Yes, Mercedes taxis are very popular in many european countries. Most common are 4 cyl diesels, and they all have leather interior (easier to clean I guess).<br> <br> Not so long ago (late 80´s, maybe early 90´s) you could get a more or less totaly 'naked' Mercedes without for example AC and manual windows. Today its different, the cars come quite well equiped even though some std equipment in US is extra in europe. <br> <br> Last generation E-class you could buy with a 150 hp 4-cyl engine until 1998 or so. New E-class will soon come with 4-cyl compressor (approx 170 hp I think).<br> <br> Old E-class had AC as std equipment but automatic AC cost extra on 4- and 6 cyl models. On new E-class auto AC is std on all models. Leather cost extra. Cloth seats are rarely seen on V8 model, but not uncommon on lower models. <br> <br> 6-speed manual gearbox is std up to E240 (but I don´t think they hardly sell any), auto only option for E320 and upwards. Navi is extra on all models, as well as sunroof and xenon lights. <br> <br> Other popular extras on E-class are memory-seats, park-tronic and GSM phone.