Test Drive - Mercedes-Benz E-class

The history of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class stretches back several decades, with its roots tracing back to 1953 when the W120 model made its debut. Over the years, the E-Class has firmly established itself as one of the brand’s most innovative lineups. Interestingly, its name originates from a significant technological breakthrough—fuel injection technology (or "Einspritzmotor" in German), which was first introduced in this series. However, the official "E-Class" designation only appeared in 1984 with the release of the W124 model. Before that, another defining feature made its mark—twin headlights, a design element that became iconic. Subsequent generations, including the W211, W212, and W213, further enhanced safety features, introduced hybrid technology, and refined the overall design, reflecting not just Mercedes-Benz’s progress but the continuous evolution of the automotive industry in terms of performance, comfort, and safety.

In 2023, the launch of the W214 continued this tradition while integrating an even stronger focus on environmental consciousness and digital innovation. This model represents a natural evolution of the E-Class, incorporating electrification alongside state-of-the-art digital solutions, all while maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s reputation as a leading luxury vehicle manufacturer.

The exterior design of the new E-Class leans toward evolution rather than revolution, reflecting the timeless aesthetic language of the brand while integrating modern aerodynamic elements. It retains the classic sedan proportions, featuring an elongated hood, a slightly rearward-positioned cabin, and a short rear overhang. With each generation, the model has grown in size, now measuring 4.95 meters in length. The wheelbase has also been extended by 2 centimeters, improving legroom for rear passengers and further enhancing overall spaciousness and elegance.

Today, aerodynamics play a crucial role in automotive efficiency, making them one of the key areas for potential fuel savings. As a result, the latest E-Class was designed with an emphasis on streamlined contours. Sleek side profiles and retractable door handles—automatically extending when the key is detected—help reduce drag, contributing to an impressively low drag coefficient of just 0.23. This refined design is not only aesthetically appealing but also enhances fuel efficiency and minimizes cabin noise while driving.

At the front, the new E-Class features a grille design that visually connects it to Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric EQ models. The daytime running lights incorporate twin LED elements, paying subtle homage to the brand’s historic twin-headlight design—though this signature feature disappeared with the previous generation. The rear taillights, featuring four distinct lighting elements, are designed to symbolize the iconic Mercedes-Benz star, reinforcing the brand’s identity.

The E-Class headlights are equipped with an intelligent lighting system that adapts to driving conditions, enhancing both visibility and safety. The rear LED taillights react instantly when braking, further improving road safety by reducing reaction times for following vehicles.

Inside, the cabin embodies both luxury and technological advancement. The seats, designed with meticulous attention to comfort and support, are particularly impressive for long-distance travel. Upholstered in soft yet durable leather, they not only provide a plush feel but also exude an unmistakable sense of luxury. The front seats stand out with multiple adjustment options, memory functions, and even a built-in massage feature, ensuring supreme relaxation on the road.

One of the E-Class’s key selling points is its spaciousness. The generously designed passenger cabin ensures ample legroom in both the front and rear, a direct benefit of the model’s increased dimensions. This makes the E-Class an ideal choice for long journeys, where passenger comfort is of utmost importance.

The interior is finished with only the highest-quality materials, ranging from supple leather to elegantly crafted wood and metallic accents, creating an atmosphere of refined sophistication.

A standout technological highlight of the new E-Class is the latest evolution of the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a large, intuitive touchscreen that grants access to an ever-expanding suite of entertainment and navigation functions. The premium sound system delivers crystal-clear audio, enhancing the overall in-car experience. In a rather amusing nod to European regulations, Mercedes-Benz has included a simple, easily accessible touch-sensitive button at the top of the screen that allows drivers to disable speed warnings—eliminating the need to navigate through complex menus, unlike in many other vehicles. One might wonder: what’s truly safer in traffic—one quick tap or multiple distractions while fumbling through digital settings?

Further elevating comfort, the E-Class boasts an advanced climate control and air purification system, ensuring optimal cabin temperature and clean air quality throughout the year.

Safety remains a top priority in this model, with an extensive suite of driver-assistance features. Among the most crucial is Active Brake Assist, which utilizes sensors and cameras to monitor the surroundings, detecting potential collisions and applying automatic braking if necessary to either prevent accidents or minimize their impact.

The E-Class is also equipped with a modern lane departure warning system, which not only alerts the driver when the vehicle drifts from its lane but can also make minor steering corrections to keep it on course. Over the years, this technology has evolved into an increasingly sophisticated system that can practically keep the car centered in its lane—though, of course, the driver is still required for accountability should anything go awry.

Additional safety features include blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert systems, ensuring that every possible precaution is taken to protect passengers. The vehicle's structure incorporates high-strength steel elements, balancing safety with weight efficiency. Furthermore, the intelligent airbag system deploys based on the severity of the collision and the positioning of passengers, while side curtain airbags extend all the way to the C-pillar—though, thankfully, real-life testing of this feature wasn’t required.

The E-Class engine lineup is primarily centered around 2.0-liter powertrains, all of which operate in conjunction with electric motors, with some featuring mild hybrid technology.

A noteworthy new addition is the plug-in hybrid diesel variant, the 300 de, available in both rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations. The tested model featured all-wheel drive, pairing a 194-horsepower internal combustion engine with a 129-horsepower electric motor, generating a combined torque of 700 Nm, managed by a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

In urban driving, this version excels at energy recuperation, often running on electric power alone, with the internal combustion engine activating surprisingly infrequently. As with any hybrid, official fuel consumption figures are somewhat irrelevant, as real-world efficiency depends heavily on driving style, location, and numerous other factors—not to mention the vehicle’s substantial 2.5-ton weight.

Steering feedback in the E-Class finds a balanced middle ground—light but not overly so. The ride is further refined by AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-wheel steering with a turning angle of up to 4.5 degrees. The latter proves particularly useful in slippery conditions, enhancing control and stability.

However, due to the hybrid battery’s placement, the plug-in hybrid E-Class estate version offers 155 liters less cargo space than the standard model, resulting in a total capacity of 460 liters. The rear seats fold down in a 40/20/40 split, though they don’t create a completely flat surface. Nevertheless, cargo management is made convenient by an automatically retracting luggage cover when the tailgate is opened, along with securing hooks in the side walls for easy organization.

Pricing for the new E-Class starts at just under €69,000 and extends to around €80,000, with the top-tier V6 gasoline model exceeding €85,000. And, of course, there’s an extensive list of optional extras that allow buyers to further customize their vehicle to their specific needs—and budgets.

Superb noise insulation, a 21-speaker high-fidelity audio system, ambient lighting, plush suspension, and a plug-in hybrid system capable of recharging in just 30 minutes—all these elements come together to create an E-Class that is more refined than ever. For those in the market for a premium executive sedan, this model undoubtedly deserves a closer look.