2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class First Drive Review: A Classy and Comfortable Cruiser

The E-Class is the heart of Mercedes-Benz's lineup, offering a range of models from sedans and wagons to coupes and convertibles. For 2024, the E-Class gets a subtle but significant update that enhances its style, technology, and performance. I spent a day driving the new E-Class sedan around Malibu, California's scenic roads and was impressed by its refinement, elegance, and versatility.

Sleek and sophisticated design

The 2024 E-Class sedan features a sleek, sophisticated design that blends classic Mercedes-Benz cues with modern touches. The front end sports a new grille with a single horizontal bar and a large three-pointed star emblem, flanked by LED headlights with distinctive daytime running lights. The side profile is clean and elegant, with a long hood, short overhangs, and a gently sloping roofline. The rear end showcases new LED taillights that wrap around the trunk lid and a chrome strip that connects them.

The E-Class sedan is available in four trim levels: E 350, E 450, E 53 AMG, and E 63 S AMG. The E 350 and E 450 come with standard 18-inch wheels, while the E 53 AMG has 19-inch wheels, and the E 63 S AMG has 20-inch wheels. The AMG models also feature more aggressive styling elements, such as larger air intakes, quad exhaust tips, and a rear spoiler.

Luxurious and high-tech interior

The interior of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is luxurious and high-tech, with premium materials, ambient lighting, and a dual-screen setup that spans the dashboard. The screens measure 12.3 inches each and are controlled by touch, voice, or a touchpad on the center console. The left screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, while the right screen runs the MBUX infotainment system. The MBUX system is fast and intuitive, with natural language recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and over-the-air updates. The system also features augmented reality navigation, which overlays directional arrows and street names on a live camera feed of the road ahead.

The E-Class sedan offers plenty of space and comfort for five passengers, with supportive seats, ample legroom, and generous headroom. The trunk has a decent capacity of 13.1 cubic feet, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. The cabin is also equipped with various convenience and safety features, such as wireless charging, USB-C ports, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera.

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Smooth and powerful performance

The 2024 E-Class sedan delivers smooth and powerful performance, with four engine options to choose from. The base E 350 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The next step up is the E 450, which has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a mild-hybrid system that boosts output to 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The E 53 AMG has a more potent version of the same engine, tuned to produce 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz E 63 S AMG has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that unleashes 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.

All models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and responsively. The E 350 is rear-wheel drive only, while the rest of the lineup is all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution. The E-Class sedan also features an adaptive air suspension that adjusts to different driving modes and road conditions. The ride quality is superb, with excellent stability, composure, and isolation from bumps and noise. The steering is precise and well-weighted, while the brakes are strong and progressive.

The E-Class sedan is not only smooth but also efficient, thanks to its mild-hybrid system that recovers energy during braking and coasting. The EPA estimates that the E 350 will get 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, while the E 450 will get 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The E 53 AMG will get 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the E63 S AMG will get 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

A classy and comfortable cruiser

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is a classy and comfortable cruiser that offers a range of models to suit different tastes and budgets. Whether you opt for the base E 350, the mid-range E 450, the sporty E 53 AMG, or the beastly E 63 S AMG, you'll get a sleek and sophisticated design, a luxurious and high-tech interior, and a smooth and powerful performance. The E-Class sedan is also efficient, thanks to its mild-hybrid system that saves fuel and enhances acceleration.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan will go on sale in the spring of 2023, with prices starting at $55,300 for the E 350, $62,000 for the E 450, $74,950 for the E 53 AMG, and $108,550 for the E 63 S AMG. The E-Class sedan is a worthy contender in the luxury midsize segment, competing with rivals such as the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6, and the Lexus ES. If you're looking for a refined, elegant, and versatile sedan that can easily handle any road trip, the E-Class sedan is a great choice.