Overview

What's New for 2022

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class isn't a single car but instead a family of vehicles, and each trim is tied directly to an engine and drivetrain. The sedan is available in four trims: E 350, E 350 4Matic, E 450 4Matic, and the performance-oriented AMG E 53. The alluring coupe and convertible come in three trims: E 450, E 450 4Matic, and AMG E 53. The wagon comes in just one trim, the E 450 4Matic All-Terrain. The E 350 sedan is the most popular model, and it is our recommendation as well. We'll explain why.

E 350

With a starting price of $56,000 (including a $1,050 destination fee), the Mercedes-Benz E 350 sedan is the entry point to the E-Class lineup. It includes upscale features such as heated power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power-operated tilt-and-sliding sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, and power-operated trunk closer. Remote start, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, and heated exterior mirrors are additional standard features. The E 350 4Matic ($58,500) is the all-wheel-drive version of the E 350, which otherwise comes standard with rear-wheel drive. We recommend this trim level as it offers impressive levels of luxury, technology, and performance at a price level that is very competitive with its chief rivals.

E 450

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic sedan ($63,800) has a standard equipment list that is essentially the same as the E 350. The main differentiators are the more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and its mild-hybrid powertrain, plus the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Even though real leather seats aren't standard in this $60K trim, Mercedes-Benz presents a long list of optional items for personalization. The coupe and cabriolet models are available with either rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The E 450 4Matic All-Terrain Wagon ($69,450) features a slightly higher ride height that makes it look more like a sleek SUV.

AMG E 53

Starting at $85,400, the Mercedes-AMG E 53 is a performance-oriented version of the lesser models. Its standard equipment list is filled with go-fast items, such as the 429-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech. It has a special Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG-tuned version of 4Matic all-wheel drive. The AMG E 53 also features automated driver's aids that include active parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot assist, and crosswind assist. Mercedes-Benz offers the AMG E 53 as a sedan, coupe, and convertible.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has three engine options — a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (255 hp), a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (362 hp), and a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (429 hp). The 2.0-liter engine is fitted in the E 350. The 362-hp 3.0-liter is in the E 450 4Matic. And the 429-hp turbo six-cylinder powers the AMG 53. Both versions of the six-cylinder feature mild-hybrid technology. All models use nine-speed automatic transmissions. Mercedes-Benz says the E 350 will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG models dial-up considerably more performance with much higher horsepower teamed with chassis and suspensions tuned specifically for performance driving. Mercedes says the AMG E 53 will rocket from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

The AMG E 53 sedan, coupe, and cabriolet have the chops of dedicated sport grand tourers, yet they can transport four or even five passengers in comfort. For most Mercedes-Benz buyers, paying more for the added performance might be unnecessary. The typical luxury-car buyer will find the E 350 and E 450 provide more-than-adequate acceleration, braking, and overall handling.

For comparison, the Audi A6 Premium has a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech. The BMW 540i sedan is motivated by a 335-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assist.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class' fuel economy compares favorably to its rivals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the Mercedes-Benz E 350 sedan will return 23 mpg during city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive E 450 4Matic is estimated to return 23/30 mpg city/highway, the E 450 4Matic All-Terrain wagon 21/28 mpg city/highway.

The BMW 530i sedan with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has an EPA estimate of 25/33 mpg city/highway. The Audi A6 Quattro returns 23/32 mpg city/highway.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is expected to deliver superior overall safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued its top five-star rating to the sedan and wagon models. The coupe and convertible have not been rated. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2021 E-Class a Top Safety Pick+, and the 2021 and 2022 E-Class models are virtually identical.

The E-Class offers a very comprehensive list of the latest driver-assistance systems. Standard safety technologies include active brake assist, blind-spot assist, adaptive high-beam headlight assist, and crosswind assist. Optional safety and driver-assistance features are adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active lane-change assist, speed limit assist, and route-based speed assistance.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the heart of the storied brand's lineup. And you can see the attention to detail in each of the vehicles under its umbrella. Whether you choose the sedan, coupe, convertible, or wagon, you are getting a luxury vehicle that epitomizes engineering excellence. Buyers seeking an E-Class alternative should consider the BMW 5 Series. The Audi A6 and more sporting Audi S6 are also worthwhile competitors.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. Audi A6

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. Audi S6

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. BMW 5 Series