The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands as a beacon of luxury and sophistication in the midsize car segment. Having undergone a significant refresh in 2021, this model continues to impress, earning accolades and remaining a top contender for discerning luxury car buyers. While narrowly missing out on the Edmunds Top Rated Luxury Sedan award this year to its redesigned sibling, the S-Class, the 2022 E-Class proves it’s still an exceptional vehicle worthy of serious consideration.
The E-Class lineup offers remarkable versatility, extending beyond the popular sedan to include coupe, convertible, and wagon variants. Each body style maintains the hallmark of a meticulously crafted interior, refined performance, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you prioritize exhilarating performance or state-of-the-art features, the 2022 E-Class offers a spectrum of personalization options to cater to individual preferences and budgets.
In a fiercely competitive market populated by rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Volvo S90, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class distinguishes itself with a unique blend of elegance, comfort, and innovation. Let’s delve into the comprehensive Edmunds Expert Rating to understand why the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues to set the benchmark in its class.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Deep Dive into the 2022 E-Class
Our Verdict: The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team rigorously evaluates vehicles weekly, combining objective track testing with real-world driving assessments across diverse conditions. This comprehensive approach culminates in the Edmunds Expert Ratings, based on over 30 criteria encompassing every facet of the automotive experience.
Great
8.4 / 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, building upon its 2021 refresh, solidly retains its position as a class leader. While not a radical departure from its predecessor, the updates enhance the already impressive package. The E-Class excels with its premium cabin, refined ride quality, and advanced driver assistance systems, all harmonizing in a beautifully designed and expertly engineered vehicle.
Rated by America’s best test team.
Performance: Effortless Power and Poise
8/10
Driving Dynamics: The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers a driving experience characterized by smoothness and composure. Its powertrain operates seamlessly, providing effortless acceleration and a refined demeanor. Testing the E 450 4Matic sedan at the Edmunds track revealed a 0-60 mph sprint of just 4.9 seconds, positioning it among the quickest in its segment. The all-wheel-drive system effectively channels power, contributing to a sporty feel, especially in Sport mode.
Steering and Handling: The steering, while lacking extensive feedback, is responsive and light, ensuring easy maneuverability in urban environments and parking scenarios. In cornering, the E-Class maintains its composure without sacrificing ride comfort.
Braking: One area for potential improvement is braking performance. While smooth in operation, Edmunds testing indicated longer panic 60-0 mph braking distances compared to some luxury competitors. Upgrading to performance tires could likely enhance braking capabilities significantly.
Comfort: A Sanctuary of Refinement
9/10
Ride Quality and Seating: The 2022 E-Class truly excels in delivering the quintessential luxury car experience: serene refinement. The seats offer substantial support and adjustability, though the cushioning is notably firm. Despite the firmness, long-distance comfort remains excellent. The ride quality is smooth and isolating, effectively minimizing road imperfections without feeling disconnected from the driving experience. The optional air suspension system is a worthwhile investment, further elevating the ride comfort.
Cabin Quietness: The E-Class cabin is remarkably quiet, effectively suppressing road and wind noise. The six-cylinder engine emits a subtle, pleasing growl under acceleration, maintaining a refined auditory profile. The mild-hybrid system ensures seamless engine stop-start operation at traffic lights, eliminating vibrations during engine transitions. The climate control system operates quietly and efficiently, with rear air vents enhancing passenger comfort.
Interior: A Blend of Modernity and Elegance
8/10
Design and Ergonomics: The interior of the refreshed E-Class retains the core design introduced in 2017, enhanced with subtle updates. It features Mercedes’ user-friendly MBUX infotainment system, controllable via a center console touchpad or an optional touchscreen. Most physical buttons are intuitively placed and easily understood.
Steering Wheel Controls: A notable change is the new steering wheel, which replaces traditional buttons with capacitive touch controls. While visually modern, these touch controls are less intuitive and require a learning curve compared to the previous physical buttons.
Driving Position and Visibility: Achieving an optimal driving position is effortless thanks to extensive seat and steering wheel adjustability. Controls and gauges are clearly visible and within easy reach. Forward visibility is good, although the narrow rear window emphasizes the value of the crisp backup camera.
Passenger Space: Front occupants enjoy ample space, but rear passenger space, particularly knee room, is slightly less generous compared to some competitors, which might be a consideration for taller passengers.
Technology: Leading-Edge Innovation
9/10
Infotainment System: The integration of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system elevates the 2022 E-Class to the forefront of in-car technology. MBUX represents a significant advancement over previous systems, boasting a comprehensive suite of features, user-friendly controls, and seamless device integration via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a dedicated smartphone app. The voice control system is genuinely useful and responsive.
Navigation and Audio: The navigation system is intuitive and effective, featuring an augmented reality overlay for turn-by-turn directions, enhancing guidance. The optional Burmester audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, appealing to audiophiles.
