Used 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

If ever there was a case of “something for everyone,” it can be found with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class midsize-luxury cars. Long considered the go-to car for successful people who desire quality, luxury and solidity, the E-Class doesn’t display the same flashy exterior and trendy styling commonly associated with BMW, Cadillac and Lexus cars. Stressing safety as a major selling point, MB equips every E-Class with its best safety and handling technology, as well as its most opulent luxury features and options. The E-Class’ sleek sheet metal lends itself well to the numerous model variations, while engine choices range from a modest 4-cylinder turbodiesel to the fire-breathing twin-turbo V8 in the AMG trim.

For 2015, Mercedes-Benz’s midsize E-Class luxury lineup offers an astounding seven engine choices spread over 10 possible body configurations including all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive (AWD, RWD) setups. While all the E-Class cars deliver solid performance and supreme luxury, each has its own unique personality. Take the E250 BlueTEC 4Matic, for example. Delivering up most of its ample torque in the low-rpm range, the E250 demonstrates excellent off-the-line acceleration from a surprisingly quiet and fuel-efficient powerplant. The new bi-turbo E400 is a pleasant alternative to having a big V8, although the E550 is still around, too. The ultimate expression of E-Class superiority can be found in the E63 AMG, whose 4Matic all-wheel-drive system lays up to 577 horsepower down to all four wheels. And while the E-Class may not feel as communicative as a BMW 5 Series or Cadillac CTS, its performance is still above par, serving up a controlled but relaxed driving style.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior offers profoundly comfortable seats, plenty of headroom and accommodating ergonomics all around. While wood trim is standard on most models, real leather isn’t – a surprising omission. At least the synthetic MB-Tex material plays a convincing stand-in. Upgraded dash materials and subtly restyled interior curves make the cabin of the E-Class feel a noticeable step above its predecessor, though it’s still a bit hard-edged when compared to the Cadillac CTS, Lexus GS 350 and Audi A6. The E-Class wagon utilizes a rear-facing 3rd-row seat to accommodate two additional passengers.

The E-Class for 2015 touts 4-lamp LED headlights set off the nose, which takes on a particularly aggressive form in the Sport version with a large Mercedes-Benz emblem on the grille. No one will ever accuse the E-Class of taking any huge risks design-wise, but for buyers looking for an easily identifiable yet low-key member of the Mercedes family, this premium sedan delivers enough attractive styling cues to make up for its otherwise uncharismatic visual presence. Two-door coupe and convertible models are roughly seven inches shorter than E-Class sedans, highlighted by the lack of a traditional B-pillar between the side windows.

SURROUND-VIEW CAMERA
If one camera is a good idea, four must be nothing short of brilliant. The E-Class’ bird’s-eye view of its surroundings makes parking so much easier. Part of the Parking Assist Package, the system also features a self-parking option.

THE S PACKAGE ON THE E63 AMG MODEL
If “E” stands for effort, the E63 AMG’s S Package is Mercedes-Benz’s best effort to date. Delivering a jaw-dropping 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, this is the E-Class at its finest, a true competitor to the world’s best performance machines.

While all E-Class models come standard with Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND multimedia system with Bluetooth, you’ll have to spring for navigation. The usual array of other standard items includes power-adjustable seats, power sunroof and dual-zone climate control, while the AMG models are graced with more luxurious bells and whistles like an active multicontour driver’s seat, and a buttery-soft Alcantara headliner.

While stand-alone items run the gamut from Keyless Go to rear side airbags, option packages make it easier to combine additional features. The Driver Assist package adds adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot and lane-keeping assist. The Premium package on certain models offers a rearview camera, navigation, satellite radio, heated and ventilated seats, and a harman/kardon Logic7 surround-sound system. Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is an option on all variants, except on the E63 (where it’s standard), and the E400 Hybrid (where it’s not available.) Cabriolet variants can be equipped with the wind-taming Aircap and the Airscarf neck-heating systems.

Mercedes-Benz offers a wide swath of powerplants in its E-Class cars, starting with the 2.1-liter, 195-horsepower 4-cylinder turbodiesel found in the E250 BlueTEC model. The E400 Hybrid model carries over with its 3.5-liter V6 mated to an electric motor that’s powered by a lithium-ion battery. The E400’s new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 produces 329 horsepower while the old E550’s 4.7-liter V8 yields 402 horsepower. The E63 AMG sits at the top of the E-Class food chain with its 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft output, which leap to 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque in the S-Model. All E-Class models are equipped with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, though the AMG models gain a multiclutch unit that’s better equipped for quick, sporty shifts.

E400 Hybrid
3.5-liter hybrid V6 + electric motor
Total system:
329 horsepower
457 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/29 mpg

E250 BlueTEC
2.1-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
195 horsepower @ 3,800 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-1,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/42 mpg (RWD), 27/38 mpg (AWD)

E350
3.5-liter V6
302 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD), 20/28 mpg (AWD)

E400
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
329 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD), 20/28 mpg (AWD)

E550
4.7-liter V8
402 horsepower @ 5,000-5,750 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg

E63 AMG 4Matic
5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
550 horsepower @ 5,250-5,750 rpm
531 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg

E63 AMG S 4Matic
5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
577 horsepower @ 5,550 rpm
590 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 mpg