Used 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Fitting comfortably between the smaller C-Class and full-size S-Class, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the company’s well-regarded midsize-luxury model. The robust E-Class lineup consists of a stylish sedan, sporty coupe, open-air cabriolet and versatile wagon. Although a bit more expensive than rivals like the Lexus GS, Audi A6 and Infiniti Q70, the E-Class provides a more complete lineup and offers a level of sophistication, safety and engineering many feel is worth the extra cost. Not as driver-oriented as the BMW 5 Series, the E-Class strikes a nice balance between performance and comfort, although for those looking for a more aggressive ride, Mercedes-Benz does build a series of E-Class AMG variants (reviewed separately).

With four different forms and several engines to choose from (including the AMG performance models), the 2019 E-Class remains a different-strokes-for-different-folks proposition.

For the sedan, most buyers will be perfectly fine with the E300 model, which uses a turbocharged 4-cylinder that has enough power to scoot this executive sedan to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. That’s not quite as fast as BMW’s 530i, but it’s hardly shabby. Still, if you want appreciably more oomph, we recommend the new E450. Using an improved twin-turbo V6 that also serves in the wagon, coupe and convertible E-Class, we expect the sedan to shave at least a second off that benchmark acceleration time and to have more in reserve for high-speed passing.

A Sport mode is available in the Dynamic Select drive program, but the standard E-Class shouldn’t be confused with a sports sedan. It is far happier as a comfortable cruiser than a tarmac-shredder. If that’s what you’re looking for, check out the Mercedes-AMG variants, higher-performance BMW 5 Series, or an Audi S6.

The E-Class’ engines are paired to a refined 9-speed automatic transmission. With their standard lowered suspension and selective-damping system (optional on the sedan and wagon), the E-Class coupe and cabriolet are sportier but remain on the plusher end of the performance-comfort spectrum. Alternately, for those seeking an even cushier ride, the sedan and wagon are available with a comfort suspension option.

The latest E-Class sedan, coupe and wagon borrow heavily from the latest S-Class interior styling treatment, which is in every way a major advantage. The dash can be configured to accommodate two 12.3-inch screens that essentially turn the instrument cluster and infotainment system into a giant flat-screen TV, virtually replicating an analog speedometer and tach, as well as providing bright graphic displays for the audio, navigation, phone and climate system. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz has left the most pertinent controls in the hands of the driver via a set of hard buttons and rotary knobs. The new 3-spoke steering wheel now incorporates all the controls related to the driver-assist systems, meaning the driver never has to remove his hands from the steering wheel. Coupe and cabriolet models provide accommodations for two in the rear seat, while the wagon retains its 7-passenger capacity.

With the latest revamp complete, the 2019 E-Class sedan and wagon look fresh but familiar. We like the understated nature of this German luxury car, and think its design will hold up well into the future. If you’re looking for massive grilles and head-turning flair, you’ll probably want to shop elsewhere. But most E-Class buyers appreciate substance as much as style. The 2-door coupe and convertible are naturally sportier with their lower height and slightly shorter length. The E-Class convertible uses a power-folding fabric top (available in four colors), while the E-Class coupe continues to stand out as one of the few new cars available with no B-pillar between the front and rear windows. When both windows are down, it creates a large opening to let the outside in, not to mention a dramatic look.

SEMI-AUTONOMOUS DRIVE MODES
The latest E-Class moves ever closer to the goal of autonomous driving, offering numerous driver-assist and collision-avoidance features ranging from course-correcting steering to maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead. The E-Class can even steer through a corner or take evasive action if the car senses an impending collision.

BURMESTER AUDIO
The Burmester audio option in the 2019 E-Class doesn’t come cheap, but once you experience its rich bass, crystal-clear highs and impressive distortion-free high volume setting, it will be hard to go back to anything else.

At just under $55,000, the E300 sedan comes nicely equipped with power front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12.3-inch infotainment display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights and taillights, a power sunroof, navigation, five years of mbrace Connect services and Bluetooth. Leather is standard in the coupe and convertible, but the sedan and wagon use synthetic leather with the option to upgrade to the real thing. On the safety front, the E-Class includes automatic emergency braking, Crosswind Assist and the Car-to-X system that allows the E-Class to communicate with similarly equipped cars.

Oh, the choices you have and the features with which you can bless your new E-Class. Want front seats that cool your bottom or massage your back? They’re available. From a heated wood steering wheel to a choice of Burmester audio systems (see Favorite Features), in-cabin fragrance system, panoramic roof to soft-close doors, the options list is long and tempting.

The E-Class can be made significantly more intelligent with semi-autonomous driving features such as active cruise control, active steering assist (which helps keeps you in lanes) and even an active blind-spot system that not only monitors for vehicles you can’t see, but can keep you from colliding by braking individual wheels. Other tech offerings include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to complement the central screen of the same size, a 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi system, rear-seat entertainment package and wireless phone-charging cradle.

The standard E-Class is powered by one of two engines: a turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 241 horsepower, or a twin-turbo V6 that makes a more significant 362 horsepower. For 2019, only the base E300 sedan offers the 4-cylinder, while the E-Class coupe, convertible and wagon come standard with the V6 and are called the E450. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on coupe, convertible and 4-cylinder sedan, while the E450 sedan and wagon come standard with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This system is also available on the coupe and convertible.

All use a 9-speed automatic transmission and an engine start/stop system that cuts engine power at idle. If you don’t like the restarts or find it odd that your engine shuts off at traffic signals, the system can be deactivated. If you’re looking for significantly more power in your E-Class sedan or wagon, turn your attention to the Mercedes-AMG E53 with 429 horsepower or the beastly E63 S, which packs a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and can rocket from 0-60 mph in a ridiculous 3.4 seconds. (See our separate review for these 2019 Mercedes-AMG models.)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (E300)
241 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,300-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (RWD), 21/29 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (E450)
362 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg (AWD sedan, RWD coupe), 20/27 mpg (RWD convertible), 19/26 mpg (AWD convertible, coupe and wagon)