Used 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

This is a transition year for the E-Class that introduces several all-new iterations to the lineup and sees others depart. Totally recast, the 10th-generation Sedan plus its late-arriving E43 AMG 4-door and new Wagon siblings become the most innovative, tech-rich models ever offered, while the Coupe and Cabriolet (detailed here) remain unchanged awaiting a similar transformation due for the 2018 model year. Beyond more sophisticated styling, the 2017 Sedan and Wagon boast a stronger, lighter and slightly larger platform, next-gen interior packaging plus the most advanced selection of safety systems and semi-autonomous driver assists available on any M-B. The recast E-Class has become an even more formidable rival to key midsize-luxo players like the Audi A5/A6, BMW 4 Series/5 Series, Cadillac CTS and Lexus GS.

The 2017 E-Class is a different-strokes-for-different-folks proposition. While the Coupe and Cabriolet still deliver a sportier albeit more conventional take on the line, the all-new Sedan and upcoming Wagon — which like the hot E43 AMG Sedan arrive in early 2017 — represent even more sophisticated and practical alternatives with chassis refinements that further leverage their dynamic capabilities. There simply is no bad choice here. The E-Class 2-doors feature a potent twin-turbo V6 (E400) — also fitted to the new Wagon — plus an even more formidable twin-turbo V8 (E550) while the automaker’s 4-cylinder turbo gives the new and lighter E300 Sedan more than sufficient snap to keep pace with traffic in town or on the freeway, whether in rear-drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive (RWD, AWD). The 4Matic-only E400 Wagon ratchets that quickness up a notch. And with 67 more horses under hood, the performance-focused E43 AMG 4Matic Sedan is both fast and fun.

The passenger compartment of the 2017 E-Class also shows a similar split personality, with the 5-passenger Sedan and 7-passenger Wagon raising the quietness, comfort and overall accommodating ambiance of the 4-place Coupe and Cabrio to a discernably higher plane. Although this next-gen take is set off with style cues echoing those found in the flagship S-Class, leather — now standard on the 2-door models — still remains an option here. Beyond a more organic character, the cabin recasting nets upgraded front buckets, a 40/20/40-split-folding 2nd-row bench, more user-friendly controls/control layouts, a 12.3-inch center display screen and Comand infotainment/hard-drive navigation with touch pad.

While the 2-door E-Class models stand tastefully pat in their current wrappers, the Sedan and Wagon receive full restyles that bring each more into line with the sleeker-looking S-Class and C-Class. Their more expressive body contours and fascia designs add head-turning appeal, abetted by a longer hood and shorter overhangs. The remake also expands both track and wheelbase — the latter dimension by a substantial 2.6 inches – bolstering their stance while enhancing packaging and dynamics. As in the past, E-Class models offer no-cost Sport and Luxury Package trims, each featuring a unique grille/front fascia and detail treatments.

DRIVE PILOT
Part of the Premium 3/Driver Assistance Package on the Sedan and Wagon, the Drive Pilot suite of assists blends radar-based Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping Steering Pilot that keeps the vehicle centered even in a corner, and Speed Limit Pilot that reads and responds to posted signage to provide semi-autonomous capability.

AIR BODY CONTROL SUSPENSION
A new option on the 2017 E-Class Sedan and Wagon, this multi-chamber adaptive air-suspension setup also includes automatic 4-wheel leveling and ride-height adjustments. It allows the driver to fine-tune the chassis feel to any of three different levels by using the Dynamic Select control that’s standard on all E-Class models.

The well-appointed E-Class cadre all complement real-wood accent trim, dual-zone climate control, power tilt/telescoping steering column, power front seats and basic mbrace Connect Mobile App services with ancillary touches like rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth, SmartKey remote locking, ambient cabin lighting and fuel-saving Eco Start/Stop. The Coupe and Cabriolet also get real leather seating surfaces in place of M-B Tex. Depending on model, the comprehensive basic safety features including adaptive braking technology, and Pre-Safe systems are supplemented by seven or nine airbags. The Sedan and Wagon also add new Pre-Safe Sound that helps reduce potential hearing loss resulting from loud impact noises.

The E-Class extras roster also is somewhat model-dependent for 2017. All versions offer M-B’s classic designo premium cabin appointments including supple Nappa leather upholstery, but only the new Sedan and Wagon can be upfitted with an available 12.3-inch reconfigurable main instrument cluster, 1,450-watt Burmester audio system and a cabin-quieting Acoustic Comfort Package. While Premium 1, Premium 2 and Premium 3 Packages that bring increasingly elevated levels of luxury and driver-assist/safety features also are available across the board, several Premium 3 features including semi-autonomous Drive Pilot, Car-to-X connectivity and a Head-up Display are exclusive to the redesigned Sedan and Wagon range.

Despite the demise of the turbodiesel-4 and twin-turbo AMG V8, the 2017 E-Class offers a broad selection of powertrains. However, for the time being, some are model-specific. The new E300/E300 4Matic Sedan arrives with M-B’s potent and torque-rich 2.0-liter/241-horsepower turbo-4, while the 3.0-liter/329-horsepower twin-turbo V6 fitted to the 2017 E400 4Matic Wagon also carries over in the E400 Coupe and RWD-only E400 Cabriolet variants. The Sedan and Wagon feature M-B’s more efficient 9-speed automatic transmission, but both 2-door models retain the existing 7-speed unit. The Coupe and Convertible continue in RWD-only E550 guise with a 402-horsepower twin-turbo V8, while the sole 2017 AMG-spec E-Class, the new E43 4Matic Sedan, matches its superbly responsive 396-horsepower/3.0-liter biturbo V6 with an AMG-tweaked sport version of the 9-speed automatic.

E300/E300 4Matic Sedan
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
241 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (RWD), 22/29 mpg (AWD)

E400/E400 4Matic Coupe/Convertible and E400 4Matic Wagon
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
329 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
354 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500-5,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (RWD, 7-speed automatic), 20/28 mpg (AWD, 7-speed automatic), 19/25 mpg (AWD, 9-speed automatic)

E43 AMG 4Matic Sedan
3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6
396 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
386 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 mpg

E550 Coupe/Convertible
4.7-liter twin-turbo V8
402 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
443 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/26 mpg

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.