Why buy the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a large premium car available as a saloon, coupe, convertible or estate. It feels roomy and opulent inside and every version is exceptionally well-equipped. There are some surprisingly cost-effective versions at one end of the range and some very fast and luxurious ones at the other.
The estate has the biggest boot of any car of its type, and even the coupe and convertible versions feel spacious. No matter which E-Class you’re looking at, it will be comfortable and stylish.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class range and updates
We’re focusing here on the saloon and estate versions of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sold new between 2016 and 2023. It replaced a version sold new from 2009 (Mercedes-Benz has been making E-Class models since 1993). An all-new E-Class went on sale in 2023.
The E-Class we’re looking at was updated in 2020 with minor design changes, improved engines and a new range of advanced safety systems. The core trim levels are Sport (formerly SE), AMG Line and AMG Line Premium. Variations on these include AMG Line Edition, AMG Line Night Edition and AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus.
Most E-Class models are rear-wheel drive, but some have four-wheel drive, which Mercedes-Benz calls 4Matic. One four-wheel-drive model of note is the All Terrain, an SUV-style version of the E-Class estate. Note that the AMG Line trim shouldn’t be confused with the proper Mercedes-AMG high-performance models.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class tech and features
All Mercedes-Benz E-Class models of this era are very well-equipped, with climate control, heated leather seats, LED headlights, cruise control, ambient lighting, an electric boot lid, parking sensors and a reversing camera included as standard.
An E-Class will almost certainly have a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, although some early SE and AMG Line models might have an 8.4-inch screen because the bigger screen was only available then as an option. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is standard on all E-Class models.
Some high-end models have massaging front seats, an upgraded surround system with 13 speakers, a panoramic glass sunroof and 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class running costs and value
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class gives you a wide choice of petrol or diesel engines, plus hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Unlike many of its rivals, Mercedes-Benz offers petrol-electric and diesel-electric plug-in hybrids, with both giving you as much as 34 miles of pure-electric range (according to official figures) if you keep the battery topped up.
A diesel engine could be a more cost-effective alternative to a plug-in hybrid, and you can expect to get around 50mpg, according to official figures. That will drop to around 35mpg in an E-Class with a petrol engine, or as low as 22.8mpg in one of the high-performance AMG models.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs rivals
The E-Class rivals include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF and Volvo V90. Compared with these, the E-Class offers you similar practicality and features but with a greater focus on comfort and luxury inside. It also gives you an especially wide range of models to choose from.
