Mercedes-Benz E Class

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Enlarge Photo

Shopping for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E Class? MSRP: $49,800 - $91,500

GET A FREE PRICE QUOTE

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of two-door luxury coupes and cabriolets and four-door luxury sedans. Tracing its roots, if not its name, back to just after World War II, the E-Class has established itself as one of the leaders in the large/mid-size luxury segment, competing with cars like the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, and Lexus ES range. Priced between $48,000 and $65,000 base excluding the AMG range, the E-Class is competitive in its segment on value as well as features.

Eight generations of E-Class cars have graced the road, starting with the Mercedes 'Ponton' or W120, its internal designation. Built from 1953-1962, this car set the stage for the models to follow, its abundant interior space and mid-size exterior dimensions. Power ramped up over the model run, and a roadster was introduced in 1955. The second generation 'Fintail' or W110, saw the introduction of tail fins, but more importantly, a six-cylinder engine (up from four), front disc brakes and an automatic transmission. Again engine sizes grew, up to 2.3-liters in the 230, as did power and performance. Next came the 'Stroke-8', or W114/W115, which included both four- and six-cylinder engines, a new, elegantly simple exterior design that canned the tailfins, and an all-new chassis. It ran from 1968-1976.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

Enlarge Photo

In 1977, the 'Wedge' or W123 hit the streets, bringing a hint of the larger Mercedes 450SEL to the design, along with safety improvements such as a more protected fuel tank location. The W123 was also the first E-Class to get fuel injection, then a relatively new technology. When the Wedge ended its run in 1986, the W124 arrived, sporting the 'E' name for the first time. Models were badged with numbers reflecting engine displacement, followed by the letter 'E', i.e. the 300E. In 1994, toward the end of the W123's run, the E was switched to the front of the name, officially creating the E-Class. The 'Four-Eyed' W210 followed in 1996, bringing with it the seeds of the next two generations of E-Class styling. Safety, performance and size all increased with this generation, which also saw the first high-performance AMG-tuned and branded E-Class, the E55 in 1999.

2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 sedan

Enlarge Photo

The seventh-generation E-Class, the 2003 W211, saw a rounder, more aerodynamic theme introduced to the styling, with a range of V-6 and V-8 engines powering the lineup. A new station wagon was introduced in 2004, and 4Matic all-wheel drive was once again available. The W211 was replaced in 2009 with the W212, which gained sharper, more modern styling, advanced safety features including Night View Assist, Attention Assist, Adaptive Main Beam Assist, seven standard airbags, and automatic emergency braking. A more rigid unibody, up-rated engines, improved fuel efficiency thanks to direct injection, and automatically adjusting shock absorbers all add up to a refined and capable luxury sedan. Coupe, cabriolet, wagon and sedan models are all available, each with a choice between an E350 V-6-powered version or an E550 V-8-powered model.

The E350's 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 268 horsepower and fuel efficiency in the 18-26 mpg city/highway range. The E550's 5.5-liter V-8 engine generates a stout 382 horsepower, with fuel efficiency in the 16/24 mpg range. All cars are available with a seven-speed automatic. The E63 AMG ups the performance focus with a 451-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 engine, a seven-speed SpeedShift Plus dual-clutch transmission, and a more capable suspension package. Appearance upgrades lend the E63 AMG a more aggressive, distinguished look.

For 2011, expect to see a new pair of engines for the E-Class, including a re-engineered direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 and a new 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 to replace the 5.5-liter naturally aspirated unit. Both engines improve efficiency and power over the mills they replace. A diesel E350 BlueTec will also be available in the sedan and wagon models.