When it comes to saloon cars, Mercedes Benz has produced some of the real classics of our times. They are always pushing innovations into their vehicles, and this is perhaps best shown in the leaps forward in their family range. First up for analysis is the 220E. This might look humble on the outside, but think about what it's representing. Launched in 1959, in took on board the 'futuristic' notions of American manufacturing with outlandish fins, but retained European chic and efficiency. The first run sold around two thousand units, which isn't a bad debut for the time.
While this might not receive the same spread of media attention - against the more eye catching sports ranges - it's where the real heart of the motor industry lies. A good example of this commitment is in one of Mercedes Benz' big early successes: the 220SE. This were exactly what you'd expect from a sixties classic, fusing American style fins with the smooth running of a German engine. They look like the classic getaway car.
In 1967 Mercedes made their first Q car, and it proved to be hard to beat. They took the engine from the W100 limo - a failed design that proved too costly compared to competitors - and put it inside the body of a humble W109 saloon. Of course a 6.3 litre V8 had quite a profound effect on the performance of the car. Nought to sixty in six seconds made it the fastest saloon for over a decade.
It takes things into experimental rather than widespread territory, but the 300SEL definitely deserves a mention when it comes to Mercedes greatest saloon achievements. This was the world's first Q car. It amounted to a W109 saloon with a V8 engine, formerly belonging to a line of high performance limos. The result was a saloon that held the speed record for many years.
Finally, if you want excitement, look at what the E class can do as an AMG. The E63 easily tops two hundred miles per hour, and it can make the leap to sixty in a staggering four seconds.
While this might not receive the same spread of media attention - against the more eye catching sports ranges - it's where the real heart of the motor industry lies. A good example of this commitment is in one of Mercedes Benz' big early successes: the 220SE. This were exactly what you'd expect from a sixties classic, fusing American style fins with the smooth running of a German engine. They look like the classic getaway car.
In 1967 Mercedes made their first Q car, and it proved to be hard to beat. They took the engine from the W100 limo - a failed design that proved too costly compared to competitors - and put it inside the body of a humble W109 saloon. Of course a 6.3 litre V8 had quite a profound effect on the performance of the car. Nought to sixty in six seconds made it the fastest saloon for over a decade.
It takes things into experimental rather than widespread territory, but the 300SEL definitely deserves a mention when it comes to Mercedes greatest saloon achievements. This was the world's first Q car. It amounted to a W109 saloon with a V8 engine, formerly belonging to a line of high performance limos. The result was a saloon that held the speed record for many years.
Finally, if you want excitement, look at what the E class can do as an AMG. The E63 easily tops two hundred miles per hour, and it can make the leap to sixty in a staggering four seconds.
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