Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, in sedan, coupe, cabriolet, or new All-Terrain wagon form, goes on sale in the U.S. in late 2020 as a 2021 model. This midsize Mercedes has been thoroughly refreshed for 2021. The exterior and interior are new, the high-tech systems have been improved, and there is a new model:  the E 450 All-Terrain, an all-wheel-drive (AWD) E-Class station wagon that has a more rugged design.

In addition to four different body types, the E-Class is available with a wide variety of engines whose power output ranges from competent to crazy. The base E-class, the E 350 Sedan, is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower. It’s available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive.

A 2021 Mercedes E 450 (in Sedan, All-Terrain, Coupe, and Cabriolet forms), gets the engine we much prefer: a silky-smooth turbocharged inline-6 with 362 horsepower. When needed, an integrated 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

Those seeking even more power can readily have it with the Mercedes-AMG performance models. The AMG E 53 variants with a 429-horsepower inline-6 are thoroughly rewarding, while the monster AMG 63 S takes things to a whole other level with a twin-turbo V8 pounding out over 600 horsepower.

Competitors for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedans are varied. Foremost among them are the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series.

We see the new Mercedes All-Terrain as having two primary competitors: the Audi A6 Allroad and the Volvo V90 Cross Country.

As for the new E-Class coupe and cabriolet, the 4-Series BMW is a worthy adversary that’s not quite as spacious but offers excellent agility.

Kelley Blue Book sampled two 2021 E-Class models – a Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic sedan and a Mercedes AMG E 53 Cabriolet.

The E 450: Unlike last year, when the E 450 had a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, the new 2021 E 450 4Matic ($62,000) has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6. Both engines have 362 horsepower, but the new straight-6 is a smoother powerplant with pleasingly linear power delivery, thanks in part to its 48-volt hybrid electric assist system that can add up to 21 horsepower when needed.

This is an excellent powerplant with velvety automatic restarts, and its power feels hydraulic in nature, routed to all our wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Although all E 450 sedans have 4Matic all-wheel drive, the driver does not feel the effect of drive torque on the steering.

All told, the E450 shines as a solid midsize sedan with more than ample power, a refined ride, and a handsome restyle inside and out, the latter highlighted by muscular bulges in the new hood.

The AMG E 53 Cabriolet: What a fun car! The triple-layer power top of this 2021 Mercedes-AMG E-Class 4Matic Cabriolet ($82,850) can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 31 mph, and when it’s down, you become a part of the scenery scrolling by your side windows. But you don’t become too much a part of the environment because the AMG E 53 Cabriolet has an Airscarf system to keep your head and neck warm. Plus, an Aircap wind deflector raises from the windshield header to route oncoming air up and over the driver’s head and the E 53’s 4-seat interior. Interior comfort is further enhanced by a pop-up rear wind-deflector and specially treated fabric designed to not get too hot in the direct sun.

Top-down conversation on the highway is easy in the E 53 Cabriolet, although the Aircap wind deflector whistles a bit at speed. What’s more, we’re happy to report that the vocal “Hey, Mercedes” driver interface works just fine when the top is down, and that the back seat can accommodate two small adults. The rear seatbacks, though, are too upright for long-trip comfort.

The structure of the E 53 Cabriolet is outstanding, so the chassis isn’t overwhelmed by the potent AMG built engine – a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with 429 horsepower and the 48-volt EQ Boost hybrid assist. As you’d expect of a Mercedes-AMG model, the E 53 Cabriolet has upgraded suspension and brakes designed to cope with all the additional power.

If you have over $100,000 in your budget, there’s no denying the twin-turbo V8 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S models are thrilling. How could they not be with 603 horses in the stable that enable 0-60 mph blasts in the 3-second range? An E 63 wagon could be the sweetest sleeper on the road.

As part of the update for 2021, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is equipped with a new steering wheel, finished entirely in leather or a combination of leather and wood. Of note, the new wheel, with gloss-black controls, can sense when the driver’s hands are on it, which is essential for the proper function of the E’s numerous available driver-assistance technologies.

The new E’s dashboard is highlighted by two 12.3-inch screens that make the instrument cluster and infotainment system look like one giant flat-screen display. Notably, both screens are controlled by swiping capacitive touch-control buttons, which are less susceptible to fingerprints.

There are four different display styles: Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive, and Discreet, the last with information reduced to only what’s absolutely necessary.

As before, the E-Class sedan seats five, and the All-Terrain wagon has room for seven thanks to a 3rd-row bench that folds. An adaptive driver’s seat deserves a mention: When the driver enters his or her height on the E’s media display, the seat automatically moves into a suggested position, ready to be fine-tuned by the driver. The seats themselves are designed for all-day comfort and good lateral support.

The 4-seat E 450 Cabriolet, fitted with a power-operated fabric top, also has a couple of nifty standard systems to manage top-down airflow. Aircap consists of an electric wind deflector mounted into the roof frame, and an electric wind blocker behind the rear seats. With Airscarf, the simple push of an electric button results in warm air circulating around the neck area of the driver and front passenger for comfortable al fresco motoring.

Like its soft-top Cabriolet sibling, the Mercedes E-Class Coupe is meant more as a personal luxury vehicle, with seating limited to four.

We’ve praised the E-Class for its understated nature, and while the 2021 E-Class sedan has an added air of aggression, we like the new design and think it will look continue to look handsome well into the future.

