The 4.2-liter V8 powerplant was once again the centerpiece of the 1993 Mercedes-Benz 400-Class, just as it had been the previous year, only now it produced a powerful 275 horsepower, up from 268 hp a year earlier. A 4-speed automatic transmission was standard for both 400-Class models available that year: the 400E and the 400SEL sedans.

The other development was the lengthening of the SEL; the 400E was 187.2 inches in length, while the 400SEL was 205.2, providing additional leg room for occupants and plenty of storage space in the trunk. The long-wheel base was introduced to make the 400-Class competitive with models from other luxury carmakers, including BMW.

Standard features of the 400-Class included anti-lock brakes, leather seats, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, and driver's-side and passenger-side airbags. Other standard and optional features included power steering, power seats, an anti-theft alarm system, fog lights, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and alloy wheels.