Mercedes-Benz E-Class

E-Class redirects here. For Chrysler's rebadged version of the Dodge 600 sold from 1983-1984, see Chrysler E-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive-size cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E initially stood for Einspritzung, (German for fuel injection); a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the E-Class first appeared, with the E as a suffix to the engine nomenclature (e.g. 220E) in the 1950s. It was not until the launch of the facelifted W124 that the E was used as a prefix (i.e. E220) and the model referred to officially as the E-Class (or E-Klasse). Due to the E-Class' size and durability, the cars also frequently serve as taxis in European countries, and Mercedes-Benz offers a taxi specification as well as other special-purpose vehicles (e.g. police or ambulance modifications) from the factory.

Competitors to the E-Class include the BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Volvo S80, Cadillac CTS, and the Audi A6.[citation needed]