With its expressive coupé-esque proportions, clear and sensual design and long-distance comfort for four people, the new E‑Class Coupé combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology. It also offers the intelligence of the E‑Class family with full smartphone integration, Widescreen Cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems with the option of, among other things, partially automated driving. Powerful engines with low exhaust emissions and comfortable suspensions with selective damping provide the guarantee of a sporty and agile driving experience.

After the world's most intelligent executive saloon, the Estate and the All‑Terrain, the successful E‑Class family now welcomes another new member: the Coupé. "With its clear, aesthetic lines, our new E‑Class Coupé appeals equally to heart and mind. It condenses contemporary luxury, agile sportiness and high-tech engineering into an automotive personality with esprit, offering exclusive, refined driving pleasure," says Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Based technically on the Saloon, the sportily exclusive Coupé marks a next step in the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz design language. With its perfect proportions, the new Coupé exhibits a puristic, surface-accentuated design with reduced lines and sensual forms. Both hot and cool, the reduced design idiom represents beauty and elegance while emphasising the Coupé's sporty and luxurious personality.

The coupé-esque proportions typical of Mercedes-Benz are characterised by a distinctive front end with low-positioned sports grille and central star, a long bonnet with powerdomes, a rearward-shifted, squat greenhouse and a muscular rear end. The dynamic looks are underlined by four frameless side windows and the absence of a B‑pillar. With these clear forms, the design of the Coupé conveys an air of luxury and style alike.

World premiere: welcome feature of tail lamp

Equally typical of a Mercedes coupé are the two-part, extremely flat LED tail lamps, which, in combination with LED MULTIBEAM headlamps, celebrate the world premiere of a welcome feature. When the vehicle is opened, the taillight LEDs illuminate successively from the centre of the vehicle outwards. On locking the vehicle, the light sequence runs in the opposite direction. Both are additionally combined with an up and down dimming feature. This taillight show welcomes and says goodbye to the vehicle user similarly to the familiar welcome feature of the blue optical-fibre show in the front headlamp.

Thanks to innovative crystal optics, the tail lamps also have a brilliant appearance reminiscent of the glow of a jet engine.

Sporty, luxurious interior with refined details

The interior of the new E-Class Coupé embodies the synthesis of sporty emotion and luxurious intelligence.

The two optionally available high-resolution and brilliant 12.3‑i nch displays – unique in this segment - are merged under a single lens to produce a Widescreen Cockpit that appears to float in space. The key design element, it emphasises the width, as does the fascia-spanning trim, which terminates with a dynamic sweep in the door panel. Positioned in the driver's direct field of vision, the instrument cluster shows virtual instruments, which can be selected by the driver in three different styles, "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive", depending on which information and views the driver considers relevant.

The entry-level model combines two round dials and a 17.8 cm colour display cluster (1000 x 600 pixel resolution) with a central display with a 21.3 cm screen diagonal (960 x 540 pixels). The round dials, instrument cluster and central display are installed in a single frame with a high-gloss piano-lacquer look.

A decidedly sporty note is set by the air vents, the form of which is heavily influenced by the look of a turbine engine. They are styled down to the smallest detail and fully finished in silver shadow.

Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel enable the driver to control the instrument cluster and multimedia system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. Additional controls come in the form of a touchpad with controller in the centre console, which can also recognise handwriting, plus the LINGUATRONIC voice control system. There are also direct-access buttons for controlling the air conditioning, for example, and for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driver assistance systems.

The avant-garde yet highly luxurious seats in the Coupé take their cue from the Saloon. The sporty individual-seat characteristics find their distinctive impression in all four seats. A wealth of extremely high-grade design details bear witness to the superlative standard of a sporty luxury coupé.

High-grade materials and contemporary colour landscapes come together to create a sporty, contemporary luxury. The attractive appointments in yacht blue in combination with macchiato beige lend the vehicle a cool, exclusive yachting look. Especially for the E-Class Coupé, there is a choice of two new innovative, light wood trim packages in open-pore and high-gloss finishes. Precisely executed seams give emphasis to the seat design of each equipment line. The seat upholstery layout and range of colours of the AMG Line are more consistent in appearance than ever. The sporty character is accentuated by strong colour contrasts of the leather appointments in black & classic red and black & white. The impressive range of exterior paint finishes is harmoniously matched to the contemporary interior colour scheme

The interior lighting makes exclusive use of durable, energy-saving LED technology. The same applies to the optionally available enhanced ambient lighting with 64 colours.

