In yet another car off my bucket list, chancing upon this 2000 Mercedes Binz E280XL was entirely accidental! I was just walking by the area which I had not been for a while, to just see what sort of cars were around. Imagine my surprise when I laid eyes on this unique limousine that I had always wanted to see for a while!
The W210, introduced in 1995 as the second-generation E-Class, marked a significant shift in Mercedes-Benz design. It featured the now-iconic oval headlights, and was built with a focus on improved aerodynamics, comfort, and safety. While it was less boxy than its W124 predecessor, it was a link towards a more sophisticated look for subsequent models. The W210 came in a variety of trims and engine options, ranging from economical four-cylinder models to high-performance AMG variants. There were also advanced safety features, such as side airbags and stability control, setting new industry standards for executive sedans. In 2000, there was a facelift with changes to the grille, bumpers and taillights, along with a revised transmission system.
The E280, made between 1995 and 2002, was powered by a 2799 cc M112 V6 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 230 km/h with an acceleration of 8.9 seconds [0-100 km/h]. The base model was 4818 mm long and weighed 1535 kg, with a fuel consumption of 10.8 litres / 100 km.
While the W210 was already known for its blend of comfort, performance, and prestige, the German coachbuilder Binz Karosserie took it a step further with the E280XL. Binz GmbH & Co. KG was founded in 1936 by Michael Binz, where it established itself as a coachbuilder on standard vehicles. After the war, Binz pivoted towards Mercedes vehicles as a base, to modify them into taxis, station wagons, ambulances and even hearses. Binz GmbH filed for insolvency in 2012, and it was sold to the Thai RMA group, where it is now rebranded as Binz Ambulance and Environmental Technology GmbH.
The E280XL was now stretched to a whopping 5788 mm, leading to significantly more legroom for the passengers and an additional pair of seats. This unit is noted to be a Vis-à-Vis model, where the middle section does not have door handles on the outside but could be opened from the inside. Binz also allowed for customisation, which included curtains for the rear portion, darkened windows, a cooler box and even a LCD screen on the ceiling.
Production of the W210 ended in 2003, where it was replaced by the W211 series. Given its niche market and limited production, the E280XL by Binz remains very rare today, and this unit is the only one here! Many of these stretched E-Classes were used in fleet or chauffeur services, meaning that surviving examples in pristine condition are few and far between. This car was actually used as a typical daily driver and changed hands some years back (judging from the number plate age). While it used to be silver, it has been repainted into this curious blue-and white paint scheme. Based on the tapes, it seems to be at the workshop for some panel work.
Limousines are few and far between in Singapore, making this E280XL a unicorn especially its age. It represents an interesting blend of practicality, luxury, and exclusivity, which is something that is lacking in our car scene today. Hopefully you will come across this true hidden treasure of automotive history one day!
