See all New Car Reviews
Pros: Good electric range from PHEV, refinement levels
Cons: Some in-car tech seems pointless, expected price increase
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class simply a smaller version of the S-Class or does it offer something more? With a history spanning nearly 75 years, the latest generation of the E-Class is not only the most technologically advanced but also prioritises safety. Additionally, it can be had with a wide range of powertrain options.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Design
In recent years, Mercedes cars shared a similar design, resulting in a lack of distinctiveness among models of different sizes. However, this trend is changing with the latest E-Class, which stands out with its unique front design, particularly the grille. The E-Class offers two individual appearances based on the specification chosen. The first is a more traditional or 'classic' look, characterised by a three-bar design, the iconic three-pointed star on the bonnet and metallic finishes around the windows and door sills.
The AMG Line introduces a contemporary aesthetic with a single, thicker bar that spans the grille and replaces the brightwork found in classic models with gloss black accents. Both grille variations are complemented by a gloss black panel that connects the headlights, serving as a visual connection between the combustion engined line-up and the electric EQ models. Additionally, an optional illuminated grille surround is available.
To enhance aerodynamic efficiency and minimise wind noise, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class incorporates clean lines throughout its design. Notable features include retractable door handles that seamlessly align with the bodywork when the car is locked. The rear design resembles that of the larger S-Class with a smooth and refined appearance, but it introduces a new light cluster design where the company emblem is presented in four blocks across the rear, which may spark varying opinions among observers. Surprisingly, the overall dimensions of the car have remained largely unchanged, with the most significant alteration being a two-centimetre increase in the wheelbase.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior
The interior of the E-Class showcases an abundance of technology. It offers a predominantly digital experience, although familiar buttons are still present for functions like seat adjustment on the door, window controls and a compact set of buttons located along the lower part of the centre console.
An ambient light strip runs from the doors, along the base of the windshield and the bottom of the expansive 'Superscreen' dashboard. This optional display, reminiscent of the one found in the EQS, consists of a prominent central touchscreen accompanied by a slightly smaller touchscreen positioned in front of the passenger, all beneath a single pane of glass. The driver gets a digital instrument display as well. The passenger's screen allows them to control the infotainment system, play their own music via Bluetooth headphones and even stream video content (safely concealed from the driver's view for obvious safety reasons). Positioned atop the dashboard is a video camera, primarily intended for video calls via platforms like Zoom or WebEx, although its prominent location raises doubts about its practicality, given its likely infrequent use.
The E-Class offers more than just impressive screens; its interior features excellent build quality with tactile materials. Gone are the easily-scratched piano black surfaces of the past, replaced by open-pore wood and other pleasing textures. The front seats provide exceptional comfort with good support, while the outer rear seats offer generous space in all directions. The middle rear seat passenger experiences some compromise due to the presence of the transmission tunnel. In terms of cargo capacity, the boot provides a decent 540 litres of space. However, in the plug-in hybrid variant, the capacity is slightly reduced to 370 litres. Nevertheless, the previous version's inconvenient step in the boot has been eliminated.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Performance & Drive
Business users and company car drivers will find the diesel options particularly appealing, available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The E-Class can be had as a 2.0-litre four-cylinder E 220 d variant, equipped with a mild-hybrid system, delivering maximum outputs of 197hp and 440Nm of torque. The power delivery is seamless, and the nine-speed automatic gearbox makes good use of the abundant torque. The ride comfort is generally excellent, and the vehicle effectively suppresses noise. However, when the engine is pushed harder, it exhibits a characteristic diesel noise.
There is also mild-hybrid technology used in the petrol-fuelled E 200, and it’s a bit sweeter to drive than the diesel, even though it has less torque - its 204hp balances things up. Fewer decibels from the engine contribute to a pleasant driving experience, helped by the supple suspension.
Though if you’re chasing what genuinely feels like S-Class levels of refinement, you need to go for the E 300 e plug-in hybrid. A 25.4kWh battery can provide up to 115 kilometres of electric driving, and the 95kW electric motor is more than capable of pulling the E-Class along without the combustion engine running. Drivers can also choose between fully electric or a hybrid mode. Combined with the optional Airmatic air suspension, which also continuously adjusts the damping, a rear-wheel-steering system shrinks the car’s turning circle, reducing it by almost one metre. When the petrol engine activates, it does so in a smooth fashion and is equally subtle when disengaging.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pricing
There won’t be confirmation of pricing for the E-Class range until closer to the car’s expected arrival towards the end of this year. However, Mercedes-Benz Ireland has indicated that there will be a price increase over the outgoing model. It will be available with petrol and diesel power as the E 200 and E 220d, and also as two plug-in hybrids called the E 300 e and E 400 e 4Matic. The E 220 d and E 300 e are also available with 4Matic four-wheel drive, and in time there will also be diesel plug-in hybrid options.
Carzone verdict: 4/5
The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the perfect embodiment of a premium car. Various engine options cover a broad spectrum, but unlike the equally new BMW 5 Series, Mercedes isn’t offering a fully electric version of the E-Class. Perhaps the lengthy battery range from its plug-in hybrid will prove sufficient for those that don’t think the all-electric EQE suits their needs. Moreover, with such an array of tech and assistance features, alongside a step up in quality, the E-Class feels even closer to the S-Class than ever before.