Diversity to suit every taste

Even the AVANTGARDE standard equipment package is abundantly configured. Alternatively, there is the AMG Line, which differs from AVANTGARDE by such features as front and rear bumpers as well as side skirts and larger AMG Styling wheels. The dots in the diamond radiator grille are chrome-plated, while the brake discs on the front axle are perforated. The interior boasts such features as seats in high-grade ARTICO/DINAMICA in black with grey contrasting topstitching, the Seat Comfort package and an AMG leather sports steering wheel. Additional individualisation options for both lines come courtesy of the Night package with a host of design details in high-gloss black and tinted side windows.

Larger and more luxurious

With a length of 4826 mm, a width of 1860 mm and a height of 1430 mm, the new E-Class Coupé clearly outstrips its predecessor in terms of length, width and height. The principal beneficiary of the wider track, with 1605 mm at the front (+67 mm) and 1609 mm at the rear (+68 mm), is the driving dynamics.

The significantly larger footprint compared with the previous model is to the benefit of passengers with extra spaciousness and comfort. They profit especially in terms of rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room as well as rear headroom. In each of the four fully fledged seats with coupé-specific individual seat character, the driver and passengers enjoy genuine comfort on long journeys as well as the classic virtues of a grand tourer.

Performance with high-tech

Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, all equipped with ECO start/stop and complying with the Euro 6 emissions standard, provide for lively performance and great fun behind the wheel. The available variants include a newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine.

At market launch, there will be an initial choice between one diesel and three petrol engines with a range of outputs from 135 kW (184 hp) to 245 kW (333 hp). Further engine variants and 4MATIC versions will follow.

New four-cylinder diesel engine

Designed to meet the future RDE limits, the four-cylinder diesel engine from the new family of Mercedes-Benz engines opens up a new dimension in efficiency. With a displacement of around two litres, the new diesel engine delivers 143 kW/194 hp, while the E 220 d impresses with a combined NEDC average consumption of 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 106 grams per kilometre. In addition, the four-cylinder with single-stage turbocharger and variable turbine geometry is distinguished by a high level of refinement. Both the cylinder head and the crankcase are made of aluminium. The Mercedes-Benz-developed NANOSLIDE® surface coating efficiently reduces the friction between cylinder liner and steel piston.

All the models available at market launch are equipped as standard with the 9G‑TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, which allows fast gearshifts along with lower engine speeds. This has a particularly beneficial effect on efficiency and noise.

Suspension – sporty comfort

The suspension on the new E-Class Coupé offers agile driving pleasure on winding roads together with exceptional ride comfort. The Coupé comes as standard with DIRECT CONTROL suspension. In the interests of a sporty look, the suspension is 15 millimetres lower than on the Saloon and is tuned for comfort with an amplitude-dependent damping system.

The DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension with adjustable damping is optionally available. It, too, is set lower. Using a switch in the centre console for the as-standard DYNAMIC SELECT system, the driver can vary the damping characteristics of this suspension. Three modes are available, offering a wide range of adjustment options: "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+".

AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension

Alternatively, the new E-Class Coupé can be equipped with multi-chamber air suspension, including all-round roll/pitch/heave stabilisation. Advantages of this system: three chambers of different size in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle make it possible to control the hardness of the suspension in three stages. In this way, the occupants enjoy soft basic suspension, along with the secure feeling of good handling stability at higher speeds.

The multi-chamber air suspension is augmented by a continuous, electronically controlled adaptive damping system. The damping at each individual wheel is adjusted fully automatically to suit the current driving situation and condition of the road – such as in the case of evasive manoeuvres or on rough tracks. The system therefore delivers good ride comfort along with excellent driving dynamics.

Using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch, the driver can also select different suspension characteristics in combination with the AIR BODY CONTROL system: "Comfort", ECO, "Sport", "Sport +" and Individual.

