The Mercedes-Benz E-Class just isn’t essentially the most just lately redesigned midsize sedan in its phase, however it stays the benchmark for the phase. Sure, a automotive that dates again to 2017 with a refresh for 2021 continues to be among the best midsize luxurious sedans you should buy. There are fairly a couple of causes for that. It has very good powertrains on provide from the entry-level to the high-performance AMG fashions. It has very good inside design with top-notch supplies. And, past the sedan, it is out there in quite a lot of physique kinds: coupe, convertible and wagon.
Even with the V8 fashions at the moment unavailable, the E-Class nonetheless contains a turbocharged four-cylinder and a pair of six-cylinder engines that supply impeccable smoothness, energy and refinement. The inside specifically appears to be like as contemporary because the day it launched with its steel trimmings and vents, wooden accents and flashy ambient lighting and screens. It additionally options up-to-date Mercedes infotainment and voice controls because of the 2021 refresh.
Then there may be the physique type and trim degree choice. Along with the standard sedan, there are coupe, convertible and All Terrain wagon variations. The coupe is especially sharp with its pillarless hardtop design, and the wagon presents spectacular practicality. And for those who want efficiency, the AMG 53 variants provide loads of energy and spectacular dealing with. This degree of choice is virtually unimaginable to search out on this phase.
If the E-Class has one weak point, it is the shortage of hybrid or ultra-high efficiency fashions. With out the V8-powered AMG 63 choices for 2022, the E-Class is briefly outgunned by the BMW M5, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Porsche Panamera Turbo and Audi RS 6 Avant. On the alternative finish of the spectrum, BMW, Audi and Porsche all have plug-in hybrid variants on this dimension vary, too.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo House | Efficiency & Gasoline Financial system
What it is wish to drive | Pricing & Options | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2022?
The E-Class was given a mid-cycle refresh for the 2021 mannequin yr, so updates for 2022 are very minimal. Automated high-beam headlights at the moment are customary, and Nautical Blue Metallic is a brand new paint shade. The E 53 additionally now has a normal heated steering wheel. V8 variations of the E-Class are additionally nonetheless not out there as a result of provide shortages. Some Mercedes fashions have regained their V8 choices, however the E-Class has not.
What are the E-Class inside and in-car know-how like?
Mercedes-Benz is safely in first place relating to German luxurious automotive interiors, and the E-Class isn’t any exception. The overall design is constant throughout all variations of the E-Class, as far as the sprint format is anxious. It flows from one aspect to the opposite with elegant traces and exquisite prospers. Supplies are all prime of sophistication and really feel like real luxurious while you begin shifting your hand across the numerous surfaces. Good luck customizing the inside to the precise approach you’d like, because the upholstery and trim choices by no means appear to finish. You may select conventional leather-based colours and patterns or go along with brilliant and vibrant accents. The choices change relying on what degree of efficiency E-Class you purchased, giving method to much more customization choices. As long as you really like the fundamental design of the inside, we’re nearly sure that yow will discover a spec to fall in love with.
Mercedes crams this automotive filled with a lot tech that you simply’re going to wish to learn the proprietor’s guide thrice over earlier than you begin to perceive how one can use all of it. It may be overwhelming, even when the a number of methods of controlling the system no less than lets you select your most well-liked enter technique. The devices and infotainment are in parity with most different Mercedes fashions with a really succesful voice management system and a touchscreen. With the 2021 refresh, Mercedes additionally changed the basic scroll wheel with a haptic touchpad that may additionally management the infotainment, which is harking back to the Lexus Distant Contact pad. It isn’t as fast and responsive because the scroll wheel it replaces, however the touchscreen addition makes it a wash. The steering wheel was additionally up to date for 2021, and it dropped all of its bodily controls for touch-sensitive ones, which is a particular downgrade, even when the wheel design is good-looking.
The customization continues with the configurable instrument panel, which options totally different themes and layouts, and a near-infinite array of ambient lighting selections. The LED lights are built-in all all through the cabin, and you can also make them no matter shade you need. It might sound low-cost or gimmicky, however in some way Mercedes has discovered a method to make the inside even richer and classier with this lighting. And eventually, you possibly can even select how your E-Class smells. An non-compulsory perfume diffuser can dispense your choice of questionable-smelling, cologne-like substances by means of the air vents, simply as you’re starting one of many many therapeutic massage applications out there within the seat settings — we promise, testing this was really very laborious work.
How large is the E-Class?
This query is very depending on the model of E-Class you’re taking a look at. A wagon would be the most sensible, with the sedan coming in proper after that. All of the variations of the E-Class would fall beneath the midsize class of luxurious vehicles, in order that places it in the identical class because the BMW 5 Collection, Audi A6, Jaguar XF and Volvo S90. Entrance seat house is fairly roomy, although head room is a bit tight.
Sitting within the sedan and wagon’s backseat is loads snug for adults, however the center seat isn’t preferrred because of the tall center hump. Passengers even have more room within the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet than different two-door luxurious automobiles (of which there are admittedly few), however they are much extra cramped and tough to get out and in of than the 4 doorways.
With regards to cargo house, the sedan solely has a 13.1-cubic-foot trunk, which is sort of small for such an enormous sedan. The coupe can also be comparably small at 10 cu-ft (beneath proper), whereas the Cabriolet (9.5) is definitely OK for a convertible with the roof raised. There aren’t any such house points within the wagon, although. It is monumental, with a bountiful 35 cu-ft of cargo house behind the rear seats. Put them down and there is a large 64 cu-ft, which is similar to many midsize SUVs. Oh, and it is out there with an old-school, rear-facing third-row seat in that cargo space (beneath left).
