Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The redesigned E-Class midsized luxury sedan coddles occupants with a comfortable ride and quiet cabin, yet its agile handling makes this stately sedan fun to drive. The base turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the E350 we tested gets a mild-hybrid system that returned a commendable 28 mpg overall. Other than an annoying initial delay of power caused by the engine stop/start system, we found this to be a strong and polished powertrain. A more powerful turbo six-cylinder comes in the E450 4Matic model. Both are mated to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The swanky cabin is swathed in stitched leather, muted chrome, and matte-finish wood. The front seats are comfortable and the rear seat offers decent room for two adults. Most controls remain complicated and distracting, however; even simple tasks, such as adjusting the audio volume via touch-capacitive sliders, are a chore. A plug-in hybrid and All Terrain wagon version are new for 2025.

The redesigned E-Class delivers nimbler handling and better fuel economy than the previous generation. On the other hand, it dials back on ride comfort, interior room, and user-friendliness. The E300's 241-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is linked to a nine-speed automatic. This combination works well, but it won't set your heart on fire. Then again, we got a commendable 24 mpg overall. The car is quiet and handles with newfound agility. Though the ride is comfortable, it lost some plushness. Inside, the dash features high-resolution displays, but the controls have grown more complicated. Even adjusting the seat's lumbar support is a multistep process done through the central controller and screen. New technology gives the E-Class the ability to follow the road and steer itself temporarily as a driver-assist feature. Changes for 2018 include new coupe and convertible body styles, powered by a 329-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 hooked up to a nine-speed automatic. An E400 sedan also joins the line with the same powertrain as the new coupe and convertible. Finally, a fire-breathing AMG E63 S wagon and sedan are new, and get a 603-hp 4.0-liter V8 turbo. For 2019 the V6-powered version becomes E450. An E53 gets a mild hybrid setup with a straight six-cylinder engine. Changes for 2020 include a new name for the entry-level model, now called E350 instead of E300, and a boost in horsepower – now 255 hp. Also, blind spot warning is standard on all trims. 2022 models get a freshening with new tail lights and standard adaptive high-beam assist.

Redesigned for 1996, the E-Class sedan and wagon offer precise handling, effortless performance, and an excellent ride. In fact, the E320 4Matic (AWD) wagon is one of the best vehicles we've tested. Acceleration is spirited and fuel economy respectable. The seats are very comfortable. Engine choices over the years include a 3.2-liter V6, 4.2- and 4.3-liter V8s, an inline-6 turbodiesel, and a high-performance 5.5-liter V8. All are mated to a smooth five-speed automatic transmission.