In front, the hood gets a pair of power domes, and new all-LED headlights complement a revised single-louver grille trimmed in chrome and gloss-black. In back, take note of the new bumper, split taillights, and revised trunk lid.

The new All-Terrain model is purposefully made to look like the Mercedes SUV models. To that end, this new E-Class wagon with an arching profile is equipped with a unique grille, black fender lips, and a front skidplate with a chrome finish.

As for the new E coupe and cabriolet, they look sharp with their flatter LED headlights, reshaped grille, and LED taillights with revised inner workings.

Three new metallic paint colors are available: Cirrus Silver, Graphite Gray, and Mojave Silver. The E coupe also is available in a Designo blue, while a distinctive Designo red looks good on the new E cabriolet.

Mercedes-AMG performance models have even more aggressive looks, but they don’t go overboard. Their lower profiles, darkened aesthetics, unique grilles in front, and exhaust outlets in back are visual cues that these models pack a bigger punch.

MERCEDES-BENZ USER EXPERIENCE (MBUX)
This multimedia user interface is a kick. It can be operated by the center touchscreen, a new touchpad, or buttons on the steering wheel. Our favorite way to work it, however, is to say, “Hey Mercedes,” in the same fashion you would interact with an Amazon Alexa at home. MBUX, which has learning capabilities, can help you set the climate control or even find the nearest coffee. Voice control, which keeps getting better, allows you to keep your eyes on the road.

AIR BODY CONTROL
This air suspension, standard on the new Mercedes-Benz All-Terrain and optional on other 2021 E-Class models, provides exceptional ride comfort, automatic load-leveling, and excellent body control on winding mountain roads. The suspension damping adjusts automatically for the varying conditions, and the lack of any significant body lean in corners feels almost unnatural.

As you’d expect, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is generously equipped. The MBUX infotainment system, the wide-screen digital dash, and a power sunroof are standard on every new E, along with a navigation system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated power-adjustable front seats, and push-button start.

Other standard features of note include AMG body styling, a new multi-function steering wheel with touch-control buttons, galvanized shift paddles, 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, and 64 available colors of ambient interior lighting.

The new 2021 Mercedes-Benz All-Terrain is similarly equipped, but adds air suspension, 19-inch wheels (with run-flat tires), and two additional driver-selectable drive modes: Offroad and Offroad+. The E-Class cabrio also comes standard with a power-folding soft top and both the Aircap and Airscarf airflow-management systems.

In addition to their more powerful engines and other performance upgrades, Mercedes-AMG E-Class variants get specific touches that range from their embroidery and drive settings to AMG-specific information screens. For 2021 they also include a surround-view camera and the formerly optional AMG Drive Unit steering-wheel buttons. The topline Mercedes-AMG E 63 S now comes standard with the Warmth and Comfort Package that includes a heated steering wheel, rapid-heat front seats, heated armrests, and heated front center console.

There is no shortage of available features on the 2021 Mercedes E-Class. Among the most interesting: air suspension, massaging seats, a head-up display, a surround-view camera, a panoramic sunroof, and a heated steering wheel. Additionally, you can get the 2021 E-Class with wireless smartphone charging and augmented video for navigation, plus a blacked-out Night Package and a powerful surround-sound Burmester audio system.

Optional active safety and driver-assist systems include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with the ability to resume up to one minute after stopping in traffic, active lane-keeping assist, and the new Exit Warning Assist that can warn of approaching vehicles as you get out of the car.

Options for the new Mercedes All-Terrain include all of the above plus 20-inch AMG wheels.

Various AMG packages for both the standard and Mercedes-AMG models add more aggressive design touches, such as the AMG Night Package.

The E-350 Sedan continues to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a 9-speed automatic transmission (standard across the E lineup), and it’s available with rear- or all-wheel drive.

The E 450 Sedan, E 450 All-Terrain, E 450 Coupe, and E 450 Cabriolet are all powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 putting out 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. An integrated 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds an extra 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 6-cylinder engine, which we’ve praised for its smoothness, efficiency, and power, is teamed exclusively with a 4Matic all-wheel-drive powertrain.

The Mercedes-AMG E 53 uses an enhanced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that makes 429 horsepower and is also all-wheel drive. This model is available as a sedan, coupe, or cabriolet.

At the top of the E-Class food chain and available as a sedan or wagon is the E 63 S. It boasts a handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes a staggering 603 horsepower. Mercedes says the E 63 S sedan can do 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, while the wagon is just a blink behind at 3.4 seconds. Yes, this is a luxury station wagon that can do 0-60 mph in under three-and-a-half seconds. Notably, that time is also a hair quicker than the new Audi RS 6 Avant, which is pegged at 3.5 seconds.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (E 350, E 350 4Matic)
255 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/31 mpg (RWD), 22/30 mpg (AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (E 450 Sedan, E 450 All-Terrain, E 450 Coupe & Cabriolet)
362 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 (E 450 Coupe), 23/30 (AWD E 450 Coupe, E 450 Convertible, AWD E 450 Sedan), 23/29 (E 450 AWD Convertible), 22/28 mpg (All-Terrain)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (E 53 AMG Sedan, Coupe & Cabriolet)
429 horsepower @ 6,100 rpm
384 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/29 mpg (Sedan), 21/28 mpg (Coupe), 21/27 mpg (Cabriolet)

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (AMG E 63 S Sedan & Wagon)
603 horsepower @ 5,750-6,500 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 mpg