DYNAMIC SELECT – choose your own driving characteristics

However, the DYNAMIC SELECT system not only makes it possible to select the suspension characteristics in combination with DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL and AIR BODY CONTROL, but it also enables the driver to influence other vehicle settings – such as the throttle response, ECO start/stop function, shift points of the automatic transmission and more. Depending on the equipment level, DYNAMIC SELECT provides the following transmission modes: Comfort, ECO, Sport, Sport + and Individual. "Individual" allows the driver to configure their own preferred transmission modes.

Full smartphone integration

A new era of connectivity and digitalisation is marked by the infotainment system in the E-Class Coupé with COMAND Online. This includes effortless integration of the smartphone into the vehicle's infotainment system by means of capacitive aerial coupling and wireless charging. This means that compatible mobile phones can be charged wirelessly and also connected to the vehicle's exterior aerial. This dispenses with the need to find a plug and connect a cable. There is an added advantage: using Near Field Communication, the customer's smartphone becomes the digital vehicle key with which the car can be locked and unlocked as well as started.

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto

If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND Online, it is possible to use Apple's smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay® as well as Google's Android Auto™. If a compatible smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay® or Android Auto interface.

Internet and diverse data sources even in the basic version

In addition to COMAND Online, the Audio 20 USB/GPS infotainment systems are available. Like COMAND Online, they come with a Bluetooth® hands-free system and also have internet capability with a Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with mobile phone card and data option. COMAND Online also offers an integrated hotspot functionality.

Clear road instead of traffic jams: Live Traffic Information

Whereas the familiar Live Traffic Information was previously reserved for COMAND Online, in combination with Mercedes me connect the new E-Class Coupé offers the same function with the Audio 20 GPS with GARMIN MAP PILOT SYSTEM as well. Live Traffic Information allows the reception of up-to-the-minute, accurate traffic information in real-time. Other new features include a Free Flow display – green lines plainly show the driver where the roads are currently clear – as well as the display and consideration of traffic information away from the main roads.

Mercedes me connect Concierge Service: personalised attention

A further comfort highlight is the new Concierge Service, which is exclusively available in all E-Class models in combination with Mercedes me connect. For participating customers, the range of services includes a host of personalised assistance options: from making a restaurant reservation to obtaining tips about tourist routes, information on cultural and sporting events and bookings through to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

Access is straightforward: registered Mercedes me connect users can call up the Concierge Service in 19 countries across Europe either via the iCall button in the vehicle or on the Mercedes me app. The personal assistant takes care of everything else.

E-Class innovations on board

As a member of the current E-Class family, the new Coupé is significantly more intelligent than its predecessor. It comes with all the features of the E-Class, the most intelligent executive saloon. Active Brake Assist comes as standard. It is able to warn the driver of an imminent collision, provide optimum support with emergency braking and, if necessary, also autonomously apply the brakes. In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can also detect pedestrians crossing in the danger zone ahead of the vehicle.

Other highlights include DRIVE PILOT: this system represents Mercedes-Benz's next step along the road to autonomous driving. As Distance Pilot DISTRONIC, it is not only able to keep the car at the correct distance behind vehicles in front on all types of road, but, for the first time, it can also automatically follow them at a speed of up to 210 km/h.

Remote Parking Pilot is also new: for the first time, this system allows the vehicle to be moved into and out of garages and parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app, enabling the occupants to get into and out of the car easily, even where space is very tight.

The E-Class Coupé is also optionally available with other intelligent technical systems, including:

• high-resolution MULTIBEAM LED headlamps. These headlamps, each with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs, automatically illuminate the road surface with a hitherto unsurpassed, precision-controlled distribution of exceptionally bright light – without dazzling other road users.
• MAGIC VISION CONTROL - an intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen. The wiper blade always delivers washer fluid directly in front of the wiping edge, via the water feed line integrated into the blade – and it does this in both wiping directions. The result is that there is no surge of water when fluid is sprayed, which can impair the driver's vision, and at the same time the maximum cleaning effect is achieved. The complete MAGIC VISION CONTROL system, including the wiper blades, is heated at low temperatures to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.

E-Class Coupé with tradition

As an exclusive and sporty coupé, the latest member of the E‑C lass family can look back on an almost fifty-year history. Its first ancestor was unveiled by Mercedes‑Benz in 1968 (at that time known as the "Stroke Eight" coupé). Further model series followed – for a while also under the name CLK. Each generation combined superb design with agile sportiness and contemporary luxury at a high level.

