1997 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG Photos, engines & full specs

Mercedes-Benz finally decided to remove its gloves and launch a proper sports sedan in 1997 when it introduced the E 55 AMG.

While it previously launched the E 36 AMG and the E 50 AMG, which were produced in small numbers, the first true-to-the-bone AMG for the E-Class was the E 55. Its success was limited only by its hefty price tag, but it was still sold in high numbers that passed the 10,000 units mark. For a sports sedan, that was big. Especially since its interior was second to none regarding quality and amenities.

At first sight, it was difficult to tell the difference between the potent E 55 and the rest of the W210 range. Its front fascia was almost identical, with those love-it or hate-it four headlights. The main difference was on the lower part of the bumper, where the automaker installed an apron fitted with a broad air intake in the middle flanked by smaller scoops on the sides where Mercedes installed the fog lamps as an option. In addition, the car boasted a set of aerodynamically profiled side sills, while at the back, the redesigned bumper almost concealed the twin exhaust that peaked from underneath it.

The two-tone leather seats and the wood trims were specific for this version. The automaker placed the AMG badge inside the speedometer that took center stage in the instrument cluster. But the front bucket seats featured high-bolstered areas since the car was not exactly a mundane vehicle. In the back, Mercedes-Benz also used two-tone upholstery for the front seats.

But the most essential part of the E 55 AMG was underneath the car's skin. First, AMG hand-built the naturally-aspirated 5.4-liter V8. Then, it paired it with a five-speed automatic gearbox that sent the power to the rear wheels. And the result was smashing!