The S-Class may be the Mercedes-Benz flagship, but the E-Class is the brand’s luxury bread and butter. The model has been a part of the Mercedes-Benz lineup in some form or another since the 1950s and remains a benchmark in the segment today. Mercedes-Benz also offers the car in four body styles including sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon. Trim levels vary by body style, and the sedan and coupe are available as high-performance AMG variants, but the former E 63 S Wagon is now discontinued.

The E-Class only gets minor updates for 2022, including standard automatic headlights and a few new paint colors. Spy photographers have caught the next-generation E-Class during preproduction testing, so it’s likely the new model will debut before the end of 2023. The automaker’s electric E-Class sibling will be introduced in 2022. The EQE, as it’s called, will come as the EQE 350 and EQE 500 4MATIC, both sedans. They won’t replace the E-Class but will run alongside it as electric alternatives.

While Mercedes’ own EQE might be an internal threat, the E-Class faces strong external opposition in this well-heeled class. In addition to traditional rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Lexus ES, there are now EVs like the Tesla Model S, as well as competitors that offer both types of powertrains. Genesis’ excellent G80 offers gas power in 2022, but an EV version arrives this fall. Volvo’s S90 has more interior room and a PHEV option.

The E-Class’ soft but muscular lines telegraph its old-school Mercedes-Benz lineage and translate well across four different body styles and an AMG version.  Mercedes-Benz

Most E-Class models, including the off-road-oriented E 450 4Matic All-Terrain Wagon, lean far more toward luxury and comfort than performance, but the automaker does offer a go-fast option that sacrifices none of its poshness for more punch. Sadly, the even-wilder E 63 S exited Mercedes’ U.S. lineup at the end of 2021, but the 429-horsepower E 53, with a zero-to-60 time of just over four seconds, is still on offer. While the AMG versions trade some smoothness for speed, all E-Class models have a refined ride and predictable handling, even if they feel a little less nimble than a BMW.

Inside, the E-Class cabins, irrespective of body style, offer generous interior space with beautiful design details and high-end materials. Volvo and Genesis have more rear-seat room and similarly luxurious interiors, but the E-Class feels every inch the traditional core Mercedes-Benz product that it is. This is especially true, as in past eras, in the coupe and convertible. Mercedes offers a variety of options to spruce up the space further, and ambient interior lighting comes standard.

Mercedes-Benz offers a vast array of some of the world’s best active-safety features on the E-Class, but unfortunately, much of the best gear seems to cost extra. There’s also plenty of technology in the cabin, although drivers who have seen the new S-Class and C-Class designs might be jealous. The E-Class bristles with features and great visuals, but its screens and systems date back to 2016. Still, this is a proper old-school luxury sedan and it’s hard not to feel pampered in one. It’s a must-drive for shoppers in this segment.

Beautifully trimmed and brimming with attractive details, the E-Class’ cabin looks and feels like that of a proper luxury car. The screens look great too, but there’s a hefty learning curve to the tech.  Mercedes-Benz

Performance: 13/15

The base E 350 gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The E 450 gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. 

The E 350 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, and the E 450 comes with all-wheel drive. Stepping up to the AMG E 53 nets an AMG-massaged turbo-and-supercharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. All models get a nine-speed automatic transmission.

It’s strange to see a luxury car with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but Mercedes-Benz gave the E 350  enough power and torque to make it feel lively. The E 450 is significantly quicker, and more engaging to drive, and its inline-six makes a pleasing roar under heavy acceleration. 

Compared to others in this segment, the E-Class is closest to the Genesis G80, which deftly blends speed and extreme luxury while BMW’s 5 Series offers more athletic performance. The E-Class is more comfortable and has a more luxurious ride than either the Audi A6 or A7, but Audi’s performance S-badged models can be more fun to drive.

Fuel Economy: 13/15

The base E 350 sedan, with rear-wheel drive, returns 23 mpg in the city, 31 on the highway and 26 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel drive changes those figures to 21 mpg city, 29 highway and 24 mpg combined.

The E 450 Coupe delivers 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 25 combined, while the convertible returns 22/29/25 mpg. With all-wheel drive, those numbers shift to 21/30/24 for the coupe and 22/29/24 for the convertible. The E 450 4Matic sedan, with all-wheel drive, hits 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 25 mpg combined.

The E 53 sedan returns 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.

Those are competitive fuel economy numbers, especially when compared with cars like the 5 Series and A6. Volvo’s S90 outperforms on fuel economy and offers a PHEV version, while high-performance options like the Porsche Panamera can’t match the E-Class, as the hefty executive sedan prioritizes speed over efficiency. 

