Mercedes E-Class Review
By Motor Match • 18/10/2023
The E-Class is even more technology-laden than ever with big screens and plenty of assistance systems. Is it the complete package it has always been?
What is it?
The E-Class is often seen as one of the ‘core’ models in the Mercedes range. It’s a car which has become a part of the furniture and for many people, it’s the go-to model with a three-pronged star on the front. Even as SUVs have continued to rise in popularity, the E-Class has continued to soldier on as a top pick for all types of drivers.
What’s new?
Though there is a ‘brand-new’ version of the E-Class on the way, we’re checking out the most recent version which was refreshed just the other side of 2020. It’s a car which is packed with features, too, while revisions to the suspension make it even more comfortable than before.
As with other E-Class generations, you can get it in saloon, coupe and estate layouts with that final option being particularly strong in the practicality department.
What’s under the bonnet?
The E-Class has been offered with a number of engine options, including diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid. Those plug-in versions are really frugal, too, though because all versions feature some form of electrification you won’t be seeing high fuel bills throughout the E-Class range.
The diesel still feels like a great fit for the E-Class, too. The E220d has just shy of 200bhp, but can deliver up to 42mpg and impressively low emissions of 181g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
The E-Class driving experience delivers everything you might expect. It’s comfortable, predictable and pretty effortless over long distances, while a hushed cabin means that those big days behind the wheel can slip by with little interruption.
It’s the ride quality which shines through on the E-Class, though. Even AMG Line versions on their large alloy wheels do a great job of ironing out the very worst lumps and bumps on the road.
How does it look?
The E-Class has that kind of universal styling which allows it to look at home wherever it goes. It’s available in a variety of classy shades, too, with darker hues giving the E-Class a similar appeal to the larger, luxurious S-Class.
There’s plenty of brightwork to spruce things up as well, with silver-coloured elements dotted across the car’s exterior. All versions come on pretty big alloy wheels, too, with the AMG versions throwing in more ‘dynamic’ wheels instead
What’s it like inside?
With its long wheelbase, the Mercedes E-Class has always put passenger comfort high up its list of priorities. There’s great levels of seating space for those in the rear, while those up front have a nice clear view of the road ahead. We’ve also found the headroom in the E-Class to be good as well, despite the raked roofline.
The 695-litre boot is enormous, too, so it’s a great pick for people who often take a lot of luggage with them. Plus, you can fold the seats down and expand this to a van-like 1,950 litres.
What’s the spec like?
Even on ‘standard’ versions of the E-Class you’re getting a good amount of equipment. Sport models, for instance, get the full MBUX infotainment system, 17-inch alloy wheels and front and rear parking sensors, alongside LED headlights and wireless smartphone charging.
Range-topping AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus models throw in a host of luxuries, too, such as 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and an upgraded Burmeister sound system. In truth, however, whichever E-Class you opt for you’re going to be getting plenty of toys.
Verdict
The E-Class can still claim its position as one of the best all-rounders in the segment. It’s comfortable, spacious and packed with features while the efficient range of engines that it’s available with makes it even more appealing from a cost perspective.
Great design and some of the latest tech that Mercedes has to offer only makes things better. As a car for all occasions, the E-Class remains one of the best.
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