Driver Assistance Features: The E-Class is equipped with Mercedes’ latest driver assistance technologies. Adaptive cruise control maintains consistent following distances in traffic and adjusts speed smoothly. The system can proactively slow down for speed limit changes and curves. The primary drawback remains the somewhat cumbersome steering wheel controls for these systems.
Storage: Practicality with a Touch of Elegance
7.5/10
Trunk Space: The 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space in the E-Class sedan is relatively modest for the luxury midsize class, especially when compared to the more capacious BMW 5 Series. However, the trunk’s wide and tall dimensions optimize usability. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats enhance cargo versatility.
Interior Storage: Small-item storage within the cabin is well-considered. Unlike some luxury vehicles that compromise on storage, the E-Class provides a generously sized center console, door pockets, and glovebox. A wireless charging pad offers a dedicated space for smartphones.
Car Seat Accommodation: Installing car seats in the rear is generally straightforward, although larger car seats might present a tighter fit. Car seat anchors are easily accessible behind clearly marked plastic covers.
Fuel Economy: Efficiency and Performance Combined
8/10
MPG and Real-World Performance: The E 450 sedan achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, surpassing the fuel efficiency of its predecessor’s turbocharged V6 while matching the efficiency of the four-cylinder E 350 with all-wheel drive. This demonstrates a compelling balance of power and economy. Edmunds’ real-world mixed-driving evaluation yielded 27.1 mpg, suggesting that the EPA estimates are realistic and achievable in typical driving conditions.
Value: Premium Experience Justifies the Investment
8/10
Build Quality and Features: The exceptional build quality and attention to detail are immediately apparent in the 2022 E-Class. The paint finish and overall craftsmanship are superb. The cabin exudes luxury, with premium materials and tactile feedback in every interaction, from button clicks to air vent adjustments.
Warranty: The warranty coverage is a standard but not class-leading four-year/50,000-mile basic, powertrain, and rust warranty. While the basic and powertrain coverage is competitive, the rust warranty falls short of some rivals. Notably, Mercedes-Benz does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike some other luxury automakers.
Wildcard: Understated Luxury and Versatile Capability
9/10
Overall Impression: Subtlety defines the 2022 E-Class. Its exterior design is elegant without being ostentatious, and the interior is genuinely stunning. The E-Class embodies luxury and maintains its position as a benchmark in its class. It’s also engaging to drive, blending performance with comfort. The potent engine delivers effortless power, while the comfortable ride makes it ideal for cruising. When desired, the E-Class confidently handles more spirited driving on winding roads. It’s a true Q-ship – capable, comfortable, and quietly confident.
Image showcasing the Mercedes-Benz commitment to automotive innovation and design, relevant to the broader brand and E-Class positioning.
Edmunds Recommendation: The E 450 – The Sweet Spot
The E 450 emerges as the most compelling choice within the 2022 E-Class lineup. Its 362-horsepower engine provides a more suitable power level for a vehicle of this size compared to the E 350’s 255 hp. Furthermore, all-wheel drive comes standard on the E 450 sedan and wagon, enhancing all-weather capability. Among the available options, the Driver Assistance package is highly recommended, incorporating essential luxury car features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Compare 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class trim levels – Explore detailed trim comparisons for the 2022 E-Class.
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Models and Configurations
The 2022 E-Class offers a diverse range of body styles and trim levels to cater to varied preferences. Available body styles include sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon. The sedan accommodates five passengers, while the coupe and convertible seat four. The wagon variant uniquely includes rear-facing third-row seats, expanding seating capacity to seven, suitable for children. Trim levels comprise the E 350, E 450, and performance-oriented AMG E 53.
The base E 350 is exclusively offered as a sedan, while the E 450 extends across sedan, coupe, convertible (Cabriolet), and wagon body styles. The AMG E 53 is available in sedan, coupe, and convertible forms. Model designations reflect engine specifications, while standard features remain broadly consistent across trims.
E 350 Key Features:
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 hp, 273 lb-ft torque)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (AWD optional)
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Navigation system
- Wireless phone charger
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot warning
E 450 Key Upgrades (over E 350):
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (362 hp, 369 lb-ft)
- Rear-wheel drive (coupe and convertible; AWD optional)
- All-wheel drive (sedan and wagon)
AMG E 53 Performance and Luxury Enhancements:
- More powerful six-cylinder engine (429 hp, 384 lb-ft)
- Sport-tuned all-wheel drive
- Sport-tuned air suspension
- AMG exterior styling
- 19-inch wheels
- Surround-view camera system
- Heated steering wheel (coupe only)
- Burmester sound system
Optional Packages and Standalone Features:
- Air suspension
- Head-up display
- Augmented reality navigation
- Leather or premium leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Multi-contour front seats with massage
- Sport steering wheel (AMG models)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Soft-close doors
- Burmester 3D surround-sound system
- Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane keeping assist/system, blind-spot intervention)
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