What are the E-Class gas economic system and efficiency specs?
With the V8 E-Class fashions at the moment out of fee, there are solely three out there engine choices. The sedan will get all three choices, beginning with the E 350’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It comes with a nine-speed computerized and may be paired with rear- or all-wheel-drive. It propels the sedan to 60 mph in about 6 seconds relying on the driveline. The rear-drive mannequin delivers mixed 26 mpg, and the all-wheel-drive one delivers 24 mixed mpg.
In the course of the line-up is the primary of two turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engines. It comes within the E 450 and makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It additionally contains a 48-volt mild-hybrid help that assists with pulling away from a cease, smoothing out the start-stop system, and permitting coasting. Just like the four-cylinder, the six will get a nine-speed computerized and, relying on physique type, can have rear- or all-wheel-drive. The E 450 coupe and convertible come customary with rear-wheel drive or non-compulsory all-wheel drive, whereas the sedan and All Terrain wagon get all-wheel drive customary. The 0 to 60 mph occasions vary between 5.2 and 4.9 seconds, and mixed gas economic system ranges between 24 and 25 mpg.
The present range-topper is the six-cylinder within the E 53 coupe, convertible and sedan. Along with the traditional turbocharger and 48-volt hybrid help motor, this engine additionally picks up an electrically-driven auxiliary turbo, which sharpens throttle response. Energy rises to 429 horsepower, and torque to 384 pound-feet. An AMG-tuned nine-speed computerized and all-wheel drive are customary throughout all physique kinds. They run to 60 mph in 4.3 to 4.4 seconds, and gas economic system ranges from 22 to 24 mpg mixed relying on the physique type.
What is the E-Class wish to drive?
Simply as one would count on, the various ranges of efficiency create enormous variations within the driving expertise. A traditional E 350 Sedan is sedate, quiet and cozy, whereas the E 53 has a slick and punchy six cylinder, plus very sharp dealing with to go along with its refinement. The E-Class isn’t essentially the most fleet of foot with the four-cylinder, so we’d counsel driving it and one of many six-cylinder variants earlier than deciding.
There are two six-cylinder engines out there, and now each the E 450 and the E 53 get variations of the fabulous turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six. As energy junkies, we’ll nonetheless go along with the E 53 variant for its further grunt in addition to its unimaginable engine response because of its further electrically-driven turbocharger. However each engines are easy as silk and make a number of the finest noises within the automotive world immediately. Critically, this factor sounds higher than BMW’s vaunted inline-sixes. Not solely that, however it’s the right stability of pace and usefulness on the road. Actually, it splits the distinction between the E 450 and the novel, however nonetheless lacking in motion E 63 S, touchdown proper within the candy spot. The journey is snug while you need it to be, however the suspension may be stiffened sufficient to offer glorious dealing with on a twisty street.
What different Mercedes-Benz E-Class evaluations can I learn?
2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 Sedan First Drive Evaluate
Absolutely detailing the modifications made final yr that carry over into 2022.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 Coupe Street Check
There’s actually nothing else prefer it on the market, and that is a disgrace. The E-Class Coupe is simply fantastic as we element on this street take a look at.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain First Drive Evaluate
Our evaluation of the brand new All-Terrain wagon. Regardless of the extra rugged appears to be like and slight floor clearance enhance, the All-Terrain presents little benefit over the plain-old E-Class wagon it replaces.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Cabriolet Evaluate | A primary style of AMG’s hybrid, L.A. type
We drive round L.A. within the Cabriolet taste of E 53. Though it was up to date final yr our total impressions stay the identical.
How a lot is the 2022 E-Class worth and what options can be found?
The bottom E 350 sedan begins at $56,000, together with the affordable $1,050 vacation spot cost. It contains the four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. It additionally comes fairly well-equipped. On the surface it has 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting and a sunroof. Inside, it options energy, heated seats with reminiscence, twin 12.3-inch screens for devices and infotainment, dual-zone computerized local weather management, proximity keys with push-button begin, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 64-color ambient lighting and navigation. These are additionally just about the identical customary options for the opposite E-Class fashions, too.
Base costs for the E-Class lineup are listed beneath.
Sedan
- E 350: $56,000
- E 450: $63,800
- E 53: $76,050
Wagon
- E 450 All-Terrain: $69,450
Coupe
- E 450: $67,150
- E 53: $78,650
Convertible
- E 450: $74,300
- E 53: $85,400
What are the E-Class security rankings and driver help options?
Commonplace security options embody computerized emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, computerized high-beam headlights and rain-sensing wipers. Accessible as choices are adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go and lane-centering steering help, enhanced ahead collision prevention, automated lane-changes, automated parking, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert and encompass view cameras.
The E-Class sedan and wagon have earned excessive security marks, however the coupe and convertible haven’t been examined by both NHTSA or IIHS. In NHTSA testing, the sedan and wagon each got five-star rankings total, with five-star rankings in every particular person class of entrance, aspect and rollover crash testing. The IIHS has solely examined the sedan, however it carried out extraordinarily nicely having earned the High Security Decide + award. Every crash take a look at resulted in one of the best “Good” score, and headlights ranged between “Acceptable” and “Good.” The usual and non-compulsory ahead collision prevention system additionally obtained the “Superior” score for vehicle-to-vehicle conditions. Nonetheless, for vehicle-to-pedestrian conditions, the non-compulsory model was rated Superior, however the usual model was simply rated as “Primary.”
