The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Has 16 Million Sales of History, and Somehow Still Feels Like an Afterthought
Both reviews note the same underlying tension: the E-Class name carries over 16 million sales and half a century of history, yet reviewers keep feeling this generation was designed as a smaller, cheaper S-Class first, and a genuinely distinct model second.
Illustration for editorial purposes
A Legend's Name, Playing a Supporting Role
Sitting directly beneath the S-Class comes with an obvious risk — feeling like the junior partner rather than its own car. Reviewers keep suggesting that's precisely where this generation lands, however capable it is in isolation.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Executive saloon (all-electric EQE sold alongside) |
|---|---|
| Engines | E200 (204bhp), E220d diesel, E300e PHEV, E53 AMG (612bhp) |
| PHEV electric range | Around 70 miles official |
| Drag coefficient | 0.23Cd |
| Optional suspension | AIRMATIC air suspension with rear-wheel steering |
Full Review Summary
Top Gear
Top Gear rated the passive suspension as genuinely good, though flagged the omission of air suspension at launch as a glaring miss since corrected via a £3,500 Refinement Package adding rear-wheel steering. They found the interior's triple-screen approach — including a front-passenger display for streaming video and video calls — genuinely overwhelming, arguing the sheer volume of tech and fiddly haptic steering wheel buttons work against the relaxed, comfort-focused character the car should have.
Carwow
Carwow praised the automatic driving-position setup, which adjusts the seat, wheel and headrest based on your height alone, and rated the optional air suspension as genuinely worth the money, making pockmarked city streets feel silky smooth. They found the plug-in hybrid's roughly 70-mile electric range genuinely useful for city driving and home charging, though noted boot space shrinks noticeably on hybrid versions versus the larger petrol and diesel models.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
The entry E200 and E220d get a 15mm lower sports suspension as standard, which reviewers found genuinely worse-riding than the plug-in hybrid's comfort-tuned setup.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E200 AMG Line | 2.0L 4-cyl mild-hybrid petrol, RWD | 204bhp | 9-speed automatic | Saloon, Estate | 7.0s |
| E220d AMG Line | 2.0L 4-cyl mild-hybrid diesel, RWD | 197bhp | 9-speed automatic | Saloon, Estate | 7.1s |
| E300e (PHEV) AMG Line Premium | 2.0L petrol + electric motor, RWD | 313bhp | 9-speed automatic | Saloon, Estate | 6.4s |
| E450d AWD Exclusive Premium | 3.0L 6-cyl mild-hybrid diesel, AWD | 367bhp | 9-speed automatic | Saloon, Estate | 4.8s |
Trim walk spans Urban Edition → AMG Line → AMG Line Premium → AMG Line Premium Plus → Exclusive Premium → Exclusive Premium Plus, alongside separate AMG-badged models. The PHEV's battery gives up to 70 miles of electric-only range. A broad exterior colour range is offered. Check Mercedes-Benz's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely comfortable ride, especially with optional air suspension
- Automatic height-based driving position setup
- Strong, usable plug-in hybrid electric range
- Spacious, practical cabin front and rear
Weak points
- Overwhelming amount of in-car technology and screens
- Fiddly haptic steering wheel buttons
- Air suspension isn't standard, adding real cost
- Smaller boot on hybrid versions
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want genuine Mercedes comfort and presence without the S-Class price tag, and who are willing to specify the Refinement Package for the best ride quality. The plug-in hybrid suits company car drivers specifically, while those wanting maximum boot space should stick with petrol or diesel.
Common Mercedes-Benz E-Class Parts & Costs
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Alternator
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Battery
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Brake Discs
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Brake Pads
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabin Air Filter
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Engine Mount
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Exhaust System
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Fog Lights
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Front Bumper
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Front Suspension
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Fuel Pump
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Grille
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Headlights
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Radiator
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rear Bumper
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rear Shock Absorber
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rear Springs
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Spark Plugs
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Tail Lights
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Timing Belt
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wing Mirror
More Mercedes-Benz Reviews
Watch the Reviews
Mercedes-Benz E-Class review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)