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India Today
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Mercedes-Benz W124: The three-pointed star that introduced luxury on four wheels
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
The Tata Sierra: A nostalgic SUV set to return this year
In the early 1990s, Indian roads witnessed the arrival of a vehicle that would carve a special place in the hearts of many—the Tata Sierra. Launched in 1991, the Sierra was Tata's first SUV, and it was also the first indigenously designed and manufactured SUV in India. Then known as TELCO (Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company), at a time when the Indian automotive market was dominated by Maruti Suzuki. With its boxy design, rugged charm, and a sense of adventure, the Sierra became an icon of its era, embodying the aspirations of a growing middle class eager to golden era The old Sierra with the upcoming Sierra at Bharat Mobility Auto Expo. The Tata Sierra was India's first indigenously designed Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), a pioneering effort that stood out in an era when SUVs were a rarity. Its design was utilitarian yet striking, with a boxy silhouette, high ground clearance, and a distinctive three-door configuration. The large glasshouse, with its expansive windows and upright stance, gave it a commanding presence, making it look both rugged and the hood, the Sierra was initially equipped with a naturally aspirated diesel engine. However, later Tata upgraded the SUV with a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine that produced 91bhp and 186Nm of peak torque. It came with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox, and a 4x4 variant was also available. While it wasn't a speed demon, it was sturdy, built to handle India's diverse and often unforgiving Inside, the Sierra was spartan but functional. The high seating position gave drivers a clear view of the road, and the minimalist dashboard, with its analogue gauges and sturdy switches, exuded durability. The rear bench seat was accessible through the single passenger-side truly set the Sierra apart was its cultural impact. In the 1990s, owning a car was a significant milestone, and the Sierra, with its bold design and go-anywhere attitude, became a status symbol for the upwardly Sierra wasn't without its quirks, the three-door layout, while iconic, wasn't the most practical for rear-seat passengers, as the large glass meant that the car would get baked in summers. Production of the original Sierra wound down in the early 2005s as newer models like the Tata Safari took centre stage. By 2000, the Sierra had faded from showrooms, but it never left the memories of those who drove it or dreamed of owning one. For years, car enthusiasts reminisced about its unique design and ruggedness,A comeback on the horizon The Sierra is set for a return this year. Fast forward to 2025, and whispers of the Tata Sierra's return have sparked excitement across the automotive world. Tata Motors has confirmed that the Sierra is set to make a grand comeback, reimagined for a new era while paying homage to its iconic predecessor. First showcased as a concept at the Bharat Mobility Auto Expo earlier this year, the modern Sierra is a blend of nostalgic design cues—like the boxy shape and large windows—with contemporary features such as electric powertrains, advanced safety systems, and a premium details about the new Sierra are still emerging, Tata has hinted at an electric version, aligning with the global shift toward sustainable mobility. The upcoming model promises to retain the spirit of adventure that defined the original while catering to modern sensibilities with features like touchscreen infotainment, all-wheel drive, and a more practical five-door new Sierra aims to recapture the magic of the 1990s icon while introducing it to a new generation of drivers. While it may come with cutting-edge technology and a sleek, modern twist, the hope is that it will carry forward the rugged, adventurous soul of the original—a vehicle that wasn't just about getting from point A to point B, but about the stories created along the Tata Sierra's legacy is a testament to its unique place in India's automotive history. It remains a symbol of a simpler time when the open road beckoned, and the Sierra was ready to answer the call. As we await its comeback, the original Sierra continues to evoke memories of dusty trails, adventures, and the thrill of driving a true Indian to Auto Today Magazine
