"We are breaking new ground with this unusual special exhibition," said Michael Bock, Managing Director of the Mercedes-Benz Museum GmbH.

"For the first time Collection 5, otherwise our Gallery of Heroes, will be transformed into a complete exhibition floor. In addition to nine historic vehicles, we will also be presenting the new E-Class - even before it goes on show in European showrooms at the end of March."

The goal of the special exhibition is to narrate the rich history of the E-Class. How have the historic models developed? What stories do the vehicles on display have to tell? How have they helped shape our age and society?

The entire model programme was restructured as a result of the merger in 1926 between Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie. One of the first passenger car models of the newly formed Mercedes-Benz in 1926 was the 8/38 hp model.

This model is the oldest predecessor of the E-Class to be found in the exhibition.

The ‘E-Class Evolution’ exhibition also displays a number of models that revive automotive memories - from the groundbreaking ‘Ponton’ models of the post-war era to the innovative ‘Tailfin’ and popular ‘Stroke 8’.

"The E-Class is the Mercedes-Benz classic par excellence. It is the most frequently built passenger car series by Mercedes-Benz, and shows a diversity in its development unmatched by any other. Many of us have friends or relatives who either drive or have driven such a vehicle. Which is why the exhibition also communicates on an emotional level with the visitor," explains Michael Bock.