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 14/15

Mercedes generously equips the E-Class with advanced driver-assistance safety technologies, including automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, emergency call services, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a parking damage detection system, brake assist, automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning. Available tech includes adaptive cruise control, active blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, emergency stop assist and much more. 

The 2022 E-Class earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a top five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It does not have the biggest back seat in its class, but rear-seat passengers will find the accommodations just as plush and comfortable as those up front.  Mercedes-Benz

Comfort & Room: 14/15

The E-Class may not be Mercedes-Benz’s flagship, but there’s no telling that from the driver’s seat. The car’s interior is gorgeously finished, with details such as brushed aluminum and clever ambient interior lighting. The use of digital displays for the gauge cluster, and the large center touchscreen, combine with interior lighting to give the car a retro-future look. Think: the “outrun aesthetic.”

The E-Class offers generous interior space and some of the most comfortable seats in this segment. In the sedan, front headroom measures 37.9 inches, and rear headroom is 38.2 inches. Legroom up front measures 41.3 inches, while back-seat passengers see 35.8 inches. The coupe and convertible offer considerably smaller back seat accommodations, and the convertible’s trunk space is almost completely absorbed by the folding top. BMW’s 4 Series coupe and convertible compare well and offer more space than the smaller Mercedes C-Class two-doors.

Compared to its rivals, the E-Class is plusher than the Lexus ES and offers a more attractive design than the BMW 5 Series. That said, the interior of the Audi A6 features a more modern design and better tech. Only the Genesis G80 and Volvo S90 really look and feel comparable, and both offer more room.

Infotainment: 12/15

A 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard and runs Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment interface, with updated voice controls with better speech recognition. For those who don’t like MBUX, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard. Navigation, USB-C ports, HD Radio, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are standard. Buyers can upgrade to a Burmester sound system, a head-up display, augmented video for navigation, wireless charging, USB-C ports, SiriusXM and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

This version of the MBUX system (the C- and S-Class have newer interfaces) isn’t the most intuitive on the market, but it offers a colorful, responsive way to interact with the car. The touchpad controller leaves much to be desired, but the voice controls tend to work well. It’s worlds easier to master than Volvo’s Sensus system and is less complicated overall than BMW’s latest iDrive software.

The E-Class sedan offers only 13.1 cubic-feet of trunk space, but the E 450 All-Terrain wagon offers nearly SUV-like cargo room and a degree of off-road versatility.  Mercedes-Benz

Cargo Space & Storage: 12/15

The E-Class sedan offers a decently-sized if unspectacular-for-the-class 13.1 cubic-foot trunk. That said, the E 450 All-Terrain wagon is the best choice for anyone hoping to use their Mercedes to transport people and gear—especially where any sort of off-road travel is involved. The E-Class Wagon offers 35 cubic-feet of space with the rear seats up, and 64 cubic-feet with them folded flat. Those looking for alternatives to this particular wagon might also want to check out the Volvo V90.

Small-item storage is decent, and there are plenty of spaces to store gear like cellphones, wallets, and keys.

Style & Design: 9/10

The current E-Class shape is an interesting one, as it translates well to all of the available body styles. Mercedes has avoided going down the gigantic grille path that so many others have blazed in recent years, and its overall styling is tasteful and refined. Mercedes calls its exterior design the, “emotion of intelligence,” and says that it focused on elegance and style when designing the car’s shape. AMG bodywork comes standard, along with 18-inch wheels, full-LED exterior lighting and a power sunroof. Mercedes offers a variety of wheel upgrades for the car.

The E-Class’ interior is gorgeously designed and beautifully made, and though it doesn’t offer quite as much room as Genesis or Volvo, few passengers will be unhappy in these plush confines.

It may only have four cylinders, but the E 350 will satisfy many drivers and offers the most affordable entry point to the E-Class.  Mercedes-Benz

Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class worth it? Which model is the Best Value? 

The base Mercedes-Benz E 350 starts at $56,000, including a $1.050 destination fee. It comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera system, power seats, dual-zone climate controls, remote start (via the Mercedes Me app), a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. 

The E 450 4MATIC Sedan starts at $63,800, and adds a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48V mild-hybrid system, all-wheel drive, massaging seats and memory seats.

The $76,050 AMG E 53 Sedan adds AMG enhancements to the inline-six for a total of 429 horspeower. It also comes standard with 19-inch AMG wheels, an AMG performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and MB-Tex (synthetic leather) upholstery.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class can be more expensive to insure than its competition. According to our data, the average 30-year-old female driver with a good record can expect an annual premium between $2,968 (E 350) and $4,109 (AMG E 53). Competitors like the Genesis G80 would cost between $2,546 – $2,744 to ensure, while the Audi A6 runs between $2,872 – $3,349, and the Volvo S90 between $2,959 – $3,210. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, see our car insurance calculator.