In launching the E Class, Chrysler introduced its first front-wheel drive cars larger than its K-Cars, as its R and M-platform cars were far larger than the mid-size segment. Along with the New Yorker adopting the new chassis, the E Class inherited the role of the long-running Chrysler Newport; sharing its body with the New Yorker, the model line was slotted between the K-car LeBaron and the M-body Fifth Avenue in size. While Ford would not produce a mid-size sedan with front-wheel drive until the 1986 Taurus/Sable, Chrysler targeted the E Class against the
Buick Century and
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera (among the best-selling model lines for each brand). Originally intended to be named the "Chrysler Grand LeBaron", the E Class name (styled without the hyphen, in contrast to Mercedes-Benz) was selected instead, in deference to its E platform.
Chassis The Chrysler E Class utilizes the
Chrysler E platform (E=extended), which increases the K platform wheelbase 2.8 inches (from 100.3 to 103.1 inches). The standard engine was a 2.2 L I4 (producing 94 hp) and a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.6 L I4 (producing 92 hp, with increased torque); a 3-speed automatic transmission was paired to both engines. For 1984, the engine lineup was revised, with the 2.2 L engine replacing its carburetor with electronic fuel injection (increasing output to 99 hp); the 2.6 L I4 was retuned (producing 100 hp). As a new option, a turbocharged version of the 2.2L engine was released (producing 140 hp).
Body Alongside its extended wheelbase, the E Class grew approximately 6 inches in length over the LeBaron (though far shorter than the Fifth Avenue). Sharing its roofline with the Dodge 600 and Plymouth Caravelle, the E Class was offered solely as a four-door sedan. To distinguish itself from its Dodge/Plymouth counterparts, the E-Class shared its front and rear fascias with the Chrysler LeBaron; the New Yorker was fitted with a padded vinyl roof (covering its C-pillar windows). For 1984, the exterior underwent a minor update, with the flat taillamps replaced by a wraparound design (shared with the LeBaron). The interior of the E Class shared design commonality with the New Yorker (though with different trim). A six-passenger interior was standard with a full-width front bench seat, and a five-passenger configuration came with a 50/50 split bench seat (which added a center console between the seats, including a power driver seat) For 1984, several changes to the interior, distinguished by a redesigned Chrysler 2-spoke steering wheel and the standardization of electronically-tuned radios.
Trim For its production, the E Class was sold in a single trim, with options either packaged together or offered individually, allowing the model line to be equipped both quite spartanly or essentially equivalent to a New Yorker. == Discontinuation ==