Watch out Audi RS6: it's AMG's 600bhp-plus, drift mode-equipped E-Class estate

Much as we like the new Mercedes-AMG E63 saloon, this is the one we’ve really been waiting for. It’s the AMG E63 Estate – the one that couples the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 with the 1,820-litre boot of the regular E-Class Estate.

And we’re pleased to report as well as being capacious enough to resettle a small cul-de-sac’s worth of families, it’s every bit as powerful, and virtually as fast, as the saloon. Good.

The regular E63 Estate gets 563bhp and 553lb ft of torque, whereas the ‘S’ gets 604bhp and 626lb ft. You’re looking at 0-62mph in 3.6secs for the former, 3.5secs for the latter (respectively 3.5secs and 3.4secs for the saloon, although when we strapped some of our own timing gear to it, we saw 62mph in 3.2…). Both are limited to 155mph, but the top speed can be raised to 180mph by specifying the AMG Driver’s Package.

Both are all-wheel drive, too, and use the same nine-speed automatic gearbox, but as with the saloon, the S is the only one that gets Drift Mode – where the front-axle is effectively decoupled from the rear to make the mad Merc rear-wheel drive. The RS6 can’t do that. The S also gets dynamic engine mounts and bigger brakes over the non-S, though you can specify ceramics on either. In a car this large, you may want to.

These are just the headlines, so read our drive of the saloon for a proper tech breakdown; it’s mechanically identical to the Estate, after all. Although Mercedes does say the “hallmark AMG V8 sound has been tuned specifically for the Estate” (louder, we hope…), and naturally, there’s a bit of a weight penalty. We figure the S Estate is 115kg heavier than the equivalent saloon, and the non-S 110kg. Small price to pay? For looking cool at Scandinavian flat-pack furniture shops, absolutely.

We’ll see the AMG E63 Estate at the Geneva motor show next month, ahead of sales in April. Plenty of time to give the RS6 another 50bhp, Audi…

Is the Mercedes-AMG E63 S the fastest estate in the world?
Well, the Audi RS6 is almost gone, the Cadillac CTS-V estate is gone, and there’s no BMW M5 estate. Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo? Well, that’s not really an estate is it. But that brief list sells this car short. It’s got all you need for extremely rapid transit: a 604bhp twin-turbo V8, nine speeds in the transmission and all-wheel-drive with electronic distribution of the torque among the wheels.

And the world’s biggest estate?
It’s pretty much that, too.

The world’s most luxurious and well-equipped?
We wouldn’t disagree.

That’s all very fine on paper. How is it on the road?
Titanic, really. The engine is a major character, while stopping short of an antisocially loud exhaust. It’s able to summon masses of pull at any sane road speed, and most insane ones. There are nine ratios in the transmission, which means it’s confusing to select your own on the paddles, but with such a torquey engine and quick-witted gearbox you might as well leave it to its own devices.

It does 0-62 in 3.5 seconds (versus 3.4s for the saloon), and then really hits its stride. It’s the most fabulous machine for safe, decisive overtakes. Traction is sterling.

How does all that weight and power feel in corners?
Actually I set out on the track first, and it’s very composed indeed. As composed as a roadgoing two-tonne car has any right to be anyway; the damping keeps hold and the clever diffs vector the torque around as part of the action. It feels rear-driven mostly, but will put the front tyres to use to balance things up before it gets lairy, so you can actually make it move around with your right foot, even with the ESP on. It’s really very impressive if things are greasy underfoot.

Thought this was a road test…
Sorry. On the Queen’s Highway, it still feels rear-driven: there’s no reluctance for the steering to do your will. It’s all very alert. But take a draft from that deep well of power and it securely gets it straight to the road. And communicates what it’s doing. It’s a wonderfully secure feeling.

The suspension, as the saloon, is an air-spring system, where the car open and closes air chambers in three stages. So it can adjust the springing as well as the damping. It’s still always firm, but not ridiculously harsh even when the going’s pretty lumpy. The steering isn’t corrupted by road camber either. That’s what we were keen to find out by driving it in Britain, and the news is good.

As an estate?
A 640-litre space under the parcel blind, a 40:20:40 split back seat (which can also incline slightly more upright if you need to get a little more in the boot), lots of load tie-down points, electrically latching seatbacks, et cetera. Doesn’t it also look better than the saloon?

