History/Overview
As eager as German automakers have been to capitalize on the crossover crush, many of that country’s brands still cater heavily to the upscale market’s appetite for more traditional models, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The current fifth-generation E-Class was introduced in 2017.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the E-Class gets a mid-cycle refresh that includes gentle styling tweaks, an updated version of the MBUX infotainment system, and a new inline six-cylinder engine with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system for the E 450 trim level.
Available Trims
All of the E-Class’s trim levels are based around different engines. E 350 (sedan only) uses a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder; E 450 (sedan, All-Terrain wagon, coupe and convertible) gets a turbocharged inline-six with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system; AMG E 53 (sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible) gets the same setup but with V8-like output; and AMG E 63 models (sedan and wagon) use a 4.0L twin-turbo V8.
Benz’s 4Matic AWD system and a nine-speed automatic transmission are standard across the line.
Standard Features
As the E-Class’s entry point, the E 350 sedan comes with all-LED exterior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and ash wood cabin trim. There are power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic A/C, ambient cabin lighting, heated front seats and steering wheel, heated/power-folding side mirrors, a power trunk, and artico upholstery.
The E 350’s standard tech pack comprises dual 12.3-inch gauge cluster and MBUX infotainment displays, augmented-reality navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.
The E 350 also includes blind spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, attention assist, and forward collision detection with automatic braking.
E 450 gets upgraded brakes, rear cross-traffic alert, active parking assist, and leather upholstery.
The AMG E53 package brings performance-tuned brakes, exhaust, suspension, transmission, and AWD systems; 19-inch wheels, air suspension, metal weave and artico dash/door trim; and Nappa leather seating and steering wheel.
Finally, AMG E 63 models add dynamic engine mounts, dynamic select drive modes, 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather dash trim, a power rear-window sun shade and rear side door sun shades, a black headliner, and a Burmester sound system.
Key Options
A technology package for E 350 and E 450 adds multi-beam LED headlights with automatic high beams, a head-up display, and the MBUX interior assistant.
A premium package for E 350 and E 450 trims adds a Burmester stereo, hands-free trunk, passive keyless entry, 360-degree camera views, enhanced front seat heaters, heated front armrests, and heated rear seats. In the AMG E 53, the premium group also gets front-seat ventilation, and the AMG E 63 gains multi-contour front seats, soft-close doors, and a cabin fragrance system.
The intelligent drive option group bundles adaptive cruise with enhanced stop-and-go; active/evasive steering assists; active blind spot, lane keeping and lane change assists; congestion emergency braking; route-based speed adaptation, and active speed limit assist.
Fuel Economy
Mercedes-Benz’s fuel consumption estimates for the 2021 E-Class are as follows.
The E 350 sedan is rated at 10.7/7.8 L/100 km (city/highway), and the E 450 sedan’s rankings are 10.4/7.8. The AMG E 53 sedan is rated for 10.7/8.2 L/100 km (city/highway), and the E 63’s ratings are 15.0/10.1 L/100 km.
For E 450 All-Terrain wagon models, estimates are 10.6/8.4 L/100 km (city/highway); the E 53 is rated at 11.3/8.7 L/100 km, and the E 63’s figures are 14.7/10.4 L/100 km.
The E 450 coupe’s estimates are 10.3/7.9 L/100 km (city/highway), and the convertible’s ratings are 10.4/8.0 L/100 km.
Finally, the AMG E 53 coupe is rated at 11.2/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway), and the convertible’s rankings are 11.3/8.8 L/100 km.
Competition
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s key competition comes from Germany’s BMW 5 Series and M5 models, and the Audi A6/S6/RS6.
Other competitive cars – in terms of luxury if not balls-to-the-wall performance potential – are the Volvo S90, the Cadillac CT5, the Acura TLX, and the Genesis G80.
