Universal: Sixty Years Since the First Mercedes Estate Car

Based on the W 110, the famous 'Fin Tail' saloon, popularly known in Spain as 'Mercedes colas' due to its distinctive rear fins, the model presented on January 20 at the 'Salon de L'Automobile de Bruxelles' is, indeed, the first estate car from the German brand. However, in terms of dealership sales, it was handcrafted by the Belgian firm IMA, using bodies supplied by the company.

The Universal offers a cargo volume of 2.71 cubic meters behind the front seats, allowing for up to 710 kilograms of transport. Therefore, this spacious body variant was equipped with 15-inch wheels larger than the saloon and reinforced springs.

The press dossier of the time describes the effort put into the design and construction of the body: "Although the exterior lines already emphasize that it is a vehicle with a special character, rather than a car whose rear part has simply been modified or extended, a closer examination of the uniform body structure shows that the design was created as an inseparable whole."

A look at the rear compartment reveals a design that seeks practicality and functionality, but also aims to be attractive. The brown artificial leather gives the interior a cozy feel. The boot floor mimics fine mahogany wood. In fact, it is 'Panolux', as the press package explains: a composition of wood fibers and bakelite resin. This material, it continues, "ensures maximum protection against scratches, stains, wear, etc., not to mention the touch of luxury it gives the car." And furthermore: "The use of a wooden floor made of a material as valuable as 'Panolux' is more expensive than painted sheet metal, but besides its luxurious appearance, it offers the advantage of good sound insulation." The chrome strips screwed with rubber sections prevent the load from sliding. The rear seat can be folded down to create a loading area approximately 1.90 meters long.

Initially presented as the 190 D Universal, from 1967, four variants of the estate saloon followed, based on the 200 D, 200, 230, and 230 S models. The first two had four-cylinder engines, the other two had six-cylinder engines. The 230 S Universal played a special role: it was assigned to the W 111 model series which, despite the body similarity to the 110, were already positioned in the higher segment of the Mercedes range. It is distinguished by the typical front section of the corresponding saloon models, with vertical rectangular headlights and sumptuous chrome trim. It was a precursor to later high-end estate cars. Thus showing a shift in approach where an estate was not just a larger car but also a reflection of a lifestyle where leisure and free-time activities gained more importance.

Moreover, it already featured the new hydropneumatic suspension adjustment for greater comfort and safety, as it automatically adapted to the weight of the load.

The Universal elevated the public perception of the 'Fin Tail' model series in a special way: the successful combination of spaciousness, comfort, performance, value for money, and economy was considered ideal. The rigid passenger compartment with front and rear deformation zones also set, like the saloon from which it was derived, new safety standards at the time.

Between 1965 and 1968, only 2,754 units of the first Mercedes-Benz estate were manufactured, out of a total of 622,453 saloons and 5,859 chassis with partial bodies that left the Sindelfingen plant during these six and a half years of production of the 110 series.

Twelve years later, in 1977, Mercedes would present its first estate car already mass-produced by the firm itself. It was based on the saloon of the 123 series and went on sale in 1978.

Several decades have passed, and Mercedes has remained faithful to its estate versions in the current E-Class, hence our journey through history ends behind the wheel of an impeccable E 220 d Estate. An estate car 4.95 meters long and 1.47 meters high.

The journey through this E220 d estate begins with the boot. A very low threshold to limit the risk of back pain during the loading and unloading of heavy items, flat floor, and perfectly geometric shapes: the basic specifications of a good estate car are strictly adhered to. And a gigantic loading capacity: 615 liters.

This useful volume is complemented by an undeniable practical spirit. As much as the standard electric opening and closing tailgate, we appreciate the luggage cover that lifts itself to facilitate access to the boot or the anti-intrusion net that allows for maximum loading without risk to passengers. And this E-Class estate does not fear heavy loads thanks to the standard pneumatic level corrector. Finally, it is possible to equip it with a tow hook (electrically deployable), an option that includes trailer stabilization ─via ESP─, a feature that can also be associated with assistance that helps in maneuvers by combining camera vision and, above all, the adjustment of the desired articulation and steering angle. Thus, the car does the work.

Like the saloon, the Estate E is appreciated for its road behavior and high-level comfort, a link with previous generations that does not prevent the current E-Class from making its predecessors seem outdated in terms of onboard equipment. Like the high-end electric models of the star, the dashboard has been updated to a full screen with two huge standard panels, to which a touchscreen placed in front of the passenger can be added, only activated if their presence is detected in the seat.

Enough to turn the companion into a true co-pilot as they can control a large number of functions. And, as if that were not enough, they can also finish the latest episode of their favorite series via streaming, knowing that the screen is not visible to the driver for obvious safety reasons, or participate in video conferences.

But if these features place the E-Class in its time, although they may seem trivial to some, we find the foundations of its lineage with countless customization possibilities and a careful finish. In any case, it is really good to travel in this car, whether in the front or the back, where two privileged individuals have plenty of space, although the occupant of the central seat will not have as much comfort, due to the firm backrest and the large transmission tunnel.

If the maximum towing capacity with brakes (2,100 kg) will not impress the driver of a large SUV, this E-Class estate will win over with other qualities. Thus, this estate is perfect for covering hundreds of kilometers thanks to its 197 hp diesel engine and 440 Nm of torque. Although, outside rather than inside, the sound discreetly reveals that it is a diesel, this four-cylinder deserves a very high rating. Well supported by a discreet micro-hybrid system with a small 23 hp electric motor and 205 Nm of torque integrated into the efficient nine-speed gearbox, it offers more than sufficient performance: 230 km/h top speed and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. But, moreover, its consumption is extraordinarily low.

In fact, with just 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers/100 km of diesel on average and even less on the highway (we have achieved consumption between 5.8 and 6.2 per 100 kilometers without much effort), you drive for a long time before emptying the 66-liter tank. This is good because driving the E-Class is not boring at all. Obviously, with almost two tons, it is not an agile sports car, and you have to accept with the standard suspension some body movements that are erased by the optional pneumatic suspension.

A worthy heir to that Universal admired by the beautiful Italian Paola Margherita Maria-Antonia Consiglia Ruffo di Calabria, 'the princess with sad eyes', and her husband Prince Albert, sixty years ago.