I’ll ask the questions. But yes. Now here’s another. What about drift mode.
That’s when you turn off the stability control and switch the entire engine output to the rear tyres. I didn’t because there was no need and I was on the road. But if you want to use smoke signals to demonstrate your on-track car control, it’s there for the having. It’s even more marvellously silly in an estate than a saloon.

Mercedes-AMG is extending its product range with the addition of three new models and at the same time introducing a new model designation: the 53-series models of the CLS, E-Class Coupé plus E-Class Cabriolet. They combine powerful performance with sporty style and high efficiency. At their heart lies a new, electrified 3.0-litre engine featuring twin-turbocharging by means of an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. The 6-cylinder in-line engine generates 320 kW (435 hp) and delivers maximum torque of 520 Nm. Its EQ Boost starter-alternator momentarily provides an additional 16 kW of output plus 250 Nm of torque and furthermore feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system. Other technical highlights include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable all-wheel drive system AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

Distinguishing features which are common to the three new 53-series models comprise the twin-blade radiator grille, the front apron in A-wing design, the AMG-specific side sill panels, the rear apron with diffuser insert plus the round exhaust tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome.

"With the new 53-series models we are extending our portfolio in a first step towards a hybridised future with a leading-edge combination of sporty design, performance and efficiency. The basis for this is a contemporary drive configuration in the form of a six-cylinder in-line engine with electric auxiliary compressor, EQ Boost starter-alternator and 48 V on-board electrical system. The very spontaneous response to accelerator pedal input, the precision and the design focusing on driving dynamics are hallmark features of AMG As such we are providing an additional lifestyle-oriented customer group with a further attractive offering from Affalterbach", explains Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with EQ Boost starter-alternator
The six-cylinder in-line engine is characterised by top-of-the-range performance and intelligent electrification. The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger all have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions. And this move has been a successful one: the CLS53 4MATIC+ accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and with the Driver's package achieves a top speed of 270 km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 8.4 l/100 km, and the combined CO2 emissions 200 g/km. (see table detailing technical data for figures for E-Class 53-series models).

High torque without lag
Supported by the EQ Boost starter-alternator when moving off, the electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high charge pressure without any delay, for a faster increase in torque for acceleration until the large exhaust gas turbocharger is deployed. As a result the 3.0-litre engine reacts extremely spontaneously and provides a highly dynamic response without turbo lag. An additional bonus is the high level of refinement of the six-cylinder in-line engine.

Paving the way for hybrid functions: 48 V on-board electrical system
The power for the 48 V on-board electrical system is generated by the EQ Boost starter-alternator. The conventional 12 V network is likewise supplied from the new network - using a DC/DC converter. Thanks to the 48 V battery, the overall battery capacity in the vehicle is increased, enabling more electrical energy to be made available - and therefore also allowing innovative functions to be introduced, for example. The 48 V on-board electrical system is therefore paving the way for further hybridisation. An additional advantage: the same power requires only a quarter of the current of a conventional system. The result is that the wiring can be thinner and therefore lighter, which indirectly contributes to saving fuel. The existing 12 V system supplies power to consumers such as lights, cockpit, infotainment displays and control units.

Hybrid functions thanks to EQ Boost starter-alternator
The EQ Boost starter-alternator is a key component of the 48 V system and not only serves as an alternator, but is also responsible for hybrid functions. This allows fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. For the first time, the EQ Boost starter-alternator is also responsible for idle speed control.

The hybrid functions include boost with 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque, recuperation, shifting of the load point, gliding mode and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.

Because the belt drive for ancillary components on the front edge of the engine is omitted, the installation length of the new six-cylinder engine is also significantly reduced compared with conventional six-cylinder engines. This creates space for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system mounted near the engine, which is therefore particularly efficient. The standard-fit particulate filter is the only part of the exhaust system that is under the floor.

Exterior: twin-blade radiator grille and round twin tailpipe trim elements
Visually, too, the new 53-series models have a distinctive unique look. A distinctive feature common to the models is the twin-blade radiator grille in silver chrome, previously reserved for the V8 Performance models. Instead of the diamond radiator grille with individual pins, the grille in front of the central radiator now features a black lattice pattern.

