The front part of the car emphasizes the status of an executive class sedan. It differs in the design of the appearance for each configuration. The base model has a conventional Mercedes radiator grille with a star on the hood in the Exclusive line. The Avangard and AMG models can be recognized by the sports grille with a large icon in the middle. Wide shoulders above the arches of the rear wheels enhance the image of the car, and solid taillights in the rear have a design with two crossbars.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class was launched with a choice of two engines: the E200 with a four-cylinder petrol engine and the E220d with a four-cylinder diesel engine.