Generation history
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been through 6 generations, starting in 1993, 1995, 2001, 2009, 2016 and 2023. The gaps were 2, 6, 8, 7, 7 years, an average of 6.0. Redesigns come quickly on this model. The current generation began in 2023. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2028 through 2030, centered on 2029. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The sixth generation E-Class debuted on April 25, 2023. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | W124 | 1993–1995 | The "E-Class" name first appeared with the facelifted W124 in August 1993 for Europe and in September for 1994 model year for export into the United States. |
| Second generation | W210 | 1995–2001 | |
| Third generation | W211 | 2001–2009 | Launched in 2002, the W211 E-Class was another evolution of the previous model. |
| Fourth generation | W212 | 2009–2016 | The W212 replaced the W211 in 2009 (as a 2010 model). |
| Fifth generation | W213 | 2016–2023 | The fifth generation E-Class was unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. |
| Sixth generation | W214 | 2023–present | The sixth generation E-Class debuted on April 25, 2023. |
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class spent 6.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 3 years old. Treat 2028 to 2030 as a range, not a date.
Source: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Mercedes-Benz E-Class model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
The "E-Class" name first appeared with the facelifted W124 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.
The W210 E-Class launched in January 1995. The W210 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. In September 1999, the W210 E-class was facelifted.
Launched in 2002, the W211 E-Class was another evolution of the previous model. The W211-based C219 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 2007 model year to address quality and technical issues raised by earlier models, Sensotronic was dropped, while Pre-Safe (w/o brake support) was made standard.
The W212 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 2009 Geneva Motor Show unveiling. 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 with direct injected forced induction engines. New features included a blind spot monitor, Lane Keeping Assist, Pre-safe with Attention Assist, and Night View Assist Plus.
The fifth generation E-Class was unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. This generation E-Class has design cues from the larger W222 S-Class and the smaller W205 C-Class. While the W212 E-Class has tighter surface and harder edges, the new model is curvier and more flowing. Engine options for the W213 E-Class saw a major update, switching back to inline six-cylinder engines from the previous V6 engines, along with a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines, codenamed OM654, while retaining existing four-cylinder petrol engines.
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 new CLE nameplate.
Generation notes adapted from Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Wikipedia).
Today's Mercedes-Benz E-Class