The Mercedes-Benz E 320 4MATIC, produced between January 1996 and July 1999, represented a significant offering within the W210 E-Class range. Positioned as a mid-to-upper trim level, it combined a potent 3.2-liter V6 engine with Mercedes-Benz’s all-wheel-drive 4MATIC system and a five-speed automatic transmission. This variant aimed to deliver a blend of performance, luxury, and all-weather capability, appealing to buyers seeking a refined and capable executive sedan. The W210 generation, launched in 1995, was a pivotal model for Mercedes-Benz, introducing numerous technological advancements and a more contemporary design language.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | E-class |
| Generation | E-class (W210) |
| Type | E 320 V6 (224 Hp) 4MATIC Automatic |
| Start of production | January, 1996 |
| End of production | July, 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 15.9 l/100 km (14.8 US mpg, 17.8 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.1 l/100 km (21.2 US mpg, 25.4 UK mpg, 9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 234 km/h (145.4 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.5 kg/Hp, 134.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm, 188.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 224 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70 Hp/l |
| Torque | 315 Nm @ 3000-4800 rpm (232.33 lb.-ft. @ 3000-4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 112 E 32 / 112.941 |
| Engine displacement | 3199 cm3 (195.21 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89.89 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1670 kg (3681.72 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4795 mm (188.78 in.) |
| Width | 1799 mm (70.83 in.) |
| Height | 1451 mm (57.13 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2833 mm (111.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Rear track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). Internal Combustion engine. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the E 320 4MATIC was the M112 E 32 engine, a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6. This engine represented a departure from previous Mercedes-Benz V6 designs, featuring a short-stroke configuration and a magnesium block for reduced weight. It utilized a three-valve-per-cylinder SOHC valvetrain and a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produced 224 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 315 Nm (232 lb-ft) of torque between 3000 and 4800 rpm. The five-speed automatic transmission (typically the 5G-TRONIC) was specifically tuned to work with the engine’s torque curve, providing smooth and relatively quick shifts. The 4MATIC system employed a single-transfer case and a viscous coupling to distribute power between the front and rear axles, offering enhanced traction in slippery conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The E 320 4MATIC offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not overtly sporty, the 3.2-liter V6 provided ample power for confident highway cruising and passing maneuvers. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 7.6 seconds, respectable for the era. The automatic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t as responsive as some contemporary manual transmissions. The 4MATIC system provided noticeable improvements in stability and traction, particularly in inclement weather. Compared to the E 280 (with its smaller engine) the E 320 offered a more effortless driving experience. Compared to the higher-performance E 420 or the diesel-powered E 300 TDI, the E 320 struck a balance between performance and fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The E 320 4MATIC typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Standard features included automatic climate control, power windows and locks, a premium sound system, and leather upholstery. Optional extras included a sunroof, heated seats, a navigation system, and upgraded wood trim. The interior design was characterized by a blend of traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury and a more modern aesthetic. The dashboard layout was clean and functional, with intuitive controls.
Chassis & Braking
The W210 E-Class featured a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The E 320 4MATIC typically came equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard. The suspension was tuned to prioritize comfort over outright sportiness, but still offered a stable and predictable driving experience. Stabilizer bars were fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The E 320 4MATIC was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its refined engine, comfortable ride, and all-weather capability. Fuel economy, however, was a common criticism, with combined figures around 21.2 US mpg. Compared to the rear-wheel-drive E 320, the 4MATIC version offered superior traction but came with a slight weight penalty and a higher price tag. The E 300 TDI, while offering better fuel economy, lacked the E 320’s smooth power delivery.
Legacy
The M112 engine family, including the 3.2-liter variant found in the E 320, proved to be remarkably reliable. While maintenance costs for a Mercedes-Benz are generally higher than for more mainstream brands, the M112 engine is known for its durability. Today, well-maintained E 320 4MATIC models are sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their blend of luxury, performance, and all-weather capability. Common issues with W210s, such as corrosion and electrical gremlins, should be carefully inspected when considering a used example. The E 320 4MATIC represents a high point in Mercedes-Benz engineering from the 1990s, offering a compelling combination of features and driving dynamics.
