Mercedes-Benz E-Class History
Mercedes-Benz E-Class History
Introduction
Though the “E” nomenclature was introduced in 1953, what we know as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class today wasn’t introduced to North America until 1984. After its official introduction, the E-Class quickly identified itself as a luxury machine, something it is recognized for even today.
Early History
While the E-Class name didn’t officially appear until 1984, it has been in production since 1953. The E was meant to identify Mercedes’ with a fuel injection engine—E stood for Einspritzmotor, which means “fuel injection engine” in German— rather than a specific grouping of cars. Now, the E-Class refers to a line of luxury cars that was first introduced in 1984, produced in Rastatt, Germany, for the U.S. market.
Recent History
When it was first introduced, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a single engine option with four different body styles. While the body styles remain, the E-Class offers a number of powertrain options, including both a diesel and hybrid, providing consumers with a number of options.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Fun Facts
- Voted “Best Looking Car in the World” by AUTOBILD magazine
- The 2010 E-Class Cabriolet appeared in Sex in the City 2, Desperate Housewives, and The Hangover III
- Received a major facelift for the 2013 model year
- Used throughout Europe as a taxi
- E-Class’s ancestry stretches back to the 19th century