,638 | 113,431 | |
| 2018 | 46,422 | 117,906 | 146,032 | |
| 2019 | 40,113[39] | 107,453 | 157,504 | |
| 2020 | 27,102[40] | 70,171 | 149,900 | |
| 2021 | 20,947[41] | 53,654 | 142,216 | |
| 2022 | 18,818[42] | 39,782 | 140,802 | |
| 2023 | 17,782[43] | |||
| 2024 | 17,638[44] | |||
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