The Mercedes E-Class is a classic over-engineered German sedan, but that’s not a bad thing. What do you need to know before you buy an E-Class? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you everything right here in our Buyer’s Guide.
The Mercedes E-Class is like a traveling version of the Consumer Electronics Show. It’s got more gizmos and gadgets than you can shake a selfie stick at, and it’s a car that favors comfort over everything. It’s conservatively styled but in a handsome, sharp manner that only Mercedes Benz can pull off.
If you’re a fancy guy or girl who wears a suit to work and wants to sit in a fine, well-crafted and above all, comfortable mid-size sedan, the E-class is a good bet.
What’s New About The 2016 Mercedes E-Class
The current generation (fourth gen) Mercedes E-Class is on its way out the door. Around since the 2010 model year, the W212 E-Class brought tons of highly advanced tech and safety features to the segment. It offered Attention Assist, which prevented drivers from falling asleep at the wheel, Lane Keeping Assist, which helped keep the vehicle between the lines, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Night View Assist, and much more. When the W212 launched, it was at the very cutting edge of luxury and safety.
Of course, Mercedes hasn’t been resting on its laurels since the beginning of the decade. In 2011, Mercedes introduced the 3.0-liter diesel to form the E350 BlueTec trim. Also new that year were the wagon and convertible E-Class body styles.
In 2012, Mercedes updated its entire engine lineup sans the diesel, which carried over from the previous model year. That year also brought the return of the E63 AMG wagon.
Mercedes launched the E400 hybrid in 2013, boasting a 302 horsepower V6 engine mated to a 27 horsepower electric motor, for a total of 329 horsepower.
In 2014, Mercedes gave their luxury sedan a clean exterior refresh and a few tweaks to the interior. There’s also a new 2.1-liter turbodiesel under the hood of the new E250 Bluetec trim and a few more ponies in that AMG trim. The following year, 2015, saw the demise of the E550 sedan in favor of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6-powered E400.
This year’s 2016 E-Class no longer comes in E400 hybrid form and less powerful AMG trims go away, leaving only the high-horsepower AMG E63 S sedan and wagon.
Which One We’d Buy
The E-Class sedan comes in four main trims: E250 BlueTec, E350, E400 and AMG E63 S. The AMG comes standard with all-wheel drive while the other trims can all be optioned up to give power to all four wheels.
The E250 gets a 2.1-liter turbodiesel, the E350 gets a standard 3.5-liter V6, the E400 gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 and the AMG gets a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8.
The E350 and AMG E63 S can be had as wagons and the E400 and E550 can be had as coupes or convertibles.
But because we love wagons and POWER, and because there’s no more Cadillac CTS-V wagon, if it were us, we’d buy the AMG E63 S wagon. Yes, it costs over $105,000, but it’s a ridiculously luxurious and tech-filled car with 577 horsepower and a zero to 60 time of 3.6 seconds. As enthusiasts, it is our job to get behind that kind of lunacy, so that’s the one we’re choosing.
[Build Your Own E-Class Sedan] [Build Your Own E-Class Wagon]
Important Facts At A Glance:
MSRP: $52,650 - $101,700 Top Speed: 186 MPH [E63 AMG S]
Acceleration: ~3.5s to 60 [E63 AMG S Sedan]
MPG: 28 city/ 42 hwy / 33 combined [E250 Bluetec]
Engines: 2.1L turbodiesel, 3.5L V6 hybrid, 3.5L V6, 3.0L biturbo V6, 5.5L biturbo V8,
Max Horsepower/Torque: 577 hp/590 lb-ft [AMG E63 S]
Curb Weight: 3,825-4,619 pounds IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick +
Transmissions: 7-speed automatic
Drivetrain Layout: Front engine, RWD/AWD
Photo credit: Mercedes