The bulging rear wheel arches are meant to be reminiscent of the fender flares of historic "Ponton" Mercedes models of the 1950s.

[11] The E-Class features several new safety technologies including driver drowsiness detection, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition.

Standard Mercedes-Benz safety and convenience features, such as the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), airbags, and automatic climate control, are included as well.

[12] The estate version (chassis code S212) was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show[13] and was released for sale in Europe on 5 August.

[21] Many of the changes made to give the E-Class a sportier appearance took design cues from a number of existing models, including the CLS-Class and the S-Class.

The rising character line of the 2009 E-Class was inspired by the S-Class, as were the wheel-arch extensions, the door handles, and the enlarged bumpers.

Meanwhile, the CLS-Class inspiration came in the form of the re-shaped headlights, featuring an edgier squared teardrop design as opposed to the previous ovoid shape.

The entertainment aspect comes from the plethora of electronically enhanced goodies like an AM/FM in-dash six-CD/DVD, CD-controller with CD MP3 playback stereo, Harman Kardon audio system a TeleAid telecommunications service, and Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone capabilities.

[20] The fourth generation E-Class (W212) facelift was unveiled to media in December 2012 ahead of its public debut at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, it was made available for sale in early/mid 2013 as the 2014 model year.

[25] With the sales the E-Class had lost to SUVs and crossovers in Europe and America more than compensated for by demand in emerging markets,[26] it received the "most significant model revision" Mercedes-Benz had ever undertaken,[27] reported close to €1 billion into the development of the mid-cycle refresh.

[28] The facelift brings significant styling changes, improved engines, more standard equipment and several extra hi-tech features.

[29] The front was completely restyled, giving it a more aggressive look compared to the pre-facelift model in response to the newer BMW 5 Series and Audi A6.

[31] The hood, with new flowing lines, and the front bumper, which was made sharper with bigger air intakes, were also completely redesigned.

[32] In the rear, the LED taillights were given horizontal design, while Sport models featured exposed dual exhaust pipes.

[33] The doors and front fenders were re-shaped, eliminating the wheel arch bulge and replacing it with a more traditional character line in the sheet metal.

[32] If the driver had shifted up or down manually, after a set period of time the transmission would independently switch back to automatic mode to save fuel.

[33] For infotainment, the E-Class was equipped with the COMAND system featuring AM/FM/WB radio, indash DVD/CD player, in-dash memory card slot, and Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling.

Optional features included: Rearview camera, COMAND navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, Harman/Kardon Logic 7 surround sound, power rear window sunshade, heated front seats, active ventilated front seats and garage-door opener and KEYLESS-GO.

[43] The redesigned 2014 E-Class received IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award, which also passed the small front overlap crash test.

[44] Apart from the aforementioned test, the W212 facelift also scored the Good mark in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and seat/head restraint evaluations.

Things improved with the facelifted W211 but the introduction of the W212 series re-established the E-Class's original reputation for solid build quality and refined elegance.

Similar to the C63 AMG, the new E 63 is more extensively modified than before, with a new, wider front axle, heavily revised suspension, and more distinct body panels.

[53] The optional AMG Performance Pack includes lightweight, forged 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with 255/35R19 front and 285/30R19 rear tires, stiffer suspension, a limited-slip differential, a special three-spoke sport steering wheel, and a reprogramming of the electronic top speed limiter to 300 km/h (186 mph) from 250 km/h (155 mph).

[54] In the United States, the E 63 station wagon is only available as an AMG S, and all E 63s sold in North America now receive the 4Matic system as standard.

A version commemorating Karl Benz inventing the first automobile powered by an internal combustion engine 125 years prior, for Hong Kong and Mexican markets.