The eighth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) debuted in early 2009, introducing a sharp, angular design language characterized by rhomboidal twin headlamps and sculpted rear fender flares. The broad model family encompassed a four-door sedan (W212), five-door estate (S212), two-door coupe (C207), and soft-top cabriolet (A207). Interior luxury was elevated with genuine wood trim, ambient lighting, and pioneering driver assistance systems such as Attention Assist driver drowsiness detection and Night View Assist Plus.

Engine options featured direct-injection turbocharged gasoline engines (M271, M274, M276, M278 V8) and efficient OM651/OM642 diesels, complemented by the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. 4MATIC AWD models expanded across the range paired with 7G-Tronic and later 9G-Tronic automatics. The performance AMG E 63 boasted up to 585 hp from a 5.5-liter biturbo V8 in S-Model specification. A groundbreaking 2013 mid-cycle facelift spent over one billion euros to completely restyle the front end with single-lens LED headlights and smoother body lines.