Mercedes-Benz W124: The three-pointed star that introduced luxury on four wheels

India Today

5 hours ago

In the early 1990s, India's automotive landscape was dominated by rugged Ambassadors and nimble Marutis. Amid this era of simplicity and frequent breakdowns, a star was born on Indian roads, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also known as the W124. Launched in India in 1995 through a partnership with Tata Motors, then called Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (Telco), the W124 brought an air of sophistication that was previously unseen. Assembled in Pune, this luxury sedan became a symbol of prestige, reliability, and engineering excellence, capturing the imagination of India's burgeoning elite.advertisementThe W124 wasn't just a car; it was a statement. With its sleek, aerodynamic lines and understated elegance, it stood in stark contrast to the cars of that era. It was their first encounter with the three-pointed star, a marque synonymous with German precision.The W124, globally introduced in 1985, was the second generation of Mercedes-Benz's E-Class. Designed by Bruno Sacco, it was lauded for its timeless aesthetics and robust engineering. In India, the W124 arrived as the E220 (petrol) and E250D (diesel), catering to a market that prized fuel efficiency alongside luxury. The diesel variant, in particular, resonated with Indian buyers, offering remarkable mileage for a car of its stature.
The W124's assembly in India was a milestone. Mercedes-Benz partnered with TELCO to produce the car locally, making it more accessible in a market sensitive to import duties. Priced at around Rs 20-25 lakh in the mid-1990s which was a princely sum at the time but it was a favorite among industrialists, film stars, and politicians. The sight of a W124 gliding through the streets of Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore was enough to turn heads and spark envy.advertisementWhat made the W124 iconic was its engineering brilliance. Built to last, it boasted a chassis that could withstand India's pothole-ridden roads and a suspension tuned for comfort. The diesel E250D, powered by a 2.5-litre OM602 engine, was a workhorse with a reliability that became legendary. The W124 can clock lakhs of kilometers with minimal maintenance.The interior was a sanctuary of luxury with plush seats, wood trim, and a dashboard designed with driver-centric precision. Features like power windows, central locking, and a sunroof were novelties in India at the time, elevating the W124 to an aspirational pedestal. Its safety features, at a time when no one cared about safety included airbags and ABS in later models, way ahead of their time, setting a benchmark for what a car could offer.In India, the W124 was more than a mode of transport, it was a status symbol. It adorned the garages of Bollywood celebrities and industrial tycoons. Its presence in films and media cemented its image as the ultimate luxury car.The W124 also earned a reputation for reliability that bordered on mythical. Even today, well-maintained W124s are cherished by enthusiasts, often fetching premium prices and the W124 is one of the best projects for restoration.advertisementBy 1997, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W210, the W124's successor, and production of the W124 in India ceased. Yet, its legacy endured. The W124 laid the foundation for Mercedes-Benz's growth in India, proving that there was a market for premium vehicles. It also set a standard for quality that competitors struggled to match.Today, the W124 remains a nostalgic icon. In an age of sleek EVs and tech-loaded SUVs, the W124 reminds us of a simpler time when craftsmanship trumped gimmicks. Its boxy silhouette, chrome accents, and that iconic grille evoke memories of India's economic liberalisation, a period when the country was opening up to the world and the W124 was leading the charge in the luxury segment.For those who drove it, owned it, or simply admired it from afar, the Mercedes-Benz W124 is more than a car, it's a time capsule. A reminder of when a car could be both a status symbol and a trusted companion, built to outlast trends and conquer hearts.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends