2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Road Test and Review

2019 Mercedes Benz E450 sedan ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan is a mid-size luxury car with room for five passengers. The E-Class has the features that define the luxury car segment, from powerful engines to a truly opulent interior. This isn’t a car that’s available with a stripped-down, basic trim level for those on a budget. Even the base model of this sedan is every bit a luxury ride.

This includes rich interior trims an supremely comfortable seats that coddle passengers. It has the latest technologies from infotainment to safety, and it offers a powerful and comfortable ride. This is the very definition of a luxury sedan. Let’s take a closer look at the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class to see if it’s the right luxury car for your needs.

Models and Prices

You have your choice of several Mercedes-Benz E-Class models. The base E 350 has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With a starting price of $54,050, it includes power front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and remote start. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available with a price increase to $56,550.

If you’re looking for more power, then try the E 450 with standard all-wheel drive. It comes in with a starting price of $61,550. It offers a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While the E 350 offers a responsive luxury car experience, those who want more of a performance-focused ride will find it in the E 450.

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And then there’s the AMG.

In addition to the Mercedes-Benz E 350 and E 450, there are also two AMG versions of the E-Class. This badge is reserved for the performance-focused vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. If you want an unparalleled driving experience, then you want the AMG badge on your Mercedes-Benz. There are two options in the AMG range for the E-Class.

Your first choice is the AMG E 53 sedan with a starting price of $73,800. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a remarkable 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. That engine will take you from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Next up is the AMG E 63 sedan with its 4.0-liter biturbo V8. This provides 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque with a starting price of $107,350. The AMG line comes at a premium price point but combines powerful performance with luxury amenities.

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Luxury Throughout the Lineup

Mercedes-Benz is a luxury brand. As such, even the base model is plush. While you can move up the lineup and add things like all-wheel drive and more powerful engines, or opt for a variety of packages to increase the level of luxury, you’re getting a high level of luxury right from the start. The front seats are comfortable and supportive with moderate bolstering, and even larger frames will find them roomy and relaxing on longer road trips.

They have a wide range of adjustability, so whether you’re as tall as a basketball player or as petite as a gymnast, you’ll be able to find a seating position that provides a clear view of the road. Rear seat passengers will also find the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan a pleasant place to pass the time. There’s plenty of headroom and legroom even with the front seats pushed back.

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Choice of Engines

Even without stepping up to the AMG, there’s a choice of two powerful engines for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, so you get to enjoy a responsive, performance sedan no matter which you choose. It’s all a matter of just how much performance puts a smile on your face when you hit the gas. The E 350 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque that provides aggressive acceleration. Merging into traffic is easy, and the nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly maintaining a quiet ride for passengers.

There’s also the E 450 for those who crave more power when they hit the gas. While the E 350 is available with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the E 450 is only all-wheel drive. Its 3.0-liter biturbo V6 offers 362 horsepower with 369 lb-ft of torque. While it’s the obvious choice for those with a thirst for horsepower, the E 350 still offers plenty of power to get your blood pumping.

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A Smooth Ride With Crisp, Responsive Handling

One of the reasons you purchase a luxury car is for the priority it puts on passenger comfort. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers with a remarkably smooth ride that evens out harsh pavement and soaks up even the worst potholes. Road imperfections might be seen by the driver, but they won’t be felt by anyone There’s also minimal road and wind noise. Even passing trucks at highway speeds and driving during heavy rain, the E-Class maintains its reserve.

Enhancing that smooth ride is crisp handling that makes it easy for the driver to keep the E-Class on course. Only the lightest of steering inputs is required, so longer trips are more relaxing and the E-Class keeps its composure when quick highway maneuvers are required. At all times, this is a luxury sedan that puts the comfort of its passengers at the top of the list.

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Limited Cargo Capacity.

While the priority in a luxury sedan is passenger comfort, those passengers may have cargo that needs to come along for the ride. For those times, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan offers 13.1 cubic feet of room for cargo in the trunk. It’s not expansive and can be a challenge when there’s a full load of passengers trying to carry along all their luggage. It’s a tight squeeze for large suitcases, but it does just fine for managing a weekend getaway.

Making loading that cargo easier is a wide trunk opening and a lower load floor, so a heavily packed suitcase is easier to stow. The rear seats also split-fold 40/20/40 so longer cargo can pass through into the passenger compartment when there’s either no one or only one passenger in the rear seats.

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Large, Easy-to-Navigate Infotainment Screen

Infotainment in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes a 12.3-inch high-resolution display. That large screen size makes it easy for both passenger and driver to view. It also makes navigation easier to follow, especially when you’re managing congested city streets with lots of quick turns. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard for seamless smartphone connectivity and the menu system is intuitive making it quick to learn and easy to navigate.

Multiple methods of controlling infotainment include the Comand system with its touchpad controller. This sits comfortably beneath your palm, just like a computer mouse, and features a combination of touch keys for commonly used functions and a rotary knob. There are also steering wheel controls with tiny touchpads. These let you swipe through the menus with the slightest movement of your fingers, so your hands stay firmly on the wheel.

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Advanced safety includes new protection for your ears.

There’s a long list of standard safety features on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. These include active brake assist, attention assist, LED daytime running lights, crosswind assist, and brake assist. There’s also Pre-Safe, which detects a collision or rollover. It then tightens front seat belts, adjusts the front passenger seat, and closes the windows and sunroof to help protect passengers moments before a collision.

Pre-Sound is a new, industry-first feature that helps protect your hearing in the event of an accident. It issues a “pink noise” through the audio system just before a collision. The frequency of the tone causes a natural reflex in your ear that helps block out loud noises. Adding to your peace of mind is a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Final Thoughts

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the quintessential luxury sedan. It’s attractively styled outside without any brash or overly bold accents. Inside, it’s comfortable and spacious, coddling passengers and driver alike with roomy seats and materials that look and feel beautiful. It includes a wide range of advanced safety features and an infotainment system that’s easy to use with minimal distraction.

The E-Class offers a wide range of trims to fit an equally wide range of budgets. Choices include rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and several powerful engines, including the AMG range, which caters to the performance-minded driver. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers a luxury car experience worthy of the brand’s heritage and a place in your driveway.

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