AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY – JANUARY 11, 2010 - Mercedes-Benz unveils the A207 E-Class Cabriolet.

(2009–2016): Coupe and convertible (C207)

The 2009 E-Class Coupé was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale in May 2009.

The C207 E-Class coupe is based on the W204 series C-Class platform. The C207 E-Class shares its wheelbase with the W204 sedan. The axle tracks are within a tenth of an inch of each other, and are about two inches narrower than the front and rear tracks of the W212 E-Class sedan. While the W212 E-Class sedan is built at the Sindelfingen plant, the E-Class C207 coupe is built in the Bremen plant alongside the W204 C-Class. Mercedes-Benz is defensive about this relationship, clarifying the original reports by reporting that the C207 shares approximately 60 percent of its mechanical components with the W212. However, this includes powertrain and other technologies that are shared with the E-Class but does not alter the fact that the fundamental structure is W204 derived. Motor Trend, along with other media outlets reported that the coupe "feels nothing like the new E-Class sedan" to drive.

The A207 cabriolet was unveiled January 11, 2010 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, USA. It went on sale March 27, 2010 in Europe and in May 2010 in the United States.

Fifth generation (W213; 2016–present)

The fifth generation E-Class was unveiled at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. The next 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 will see a major update, thanks to the switch to inline-6 engines from the current V6 engines, along with a new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines, codenamed OM654, and existing four-cylinder petrol engines.

The W213 E-Class is the second most technologically advanced Mercedes after the new S Class. The E Class received the latest in autonomous driving technology for use at highway speeds, capable of piloting itself up to speeds of 130 mph (210 km/h) for up to 2 minutes. The system uses a complex array of motion sensors, radars and cameras to scan the road ahead, and requires the driver's hands to be placed on the wheel at all times.

The E-Class was chosen as the winner in the Executive Car category at the 2016/17 ContractHireAndLeasing.com Car of the Year awards, and was also chosen as the overall Car of the Year.

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