Family Tradition – the all-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

When it comes to a premium midsize luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always been an excellent example and a vital part of the automaker’s lineup. Not quite as big and over the top as the brand’s flagship car, the S-Class, yet larger and offering more features than the smaller C-Class, the E-Class has been the best-selling model in the company’s history. For 2024, the E-Class has been redesigned from the ground up.

Sticking to a script that has been tried-and-true, the new E-Class brings S-Class-inspired styling, improved passenger comfort, and a standard mild-hybrid powertrain along with all-wheel drive. Two models are currently available, the E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic sedan models, and a wagon version will be available by the end of the year. An AMG model is said to join the lineup by next year. Pricing for the new E-Class starts at $62,300.

Aside from the similar S-Class styling, the new E-Class now sports flush door handles that reach out to greet you when you approach, similar to those found on many EV models. Compared to the previous model, the new E Class has a slightly longer wheelbase along with an increase in driver’s headroom and legroom. Once inside the new E-Class, get ready for a world of gadgets and technology. Most of the controls found throughout the cabin are touch-sensing and respond to pressure, be it the seat controls or the volume for the radio. While the controls are cool, they can be somewhat challenging to fine-tune and adjust.
The new E-Class comes standard with the next generation version of the MBUX (Mercedes Benz User Experience) infotainment system. The MBUX system includes a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a 14.4-inch center touchscreen infotainment display, and an optional ($1,500) 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the right side of the dashboard for the passenger to use. This Superscreen option also includes a camera mounted on top of the dashboard that can be used for video conferencing. This year’s improvements include faster response to spoken commands and the ability to program repetitive routines or actions. It also has some AI, where over time it can learn and improve its performance. Yes – AI is making its way into our vehicles.

Two drivetrains options are available for the new E-Class. Powering the E 350 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 23-horsepower electric motor that provides a total of 255 horsepower. If you want more power, opt for the E 450 which gets you a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six along with the same electric motor, for a total of 375 hp. Both drivetrains are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that powers all four wheels through the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The tester arrived as an E 350 with the optional Superscreen package along with an optional beautiful Tonka Brown Nappa Leather interior ($2,990), AMG 21″ wheels ($3,050), the Airmatic Package, which adds in an adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering ($3,200) and a few other options. MSRP is $82,450.

This new E-Class nails the most important aspects of a luxury car: comfort, quietness and refinement. The seats are very comfortable and offer plenty of support and adjustment. The ride is smooth and isolating, but the driver still feels engaged, striking a nice balance. And the E Class is very quiet with little road or wind noise.

Power from the turbocharged four is plentiful and the car feels quick enough to satisfy the needs of most buyers. Even when pushed, it never gets buzzy, and with a 0-60 time in the high 5-second range, it’s quick on its feet. Still for those that want more power, the E 450 should satisfy that need, being able to hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

The overall drive of the E 350 is very sublime. In Comfort mode, it glides around town and down the freeway, isolating road imperfections and erasing unwanted body motion. I’m not sure if I can actually feel the air suspension performing its miracles, as its work is usually invisible to the driver. Feeling more lively? Switch to Sport mode and the E Class feels as though it has downed a double espresso. The powertrain is more alert to inputs from your right foot, and the ride firms up. And regardless of what drive mode you are in, you’re always in a comfortable and luxurious setting.

With the past few years bringing in a cascade of electric cars and SUVs, it’s quite pleasing to see a redesigned traditional sedan. Granted the extensive redesign of this next-generation E-Class is anything but conventional, it is an exceptional car. And while it is expensive (what car isn’t these days?), being in and driving the new E Class feels like it’s worth every penny.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Mercedes-Benz E 350 4Matic

Base Price: $62,300.00
Price as Tested: $82,450.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.0 turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Horsepower: 255 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 24 city / 33 highway

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