Rare Mercedes E 60 AMG in Mercedes-Benz Museum “Youngtimer”

The Mercedes-Benz Museum showcases the rare E 60 AMG from the W210 series in its “Youngtimer” exhibition, highlighting the high-performance sedan’s 381 hp V8, refined design, and role in 1990s motoring culture.

The rare high-performance sedan of the late 1990s is once again in the spotlight. At the Mercedes-Benz Museum, the “Youngtimer” exhibition features a black E 60 AMG as one of its highlights — a car that combines engineering power, understated design, and the spirit of its time.

This version of the E-Class, built in 1997, marked the peak of the W210 series. Its 5,956 cc V8 engine produced 381 hp and 580 Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. The AMG Technology Package (Code 957) transformed the E 50 AMG into the E 60 AMG by enlarging the engine displacement, upgrading the transmission, adding a sport suspension, and fitting reinforced brakes. The conversion cost around 50,000 Deutsche Marks, bringing the total price close to that of a long-wheelbase S-Class with a V12 engine.

On the outside, the E 60 AMG remained discreet — smooth lines, AMG 18-inch wheels, and a black radiator grille conveyed strength without excess. Inside, Affalterbach’s craftsmanship was unmistakable: wood trim, Alcantara panels, and fine leather created a sense of dynamic luxury. The signature of AMG co-founder Hans Werner Aufrecht on the console and door sills reminded of the model’s exclusivity and hand-built character.

The story of the E 60 AMG extends beyond the road. In 1997, the estate version served as the official FIA Formula One Medical Car, alongside the C 36 AMG. Its performance and reliability were perfectly suited to the demanding environment of Grand Prix circuits.

The exact production number remains unknown — even Mercedes-Benz archives provide no definitive figure. Experts estimate that fewer than 200 examples were built, making the E 60 AMG one of the most sought-after modern classics. Its predecessor, the E 60 AMG based on the W124, laid the foundation for this concept of combining factory precision with bespoke performance.

The “Youngtimer” exhibition, held in Collection Room 5 of the Mercedes-Benz Museum until April 12, 2026, presents ten iconic vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s. Theme islands such as “Easy Life,” “Refinement,” and “Space” place the cars in their cultural and technological context. Interactive zones — from retro gaming to AI-based installations — bridge nostalgia with innovation. At the heart of it all stands the E 60 AMG, a meeting point between past excellence and future inspiration under the Mercedes star.