Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review: Redefining Luxury in 2024

What truly signifies luxury in a modern vehicle? Is it the sheer volume of technology crammed inside, perhaps a dedicated screen for passenger entertainment? Or maybe it’s the embrace of supremely comfortable seats and imposing, large wheels? The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic certainly checks all these boxes, boasting features often found in vehicles at half its $83,400 as-tested price. After spending a week traversing the scenic Pacific Northwest with this sedan, the essence of luxury became clear: it’s about an incredibly comfortable ride, one so smooth it can alleviate motion sickness. This level of comfort is a rare and invaluable feature.

The 2024 E-Class Lineup: Models and Specs

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been completely redesigned for 2024, presenting two main models: the E350, starting at $63,450, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, and the E450, beginning at $69,250, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Both models feature all-wheel drive, a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. However, the power difference is significant: the E350 delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the E450 offers a more robust 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

My test vehicle was the E350, though its appearance suggested a higher trim level, bordering on the AMG line in terms of price and aesthetics. The optional 21-inch wheels alone added $3,050 to the total cost. Despite being the base model, the E350, when fitted with such large wheels, projects a presence that belies its entry-level status.

Adam Ismail

Aesthetically, the E-Class’s exterior design is subtly appealing. The smoothed, pebble-like design language Mercedes has adopted in recent years is tasteful and refined. It provides a welcome contrast to the more polarizing designs emerging from competitors. The repeating Silver Arrows graphic within the LED taillights is a distinctive and elegant detail.

Stepping inside the E350 reveals an interior that truly impresses. The continuous vent design that wraps around the dashboard edges is reminiscent of the Maserati 4200GT’s brake lights, creating a sense of sophisticated continuity. Beyond aesthetics, the interior is also highly functional. The silver “fabric” (actually plastic) accents beautifully complement the rich Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery. Moving away from the ubiquitous piano black and carbon fiber, the resurgence of silver accents is a refreshing nod to the design trends of the 2000s.

Driving Comfort and Performance of the E350

A luxury sedan like the E350 must excel in two key areas: effortlessly covering long distances and providing exceptional passenger comfort. During my extensive 1,000-mile journey from Seattle through the Olympic Peninsula and down the Oregon coast, the E350 proved to be an ideal companion. The 255 horsepower engine, enhanced by the mild hybrid system’s instant torque, is more than adequate for a sedan of this size and weight (approximately 4,200 pounds and 195 inches long). While the more powerful three-liter engine in the E450 is tempting, the E350’s performance is genuinely sufficient for most drivers.

The brake pedal feel might be considered slightly soft, but this characteristic aligns with the overall comfort-focused design of the car. The E-Class truly distinguishes itself with its ride comfort. It’s surprisingly maneuverable in urban settings, thanks to a responsive steering rack and optional rear-wheel steering. However, its defining trait is the ability to navigate winding roads without disturbing passenger comfort.

Motion sickness is a significant concern for some passengers, and the E350 addresses this remarkably well. My partner, who typically experiences motion sickness in almost every car, remained comfortable throughout our Pacific Northwest road trip, despite the often twisty and undulating roads. The optional Airmatic suspension, featuring four-wheel level control and active damping ($3,200 extra), effectively neutralized motion sickness. This advanced suspension system functions like high-tech motion sickness medication, a testament to the E-Class’s superior ride quality.

Highlights and Drawbacks of the 2024 E-Class

The Airmatic suspension is undoubtedly a standout feature of the E350, but it’s not the only strength. The engine’s automatic stop-start system is exceptionally refined, operating so smoothly and quietly that it’s often imperceptible until the climate control vents subtly indicate its activation.

The optional Burmester 4D audio system ($1,030 as a standalone option or $3,400 within the Pinnacle Trim) is another highlight. Its 17 speakers deliver exceptional clarity and depth, handling both nuanced musical details and powerful bass with equal fidelity. Mercedes has integrated subwoofers into the car’s structure, effectively turning the cabin into a concert hall. Practicality is also a strong point, with a trunk that easily accommodated luggage and generous rear passenger legroom.

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However, the new E-Class is not without its shortcomings, primarily in the realm of technology and infotainment. Like many modern vehicles in this class, most functions, including climate controls, are accessed through the touchscreen. While the MBUX interface is advanced, critical functions like temperature adjustments could be more readily accessible with fewer touchscreen interactions.

The voice assistant, despite the MBUX platform’s sophistication, utilizes a somewhat robotic voice, reminiscent of Microsoft Sam. This can make the system’s occasional unsolicited interjections feel somewhat jarring and less premium.

The steering wheel controls, a mix of physical presses and capacitive swipes, are not the most intuitive. While not as problematic as some systems, they lack the tactile precision of traditional buttons and scroll wheels, which seem more appropriate for a vehicle in this price range. The same applies to the capacitive seat adjustment controls.

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Furthermore, the lane keep assist system is overly sensitive, reacting with abrupt steering corrections rather than gentle guidance. This feature proved too intrusive and was quickly disabled during mountain driving. The optional $1,500 MBUX “Superscreen,” adding a passenger display, feels unnecessary and detracts from the dashboard’s aesthetic, especially considering it largely mirrors smartphone or tablet functionality.

E-Class Features, Options, and Market Rivals

A fully optioned E350, like the test vehicle, can easily add close to $20,000 to the base price. While this is a significant increase, understanding where these costs originate allows for strategic option selection.

Optional features such as the $3,050 21-inch wheels, the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package, and the $990 “Digital Lights” contribute substantially to the price. Skipping the passenger Superscreen not only saves money but also preserves the cleaner, more luxurious dashboard design.

Adam Ismail

For optimal value, retaining the base engine is advisable, as it provides ample power and good fuel economy. Prioritizing the $3,200 Airmatic suspension and the $1,030 Burmester sound system significantly enhances the driving experience. These key options, combined with thoughtful choices in trim and color, allow for a well-equipped and luxurious E-Class without reaching the highest price points. Choosing natural brown maple wood trim, for example, offers a richer aesthetic than superfluous tech features.

The primary competitor to the E350 is the BMW 530i. While the base 530i is rear-wheel drive and slightly less expensive at $58,895 (delivered), opting for all-wheel drive brings the price to $61,195. Performance figures are closely matched between the two. The Audi A6, starting at $59,790 with all-wheel drive, offers slightly more horsepower but less torque. However, the current A6 generation is aging. The Genesis G80 presents a compelling value proposition, starting at $56,300 and offering 300 horsepower as standard.

Fuel Efficiency of the E350

The EPA fuel economy ratings for the E350 are 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, figures that proved accurate in real-world driving. My testing yielded 31-32 mpg on predominantly highway drives. The 17.4-gallon fuel tank provides a substantial range of approximately 480 miles on a full tank of premium 91 octane gasoline.

EPA fueleconomy.gov

Compared to its rivals, the E350’s fuel economy is competitive within the midsize luxury sedan segment. Only the BMW 530i xDrive marginally surpasses it with a 27 city and 35 highway mpg rating.

Final Verdict: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Value Proposition

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E350 effectively delivers on its promise of a comfortable and refined long-distance sedan. In a market with a shrinking selection of sedans, the E-Class distinguishes itself through its exceptional ride quality. While a fully loaded E350 approaches the mid-$80,000 range and may not scream outright value, a more judiciously optioned model, prioritizing comfort-enhancing features like the Airmatic suspension, offers a compelling luxury experience. Ultimately, the E-Class prioritizes and delivers on comfort, a quality that is truly priceless, especially for those seeking a serene and motion-sickness-free ride.

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