2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

It could be argued that an E-Class represents a high point in the automotive landscape — a kind of perfection. Anything bigger and plusher is veering close to extravagance. Then there are the driving abilities, with a precision that can’t be matched by larger luxury sedans yet still with abundant comfort.

With the arrival of the all-new 2024 E-Class, the sixth generation, a tectonic shift has pushed that high point even closer to the sky. The E-Class boosts its computing power with artificial intelligence and an upgraded infotainment system while improving less obvious aspects like an aerodynamically efficient body shape, using recycled materials, and making the production process more environmentally friendly.

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class shakes up the luxury midsize car sector, but it still faces tough competition from a new generation of BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6, and the Genesis G80.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this collection of midsize luxury cars, including the Mercedes-Benz E Class.

This is an all-new generation of E-Class making its debut for 2024, with fresh designs outside and in, plus up-to-the-minute technology. It’s available in traditional sedan form and the All-Terrain wagon. There are no convertible or coupe versions of the new E-Class — those styles are now available in the CLE-Class. An AMG-tuned hybrid version is set for 2025.

For a little pricing context, the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Volvo S90 all begin a fraction below $60K. The Genesis G80 starts in the mid-$50K range. The Lexus ES is the bargain of this group, coming in at just under $44K. The Audi A6 Allroad begins at a little over $70K.

Before buying a new E-Class luxury car, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values-wise, there isn’t much difference between any of these contenders, apart from the Lexus ES having the edge. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Mercedes-Benz knows exactly what works in this sector. The 2024 E 350 4Matic makes 255 horsepower, the same output as the BMW 530i. Both cars give away a few horses to the rest of the competition (FYI, the Lexus ES kicks off with 203), but we wouldn’t say they were underpowered. The E 350 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, close enough to its rivals for any tenths of a second either way to matter much.

The E 450 4Matic enjoys 375 hp. Funnily enough, it rates the same as the BMW 540i — and similar to other rivals. The sprint to 60 mph is a sweetly quick 4.4 seconds, a whisker brisker than most.

An adaptive air suspension — for a spectrum of settings from comfort to sport — is optional in both 2024 E-Class variants. This package also includes rear-wheel steering that enhances both agility and maneuverability. We’ve tried this suspension and found that every bump is neutralized, even with 20-inch wheels. It delivers that smooth ride quality for which Mercedes-Benz is renowned. It also keeps body roll in check going through the turns. We’re sure the standard setup won’t disappoint either. Whenever we wanted to get more involved, we’d switch the car into Sport mode or click it into Comfort mode for a relaxed trip home. The differences are clearly perceptible. Overall, we find the new E-Class easy to drive and wonderfully quiet.

Fuel Economy

The E 350 4Matic achieves 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while the E 450 4Matic runs to 25 mpg combined — both are perfectly bearable and compare well against most of the competition. Learn more about the E-Class mileage at the EPA website.

Mercedes-Benz offers the Hyperscreen with its electric vehicles. The new E-Class offers a variation known as the Superscreen.

The optional Superscreen includes two touchscreens — a big infotainment screen and another for the front passenger — under a single glass panel, plus a separate 12-inch display for the driver. The cabin also offers an ambient lighting system that responds to the music playing. Upbeat music results in pulsating light patterns, while soothing sounds pair with gentle transitions.

This interior is all quite nice, but let’s look at the basics. The 2024 E-Class has slightly more occupant space than the previous generation — about half an inch of extra rear legroom, for example. That puts it close to the BMW 5 Series, but the Audi A6 remains slightly more spacious. Even so, no one called the outgoing model too small. We’ve sat in the rear seats of the new E-Class and found there’s enough space for 6-footers.

From the driver’s seat, we’ve enjoyed how comfortable and well-shaped it is, the range of adjustment, the soft touch points (and their ideal placement) under our elbows, and the excellent outward vision. Naturally, the materials and build quality in the new E-Class are all at the usual high Mercedes-Benz levels. We also like the open-pore wood in the center console instead of the ubiquitous piano black.

A first in an E-Class, Mercedes-Benz uses recycled materials for the seats’ foam cushioning. And trunk space goes from one of the smallest in the segment to a generous 19.1 cubic feet. The new E-Class All-Terrain wagon has a luggage area of 33.1 cubic feet behind its rear seats (three more than the A6 Allroad). Fold those seats down for a maximum of 64.6 cubic feet.

In terms of aerodynamics, the new E-Class is pretty much as efficient as a Toyota Prius. As far as design goes, this new generation definitely has its own look, just as other versions have. And it works for us. One nice detail is that the LED taillights have 3-pointed star designs set into them. Mercedes-Benz has also renewed the E-Class wagon, making it the All-Terrain model with a raised ride height and a little SUV attitude like the Audi A6 Allroad.

Infotainment system
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, offers a huge Superscreen across the dash. Augmented reality for the navigation system is standard. Voice recognition is also improved (but not yet perfected) over the outgoing E-Class — it can now take two orders at a time, like: “turn on the heated seats” and “raise the cabin temperature by five degrees.”

Third-party apps
Along with phone integration for Apple and Android devices, the MBUX system in the new E-Class also offers Zoom video conferencing (while stationary), the Webex online collaboration app, TikTok, and the Vivaldi web browser. We must admit that our immediate reaction when learning that the new E-Class also offers the Angry Birds video game was: “Has Mercedes-Benz never heard of Roblox?” But that feathered franchise is still going strong. We checked.

Burmester audio
Part of the Pinnacle trim, this is an excellent 17-speaker/750-watt surround-sound system. There are speakers in the driver’s headrest and the ceiling. Dolby Atmos is also part of the package, bringing phenomenal clarity and a wonderfully immersive listening experience. After spending some time with this setup, we usually don’t want to listen to anything else.

Active Parking Assist
This standard feature is now accessed in a more intuitive manner using the touchscreen, and its speed has increased to 2.5 mph, so it can execute self-parking maneuvers a little faster than before.

Artificial intelligence
It’s all about routines: getting into the car in the morning and tuning to a news station, calling the same person on the drive home on Friday, etc. These kinds of things are learned by the optional artificial intelligence system in the new E-Class. Users can set up their own routines as well.

Energizing Comfort
This optional program can help you destress with soothing lights and sounds and seat massaging functions.

The new E 350 4Matic has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The E 450 4Matic employs a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, also turbocharged, for 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. These power outputs are marginally higher than their predecessors. A slick-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission and the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system are both standard.

Both engines are enhanced by a mild-hybrid system and its Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which help deliver smoother engine stop/restart action. And since the ISG is an electric motor, it helps the engine reach its peak quicker and more efficiently. The E 450 had the mild-hybrid system last year, with the E 350 gaining it with this new generation.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This warranty covers the drivetrain as well, which is typical coverage among European automakers. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any free scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

The new E-Class made the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Top Safety Pick list for 2024.