2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Change Vehicle

Unlock Ratings
Like its bookend siblings -- the compact C-Class and flagship S-Class -- the E-Class embraces the same curvaceous design language that brings it into line with the current family theme. With its redesign, this iconic sedan remains competitive, but Mercedes-Benz shifts the focus of the E-Class toward handling agility and fuel economy, with less emphasis on ride comfort and roominess.
Alerts
There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2019
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Emissions
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
2007
NA
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS standard. Rear side and head protection air bags standard from 2000. ESC standard from 2000.
Road Test

Like its bookend siblings -- the compact C-Class and flagship S-Class -- the E-Class embraces the same curvaceous design language that brings it into line with the current family theme. With its redesign, this iconic sedan remains competitive, but Mercedes-Benz shifts the focus of the E-Class toward handling agility and fuel economy, with less emphasis on ride comfort and roominess. Unfortunately, it also adopts some of the least intuitive controls known in the car world.

The E300 is the volume leader of the E-Class line. Previous generations of the E-Class used a V6, but this version is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The lower cylinder count brings some sacrifice in outright acceleration, but car seldom suffers from any shortness of pace. Fuel economy gains are considerable, with the E300 attaining 24 mpg overall -- a commendable result for an all-wheel-drive sedan of this size.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD , Rear
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
wagon
convertible
coupe
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 9-speed Automatic
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (241 hp)
  • 3-liter 6 turbo (429 hp)
  • 3-liter V6 turbo (362 hp)
  • 4-liter V8 turbo (603 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Apple CarPlay

"They just seem unable to get CarPlay to work seamlessly with the car. we've asked a couple of times and kind of just got a "that's how it is" which is disappointing when you spend this much on a car."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Display screen freezes up

"unit stopped functioning."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 3.0-L V6 turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Problem started on drive home (Ontario, Canada) from Florida in March 2020. Due to Covid19 I am unable to visit dealership as yet."

Anonymous, ON (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Steering wheel controls

"controls confusing/buttons too small"

Anonymous, WI (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 S 4.0-L V8 turbo)
Voice control commands

"voice control doesn't recognize commands at all times"

Anonymous, WI (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 S 4.0-L V8 turbo)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"Driver's door rattles over bumps. Dealer fixed the issue but will monitor."

Anonymous, DE (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 3.0-L V6 turbo)

"Intermittant vibrational rattle on certain road surfaces at higher speeds. Too inconsistent to bring to the dealer"

Anonymous, FL (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Body control module

"When I picked up the car the easy entry and exit worked . A week later the seat only went forward and upon exiting you had to manually get the seat back. Dealership had the car at least 5 times to fix the problem. They replaced the door, steering wheel and seat sensors . The easy entry and exit only worked sporadically . Dealership said they couldn't fix it and to contact mb headquarters. Got the run around because they said dealership supposed to contact them not buyer. Dealership said it's a problem customers who bought 2019 car have and are complaining about it. To fix the problem they set seat number 3 to push to go back to exit car. Easy entry and exit not supposed to work like that but they have no other solution . Called owner of dealership to complain about no solution but he never returned our calls. Wrote him emails just asking to discuss problem but never heard from him. Asked sales people and his secretary to please ask him to call us but he hasn't . Meanwhile service dept apologized that they can't fix it and thanked us for our patience for having our car in service so much and being understanding. But we are very disappointed in mb customer service at their headquarters and the owner of the dealership we got the car from. The service drop said easy entry should work and it's an electrical or engineering problem and only mb Germany can fix it. Very disappointing to say the least because it did work correctly for the first week we had it. They should be able to have it work correctly again ."

Anonymous, (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300 Unsure)
Interior lights

"Backlight for passenger heated seat is out and needs to be repaired."

Anonymous, DE (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"Drivers door wouldn't stay open when exiting. As you exited, it would start closing on you."

Anonymous, SC (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Blower (fan) motor

"at random times the climate system is just on full blast, even though it's not set to auto. and it won't turn down right away."

Anonymous, CA (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

4WD/AWD components

"There is an occasional clunk when pulling away from stop. There is a continuing whine between 55-50 mph when coasting. MB say this is normal after almost at my local dealer. Sounds like a worn differential."

Anonymous, FL (2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E450 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

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