The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic presents itself as a vehicle that tries to blend various automotive flavors into one cohesive package, much like someone mixing all the Slurpee flavors available. For those who appreciate a bit of everything, this model might seem initially appealing. However, a closer look reveals a more complex character. This review delves into the specifics of the 2013 E550 4Matic, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts in the English-speaking market.
Exterior Design: Understated Elegance Meets Sporty Aggression
Mercedes-Benz opted for a more angular and defined aesthetic direction for the E-Class during this period, contrasting with the increasingly curvy designs of its German rivals, Audi and BMW. The 2013 E550 embodies this philosophy with its three-box sedan shape, appealing to those who appreciate a classic and formal silhouette. It even retains the iconic hood ornament, a nod to Mercedes-Benz’s heritage. While the design is generally conservative, the E550 doesn’t completely shy away from visual flair.
The lower half of the E550’s exterior adopts a sportier persona. As all 2013 E550 models are designated as “sport” versions, they feature an aggressive lower front fascia with mesh inserts and eye-catching 18-inch “AMG twin 5-spoke” polished alloy wheels. A subtle decklid spoiler is available as an option, adding a touch more sportiness to the rear. This combination of understated elegance and sporty accents creates a somewhat paradoxical exterior, hinting at the mixed bag of characteristics within.
Interior Ambiance: Rectilinear Design with Premium Materials
Stepping inside the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550, you’re greeted by an interior design that mirrors the exterior’s rectilinear theme. The cabin is characterized by its clean lines and geometric shapes. High-quality materials are used throughout, and attention to detail is evident, contributing to an upscale feel. However, the overall ambiance leans more towards expensive than overtly luxurious.
For Mercedes-Benz traditionalists, the 2013 E550 retains some classic elements that were phased out in the subsequent 2014 model. These include a prominent analog clock in the instrument cluster and the traditional cruise control stalk, located where turn signals are typically found in many other vehicles. These features contribute to a familiar Mercedes-Benz experience for long-time enthusiasts.
The seats in the E-Class sedan, including the E550, are known for their firm cushioning, a characteristic that might be surprising for a luxury-oriented vehicle. Mercedes-Benz seems to prioritize support and posture over plushness. For added comfort, the “Active Multicontour Driver Seat w/Massage” is available as an option. This feature includes a lower back massage function and active side bolsters. While the massage function is relaxing, the active side bolsters, designed to keep the driver in place during cornering, can be overly aggressive even in low-speed maneuvers like parking. The system’s responsiveness could benefit from more refined programming to better discern driving contexts.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Powerful V8 with Mixed Responsiveness
Under the hood, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 boasts a significant powertrain upgrade compared to its predecessor. The previous 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V8 was replaced with a turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 engine. This new engine delivers increased output, producing 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, up from the previous 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet. Peak torque is theoretically available from just 1,800 rpm, promising strong low-end responsiveness.
However, in real-world driving, the initial engine response can feel somewhat underwhelming. Factors contributing to this include a less-than-eager throttle response and relatively tall gearing for the seven-speed automatic transmission. While the engine is undoubtedly potent, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under five seconds, it doesn’t immediately feel as punchy as the numbers might suggest. The E550’s power delivery seems more geared towards effortless autobahn cruising than spirited stoplight sprints.
The shift to a smaller, turbocharged engine was partly motivated by fuel economy improvements. EPA fuel economy ratings did see an increase, moving from 15 city and 23 highway mpg to 16 city and 26 highway mpg. Real-world suburban driving might yield around 20 mpg, which is respectable for a 4,400-pound, all-wheel-drive sedan with over 400 horsepower.
For the 2013 model year, all E550s come standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive is no longer an option. While 4Matic enhances traction and stability, it also slightly alters the driving dynamics. Despite the AWD system, it is still possible to provoke some rear-end playfulness in tighter corners before the electronic stability control intervenes firmly and swiftly. Notably, unlike some sport-oriented vehicles, the 2013 E550 does not offer a button to adjust or disable the stability control system.
Ride and Handling: Sporty Intentions, Less Engaging Execution
The “sport” designation of the 2013 E550 extends to its suspension setup, which is tuned for a firmer ride. In everyday driving, the chassis feels taut, conveying road surface information to the occupants. For those primarily seeking a plush and isolated luxury car ride, the E550’s suspension might be perceived as too firm.
However, when pushed harder in corners, the E550’s handling characteristics become less composed. Body motions can become somewhat uncontrolled, and understeer becomes noticeable. The stability control system actively intervenes to maintain composure, signaling that the E550 is not ideally suited for aggressive driving despite its sporty pretenses. While the car possesses ample power and capable brakes, it doesn’t encourage spirited driving in the same way as some competitors.
Comparisons to BMW’s 5-Series, particularly the 550i xDrive, are inevitable. While BMW has been criticized for softening the 5-Series over generations, the 550i xDrive generally offers more engaging steering and handling dynamics compared to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic. Ironically, some automotive publications have even suggested that Audi’s all-wheel-drive mid-size offerings deliver the most dynamically rewarding driving experience in the segment, despite their inherent front-biased weight distribution.
Value Proposition and Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Qualities
Despite being a Mercedes-Benz, the 2013 E550 4Matic is positioned competitively in terms of pricing compared to its German rivals. In its time, a similarly equipped BMW 550i xDrive could be around $3,000 more expensive, and an Audi S6 even pricier. This pricing strategy represented a shift in the traditional German luxury car hierarchy.
In conclusion, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic presents a blend of attributes that may not fully coalesce into a harmonious whole. It features a classic yet subtly sporty exterior, a premium but not overtly luxurious interior, a potent V8 engine with somewhat muted responsiveness, and a sporty-tuned chassis that doesn’t excel when pushed to its limits. While it offers the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand, solid build quality, advanced safety and convenience features, and a powerful engine, the less expensive and more fuel-efficient E350 might represent a more coherent and sensible choice for many buyers. The 2013 E550 4Matic, like a cup filled with every Slurpee flavor, offers variety, but may lack a distinct and focused character.
