Mercedes-Benz W210

The Mercedes-Benz W210 is a mid-size luxury car–executive car which was produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz from 1995 through 2002 (production of the wagon variant (codenamed W210) carried over to the 2003 model year). The W210 replaced the W124 model. They were sold under the E-Class model names in both sedan (saloon) and station wagon body types. The W210 E-class heralded a brand new design idiom for the Mercedes 'face', which would continue until the C209 CLK. This idiom was the mainstream fashion used by Mercedes-Benz for a long period, and it made it on the SL, C-class, CLK, CL and S-class of the time. When the new CLK replaces the current model it will have been 13 years since this characteristic twin-headlamp design was used. The W210 quickly became the biggest seller in MB production.

The final W210 production included E320 special edition, and E430 special edition released in two exterior colors - quartz silver (limited edition), obsidian black, and with Xenon lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and black maple walnut trim.

In the 2000 model year, a new multi-function information system was incorporated into the instrument cluster below the speedometer, and the use of a fiber optics system[citation needed] for the audio/navigation/phone system was introduced, all accessed by steering wheel controls. In addition, the 5-speed automatic transmission introduced "Touch Shift," which used the +/- gate positions for manumatic control (similar to the VW/Porsche "Tiptronic" system). Exterior changes included a revised front with a steeper rake, similar to the CLK, and restyled bumpers and lower body trim.