The front apron in an A-wing design is equipped with black flics and a front splitter in silver chrome. The outer air intakes have two horizontal fins in silver chrome. AMG-specific side sill panels lend the 53-series models a more dynamic silhouette.

When viewed from the rear, it is not just the redesigned rear apron that stands out, but also the classic, round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome. The design of the sides of the mud flaps improves the aerodynamics at the rear: As a result this provides for better air flow around the wheel arches. The spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the body colour, but is optionally also available in carbon-fibre.

When Mercedes-AMG introduced its new -53 lineup, it announced new variants of the E-Class coupe and convertible, but the sedan was conspicuously absent. That's no longer the case.

Mercedes-AMG announced today that it will also build the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan, in addition to its two-door counterparts. It will replace the Mercedes-AMG E43, which relied on a twin-turbocharged V6.

The E53 sedan uses the same 3.0-liter I6 that was introduced on the coupe and convertible variants, in addition to other models like the CLS53. It puts out 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It also includes Mercedes' new EQ Boost 48-volt mild hybrid system, which provides enhanced stop-start functionality or a 148-pound-foot torque boost.

Like other -53 models, the E53 sports some unique visual kit to help stand apart from more pedestrian variants. The hood has two big ol' power domes, while the four tailpipes out back are circular and flanked by a more aggressive diffuser. An optional Night Package will get rid of some of the chrome if you're feeling especially goth. It'll be quite the handler, thanks to standard adaptive air suspension.

Inside, there's a standard performance steering wheel with a red stripe at the 12 o'clock position. Mercedes' impressive pair of 12.3-inch widescreens are standard and cover both the gauge cluster and the infotainment system. If you want to spend all the money in the world, you can go wild with fancy leather upgrades and different trim pieces.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG E53 Sedan will go on sale later this year, and pricing has not yet been announced. For comparison's sake, the current E43 four-door starts at $71,600.

As a weapon of choice come the nuclear apocalypse, the Mercedes-Benz W123 has its place firmly set as one of the most unbreakable cars ever made. So unbreakable, in fact, that Mercedes cherry picked one of the many hundreds of thousands with the highest mileage and gave it a worthy retirement in their museum, with that particular example showing 2.8million miles.

W123’s have popped up in the most unlikely of places, such as featuring in the remake of Mad Max and even as a prop in one of the most famous video game series of all time; Call of Duty. The W123 is a car that you could position anywhere, and no one would question it. A crater, a taxi rank, a desert island, or even in the car park outside Jay Leno's garage.

With the speed and power of an amputated fish, no one really cared that the W123 had less than 70bhp in the 240D, because you literally couldn’t break it. It was both utilitarian and stylish, subtle but instantly recognisable. It even clattered its way into pop culture, ironically featuring as the villains compadre in both The Sweeney and The Professionals in the UK, and The Rockford Files and Starsky and Hutch. Some pragmatic flexing of the cars abilities dismissed, it does look rather cool.

Demand for the W123 was strong worldwide, with German buyers having to wait a full year after placing an order before theirs was delivered. The W123 settled into its career as the world’s taxi with grace, and in the decades following its release W123’s didn't find themselves going to the big car park in the sky, but rather being exported to Africa for continued use as taxis, as they literally refused to die.

This was assisted not only by the asthmatic diesel, but also by the steel construction which was rumoured to be the same grade as prison bars. What an absolute weapon.

The example we’re featuring here is what we would describe as ‘perfect’, the 240D. It really is a brilliant old tractor, with barely any electrics to go wrong besides the clock and radio. The central locking is vacuum operated, and even the oil pressure gauge is mechanical using an oil feed directly from the 2.4.

The central locking is sadly inoperable at the moment, but without electrics – who cares? Take the alternator and battery off it, and you would struggle to notice due to the mechanical injector pump, especially as this particular example is the boggo-spec apocalypse edition, with next to no options what so ever – what’s the point in a rev counter anyway, how tacky...

Having lived a charmed life travelling around the world, one can see this particular car has lived in dry conditions, and clearly is ready for another trip to the moon and back, if not breaking out of the milky way entirely. Despite 178,000 miles, a number that would make most snowflakes over here wince, it’s clearly just had its run-in service. With the invulnerability of a cockroach wearing a pin stripe suit, we can only conclude that the W123 is proof we live in the Matrix, or that when we colonise Mars we’ll know what to take with us.