Overview
The E-class sedan is executive transport with a distinctly Mercedes-Benz attitude, offering nearly as much class and substance as the S-class flagship with a slightly less imposing profile. Entry-level E350 models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain with 255 horsepower while E450s turn up the heat to 375 horsepower courtesy of a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. All-wheel drive is standard, and all models come luxuriously equipped and include a generous list of driver-assistance and infotainment features. Other European rivals like the Audi A6 and the BMW 5-series offer similar space and equipment but neither brand has quite the prestige that comes with a Mercedes-Benz badge.
What’s New for 2024?
This year marks the start of an all-new generation of the E-class sedan, which has been redesigned from the ground up with more technology and luxury than the outgoing model. The four- and six-cylinder powertrains have received hybrid assistance this year resulting in power boosts, and the exterior styling wears a handsome new look. Inside, a host of new technology features pepper the cabin. We expect to see the 2024 E-class in dealer showrooms by the end of 2023.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing for the 2024 E-class yet, but we expect to see it offered in the same three trim levels as the smaller C-class: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. Combine those with the two available powertrains and the E-class has a six-trim lineup with a broad spread of prices to appeal to a big audience of luxury-sedan buyers.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Under the E350’s scalloped hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with a 23-hp electric motor for a combined 255 horsepower. The E450 model gets a similar hybrid setup for its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which brings the total to 375 horsepower. The hybrid systems are said to reduce turbo lag and smooth the operation of the auto start/stop system. We haven’t driven the E350 yet, but the E450’s inline-six deploys its power like a cream and does so quietly. When we get a chance, we’ll take the E350 and E450 to our test track and update this story with acceleration numbers. An adjustable air suspension is optional and replaces the steel-spring arrangement that comes standard; a rear-wheel steering system is also available and is said to improve maneuverability in tight spaces.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the 2024 E-class yet, but we expect to see small improvements over the 2023 model’s numbers. When we get a chance, we’ll take the E-class on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and update this story with test results. For more information about the E-class’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Unsurprisingly, the E-class’s cabin is focused on comfort and quality. Passenger space appears generous in photos and the interior is lined with rich-looking materials such as leather upholstery and metal trim. Overall, the design is high-end and nicely complements the car’s handsome exterior styling. Although the E-class has been offered as a coupe and a convertible in the past, we’re expecting this generation to stick strictly to a four-door layout.
Infotainment and Connectivity
There’s a lot of integrated tech throughout the E-class’s interior, and buyers who want it can order a dashboard that’s covered by three separate displays. If you ask us, it’s a little much, so we’d go with the standard setup. It includes a digital display behind the steering wheel for the car’s gauges and a separate screen on the center of the dashboard for infotainment. Mercedes-Benz has integrated some clever features—or maybe they’re cringeworthy, depending on your perspective—such as a selfie camera and downloadable third-party apps from TikTok, Angry Birds, and Zoom. In-dash navigation is available and features an augmented reality feature to overlay directions onto the road ahead via a head-up display.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Although it comes standard with several driver assists such as automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring most other equipment costs extra, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering. For more information about the E-class’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-Benz covers the E-class lineup with competitive limited and powertrain warranties. However, unlike rivals such as BMW and Jaguar, the company doesn’t provide any amount of complimentary maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE (C/D EST)
Base: $67,000
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 183 in3, 2999 cm3
Power: 375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 116.6 in
Length: 194.8 in
Width: 74.0 in
Height: 58.3 in
Trunk Volume: 19 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 4500 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.3 sec
100 mph: 11.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.9 sec
Top Speed: 130 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/31 mpg
