History/Overview
German automakers have been eager to jump on the crossover bandwagon, but they haven’t forgotten fans of its more traditional models, like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The current fifth-generation E-Class was introduced in 2017 and revised last year with updated styling and new mild hybrid powertrains.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
This year, there are some new paint colours, and Mercedes has made minor changes to the E-Class’s options list. Last year’s top AMG E 63 model is gone.
Available Trims
The line starts with the E 350 sedan with a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder; the E 450 (sedan, All-Terrain wagon, coupe and convertible) uses a turbo mild hybrid inline-six, and AMG E 53 (sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible) gets the same setup but with more power.
All-wheel drive and a nine-speed transmission are standard in all models.
Standard Features
The entry-grade E 350 sedan comes with LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and ash wood dash trim. There are heated/power front seats, dual-zone automatic A/C, ambient lighting, a heated steering wheel, power-folding side mirrors, a power trunk, and artico upholstery.
The E 350 also comes with dual 12.3-inch gauge and infotainment displays, navigation, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth, and satellite radio.
E 350 safety gear includes blind spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, attention assist, and forward collision mitigation.
E 450 models get better brakes, rear cross-traffic alert, active park assist, and leather.
The AMG E53 brings sport-tuned brakes, exhaust, air suspension, transmission, and AWD systems; 19-inch wheels, metal weave and artico interior trim; and Nappa leather.
Key Options
A technology package adds multi-beam LED headlights, automatic high beams, head-up display, and the MBUX interior assistant.
A premium package brings Burmester audio, hands-free trunk, passive keyless, 360-degree cameras, heated front armrests, and heated rear seats. In the E 53, this group also gets ventilated front seats.
An intelligent drive bundle brings adaptive cruise; active/evasive steering assists; active blind spot, lane keeping and lane change alerts and assists; congestion emergency braking; speed adaptation, and 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 11.2/8.2 L/100 km (city/highway), and the E 450 sedan’s rankings are 10.5/7.9. The AMG E 53 sedan is rated for 11.3/8.3 L/100 km (city/highway).
For E 450 All-Terrain wagon models, estimates are 11.0/8.3 L/100 km (city/highway).
The E 450 coupe’s estimates are 11.0/8.0 L/100 km (city/highway), and the convertible’s ratings are 11.2/8.4 L/100 km.
Finally, the AMG E 53 coupe is rated at 11.7/8.4 L/100 km (city/highway), and the convertible’s rankings are 12.0/8.9 L/100 km.
Competition
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s key competition comes from Germany’s BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 models.
Other competitors are the Volvo S90, Cadillac CT5, Acura TLX, and Genesis G80.
