E-W124

The 'E-Class' name first appeared in the USA with the face-lifted W124 for the model year 1994 (the w124 was introduced in the US in 1986 but continued with the older models' naming convention until 1993, when all Mercedes-Benz models switched to a new system, e.g., E320 instead of 300E). The 300D continued to be the fuel economy option over the 4 and 6 cylinder gasoline engines, and the gasoline V8 engines (available after 1992) increased gasoline power outputs further. The V8 powered sedans/saloons were named 400E/500E from 1992–1993, and E420/E500 after 1993. Likewise, the 3-liter cars (e.g., 'E300') where also re-badged to 'E320' with the new 3.2 litre engines and naming rationalization of 1994.

Saloon/Sedan, Coupé, Convertible and Estate body configurations were offered.

From 1992 to 1994 Mercedes offered a limited production sport version of the W124 sedan, created and assembled with help from Porsche. This was called the 500E (E500 for 1994).