Six years after the C 36 AMG debuted, in January 1999, and as the mighty E 55 AMG was entering the market, Daimler acquired 51 per cent of shares in AMG – leading to the company to be renamed Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG is a significant model in the history of AMG and the E-Class series. It represents the first E-Class to bear the “55 AMG” badge and is a high-performance version of the W210 generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Overview of the 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG
- Production Years: The E 55 AMG was produced from 1998 to 2002 as part of the W210 series.
- Platform: It is based on the W210 E-Class, which was known for its distinctive oval headlamps and advanced safety features for the time.
Engine and Performance
- Engine: The E 55 AMG was powered by a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 engine (M113).
- Power Output: The engine produced 349 horsepower (354 PS) and 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque.
- Transmission: It was equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission (5G-Tronic), which was tuned by AMG to handle the increased power output.
- Acceleration: The E 55 AMG could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest sedans of its time.
- Top Speed: The car was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
Design and Features
- Exterior: The E 55 AMG featured subtle but distinctive AMG styling cues, including a sportier front bumper, side skirts, and a rear apron. It also had unique 18-inch AMG wheels and a lowered suspension that enhanced its aggressive stance.
- Interior: The interior was luxurious and sport-oriented, with AMG-branded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and exclusive wood or carbon fiber trim. The cabin combined comfort with the performance-oriented nature of AMG.
- Brakes and Suspension: The E 55 AMG came with upgraded brakes and a sport-tuned suspension, providing better handling and stopping power compared to the standard E-Class models.
Legacy
- AMG Lineage: The E 55 AMG was one of the first AMG models to gain widespread popularity, helping to establish AMG as a performance sub-brand within Mercedes-Benz.
- Collector’s Car: Due to its blend of performance, luxury, and the fact that it was one of the last AMG models to use a naturally aspirated V8 engine, the E 55 AMG has become a sought-after model among collectors and enthusiasts.
- Influence: The success of the E 55 AMG set the stage for future high-performance E-Class models, including the later E 63 AMG models, which would continue to push the boundaries of performance in the luxury sedan market.
The 1999 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG remains an iconic model that exemplifies AMG’s ability to transform a luxury sedan into a high-performance machine, all while retaining the comfort and quality expected of a Mercedes-Benz.