E-Klasse
The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse traces its roots to the 1953 Type 180, known internally as the W 120 and distinguished by its self-supporting “Ponton” body. The E-Class name itself did not appear until 1993, when the 124 series adopted Mercedes-Benz’s new naming system. Between those two milestones, the lineage included the W 110, W 114/115 and W 123 families, establishing Mercedes-Benz’s mid-range executive car as a model built around comfort, durability and broad usability. Depending on the generation, the range included saloons, estates, coupés, convertibles, long-wheelbase versions, rolling chassis for special conversions and, more recently, the All-Terrain. In the ScanRacer catalogue, referenced E-Klasse variants span model years from 1953 through 2024.
Variants by year
2024
2023
2020
2017
2016
2013
2010
2009
2002
1996
1995
1992
1987
1984
1977
1975
1972
1967
1961
1955
1953
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse traces its roots to the 1953 Type 180, known internally as the W 120 and distinguished by its self-supporting “Ponton” body. The E-Class name itself did not appear until 1993, when the 124 series adopted Mercedes-Benz’s new naming system. Between those two milestones, the lineage included the W 110, W 114/115 and W 123 families, establishing Mercedes-Benz’s mid-range executive car as a model built around comfort, durability and broad usability. Depending on the generation, the range included saloons, estates, coupés, convertibles, long-wheelbase versions, rolling chassis for special conversions and, more recently, the All-Terrain. In the ScanRacer catalogue, referenced E-Klasse variants span model years from 1953 through 2024.
History
The timeline begins in 1953 with the Type 180 W 120, the first Mercedes-Benz in this category to use a self-supporting Ponton-style body. In 1961, the four-cylinder W 110 models continued the concept and introduced the “Fintail” appearance, marked by projecting rear wings. The W 114/115 generation arrived in 1968 with a revised structure and a clearer distinction between four- and six-cylinder models. It was followed by the W 123 from 1975-1976. That family expanded the range with saloons, coupés, estates, long-wheelbase cars and rolling chassis, while strengthening the reputation of Mercedes-Benz petrol and diesel models for durability. The W 124, unveiled in 1984, brought a major technical and design change through improved aerodynamics, weight-conscious construction and the availability of 4MATIC all-wheel drive on selected versions. In 1993, it became the first series officially marketed as the E-Class. The 1995 W 210 introduced the distinctive four-elliptical-headlamp design, while the W 211, W 212 and W 213 continued the move toward greater electronic content, safety technology and electrification. The W 214, introduced in 2023, is the newest generation represented by the ScanRacer model-year range supplied here.
Generations
Mercedes-Benz internal series codes are often more precise than the commercial E-Class name. The principal predecessors include the 1953 W 120/W 121, the 1961 W 110 and the W 114 and W 115 series introduced in 1968. The W 123, launched from 1975, became a major milestone because of its unusually broad body-style range. Its successor, the W 124, appeared in 1984 and adopted the E-Class name in 1993. Its body styles used separate internal codes: W 124 for the saloon, S 124 for the estate, C 124 for the coupé and A 124 for the convertible. The W 210 arrived in 1995 with a more expressive design centred on four oval headlamps. It was followed by the W 211 in 2002, the W 212 in 2009 and the W 213 in 2016. The latter is especially significant for the modern range because it introduced the raised, multi-purpose All-Terrain derivative. The W 214 generation began in 2023 with a highly digitalised saloon and electrified powertrains depending on market. Exact production and sales years can differ by body style, country and version; the ScanRacer year boundaries should therefore be treated as catalogue coverage periods rather than a single worldwide production timeline.
Key differences
Generational differences are easiest to read through body design and technology. The W 120 and W 110 used Ponton and then Fintail styling, with simpler construction and more compact proportions than later cars. The W 114/115 and W 123 kept the conventional three-box saloon format, while the W 123 also offered an estate, coupé, long-wheelbase models and rolling chassis. The W 124 introduced smoother surfaces, more developed aerodynamics and integrated side protection mouldings. The W 210 made the most obvious visual break with its four oval headlamps. The W 211 and W 212 moved toward sharper surfacing and a larger electronic systems package. The W 213 expanded the range with plug-in hybrid options and the All-Terrain. The W 214 is marked by a highly digital cabin and a broader electrification strategy. A badge alone is not enough for reliable identification: engines, transmissions, equipment levels and trim details varied by market and model year.
Photo recognition
When identifying an older E-Class predecessor, begin with the overall shape and lighting. A 1953-1962 W 120 has a Ponton body with integrated rear wings, while the 1961-1968 W 110 displays more pronounced Fintail styling. The W 114/115 has a squarer profile and horizontal rear lamps; the W 123 retains a formal shape and is identifiable by its ribbed rear light lenses. The W 124 uses wrapped bumpers, broad side mouldings and diagonally ribbed rear lamps. The W 210 is immediately recognisable by its four oval headlamps. On the W 211, the lamps remain separated but become more angular. The W 212 returns to a more horizontal visual signature, while the W 213 has more sculpted bodywork and grille treatments that vary with trim level. The All-Terrain adds increased ride height, lower protective elements and a more crossover-oriented appearance. For a dependable identification, check the internal series code, factory plate or vehicle identification number rather than relying on the badge alone.
Important versions
Important milestones include the W 123, whose saloon, estate, coupé, long-wheelbase and rolling-chassis derivatives show the breadth of the range; the W 124, the first series officially marketed as the E-Class; and the 400 E/ E 500 and E 60 AMG, which placed the W 124 among the higher-performance Mercedes road cars of its period. The W 210 E 55 AMG is another notable version, powered by a 5.4-litre V8. In the modern range, the All-Terrain adds raised ride height and a more versatile body concept. These examples do not represent every market-specific version listed in national catalogues.
References
- Die neue E-Klasse: Intelligenz wird aufregendMercedes-Benz Media
- https://automuseum-stuttgart.de/historie-der-mercedes-benz-e-klasse-coupes-und-cabriolets-sportlich-elegante-zweituerer-mit-grossem-flair/automuseum-stuttgart.de
- https://media.mercedes-benz.nl/de-nieuwe-e-klasse-slaat-een-brug-tussen-traditie-en-digitalisering/media.mercedes-benz.nl
- https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/en/instance/ko/210-series-E-Class-Saloons-1995---1999.xhtml?filename=E-Klasse-Limousinen-der-Baureihe-210-1995---1999&fromInfoTypeId=2245&fromOid=5309&oid=5309&relId=1001&resultInfoTypeId=172&rowCountsIndex=5&sortDefinition=manualsort-1&styleId=5009&thumbScaleIndex=1&viewType=gridmercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
- https://mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com/marsClassic/de/instance/ko/E-Klasse-Limousinen-der-Baureihe-210-1995---1999.xhtml?oid=5309mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com
Technical specifications
Structured data available for versions linked to this model.
| Version | Power | Torque | Top speed | Drivetrain | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 255 hp in the E 350; 362 hp in the E 450 | — | — | Rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive, depending on version / Nine-speed automatic | — |
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1953 - 2024.
- How many Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 28 published scans from 24 members, with the latest photo added in August 2026.
- What is the power output of the Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse?
- The sourced technical data lists 255 hp in the E 350; 362 hp in the E 450.