Mercedes is renowned for its vast lineup of capable luxury vehicles. But from A to X, which is the best Mercedes Class of them all?
Mercedes-Benz‘s extensive lineup of vehicles includes virtually every type of commercial and consumer automobile, from executive sedans and sports cars to luxury EVs and heavy-duty industrial trucks and vans. To keep track of its line, Mercedes implemented a naming system for its vehicles that reflects certain aspects of each model.
The German automaker’s famous class-naming convention initially reflected a vehicle’s size and engine specs, but the naming scheme has become more ambiguous over the years. The three main classes, however, are the C-Class (compact cars), the E-Class (mid-size), and the S-Class (full-size). Mercedes-Benz’s capable AWD system is called the “4MATIC.”
Mercedes-Benz’s progressive technological, mechanical, and design innovations made to its entire line since its founding in 1926 have kept it a top contender in the luxury automotive market for decades. Recently, its 2021 S-Class was the latest model to receive a revamp when in early 2021, Mercedes introduced another high-tech first for its S-Class cars: the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). The package features a new EQS and optionally available MBUX Hyperscreen that the company says “has radically simplified the operation of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.” It was first unveiled in 2018 in the A-Class. Now, the second generation of the system is being featured in the S-Class, beginning with the 2021 model year.
When it comes to scouting a new or used Mercedes to purchase, however, the E-Class midsize sedan is held in high regard by Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts for its power and performance, with the C-Class compact sedan sharing similar renown among the different classes. But comparatively, the E-Class is a stronger contender for car buyers looking for a ride with more horsepower, even if it is not as fuel-efficient as the C-Class vehicles.
What makes the best Mercedes-Benz class? Comfort, reliability, and raw power are all factors you may be considering when purchasing a Mercedes. If you are a young couple bringing home your first child or just wanting to roar down the street in a cloud of tire smoke, you can always find a Mercedes to fit your needs. The E-Class is particularly good at checking all these boxes by being available in a coupe, sedan, and wagon, all with AMG variants. In the eyes of many, this makes it the best Mercedes-Benz class to buy. This article will cover a few models to look for as you navigate the E-Class market.
Mercedes-Benz Lineup
The modern company we know as Mercedes-Benz was founded in 1926 and has always been known as the yardstick for all other luxury brands. Tons of features that are standard equipment on run-of-the-mill cars of today were original to Mercedes. Seat belts, anti-lock brakes, electronic traction control, radar-guided cruise control were all firsts from the silver arrows, just to name a few. Mercedes’ line up of vehicles is vast, offering a style and powertrain to meet virtually any demand.
Mercedes-Benz Vehicle Classes
SubcompactA-Class (sedan)B-Class (MPV)
CompactC-Class
D-Class (M-B with a diesel engine)
Mid-sizeE-Class (executive sedan, estate, coupé, cabriolet)
F-Class (it may be on its way with the F 015!)
G-Class (SUV)
Full-sizeS-Class (sedan)
Multi-purpose Commercial VehiclesV-Class (van)
Pickup TruckX-Class
For nearly 100 years, the innovations at Mercedes-Benz have never stopped. With each passing year, Mercedes has brought more and more amazing tech to market. Let’s take a look at some of those examples in the E-class.
2010-2016 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (W212)
A particularly good vintage for families is the 2010-2016 E350 4MATIC wagon. This is a facelifted version of the W212 model with drastic styling changes to distinguish it from its predecessor. Powered by a 3.5L V6, it produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque channeled through a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Among the classes of Mercedes, the E-Class is held in high regard for its power & performance, with the C-Class sharing similar renown. But comparatively, the E-Class is a stronger contender for car buyers.
The Mercedes-Benz patented 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system will keep your family safe in inclement conditions by pulling power away from slipping wheels and giving it to ones with more grip. The fuel economy isn’t leading in its class, with Motor Trend reporting 19 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway, with a fuel capacity of 21.1 gallons — that means you get around 480 miles in between trips to the pump.
This E-class has comfortable leather seating for five and over 57 cubic feet of cargo space, if you get the wagon, making it so even the largest breed dogs can come along for the ride. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, backup cameras, Bluetooth connectivity, among other features. Some optional equipment includes keyless go, navigation, and adaptive headlamps.
Great, high option examples of this car can be found for around $50,000, which is $17,000 less than a base model brand-new E-class, and “pre-facelift” E350 wagons can be bought for a fraction of that.
If station wagons aren’t your style, this generation E350 also comes in a four-door sedan or a coupe. In the sedan, interior space is still the same; you only lose a little cargo room. The two-door version is not the best. The interior is smaller, and for some reason, the suspension feels much softer, but it is still a quality car.
2007-2009 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG (W211)
The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG model is a good option for entry-level Mercedes buyers with speed and price in mind. The W211 E63 AMG has a 6.2L Quadcam V8 producing a decent 507 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission and electronically controlled differential, with settings to keep the tires planted or to keep them smoking. All this grunt means you can go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds all the way to a top speed of 155mph. Bigger Brembo brakes and beefed-up suspension offer more stability than the standard car. So, not only can you lay black marks from stoplight to top light, but this comfortable four-door can dance.
The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG model is a good option for entry-level Mercedes buyers with speed & price in mind.
Don’t think that because this model is over a decade old now that you will be living in the dark ages. As mentioned before, most of the tech on new cars originated with Mercedes-Benz, and at the time, this was a top-of-the-food-chain AMG, which Car & Driver seemed to really like.
The E63 comes equipped with a push-to-start ignition, navigation, backup camera, and even voice-activated controls. The leather-lined cabin is littered with polished aluminum accents, but the head unit looks dated by the touchscreen standards of today. Great examples of this German muscle car can be bought for under $20,000, which is tempting for budget-minded car buyers with a speed itch they need to scratch.
2020-Present E-Class (W213)
For buyers looking for a brand-new Mercedes, the 2021 E450 4MATIC is still a great choice. Prices start at $67,000 but the vast options list quickly causes that number to climb. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 is driven by a hybrid 3.0L turbocharged inline-six producing 362hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
2007 E-Class Owner Reviews
The new hybrid system gives way to instant power, and Mercedes states it will do a respectable 22 mpg city and 30 mpg on the highway. As always, there is a new AMG version of this car and it delivers everything we have come to expect from an E-class in spades. The folks at Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte let us come check out a brand-new 2021 E63 S AMG wagon they have in the showroom, and we were impressed.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E63 S AMG
Walking up to the car, you immediately realize this a monster grocery getter. The aggressive stance and matte black wheels against gloss white paint really make the car stand out. Not so subtle mood lighting greets you when you open the door, soft smooth leather covers almost every surface and a huge LED screen stretches from the instrument cluster to the glove compartment. The steering wheel is wrapped in black suede and polished accents glitter across your field of view. Although we didn’t get to test it out on the open road yet, closing the door, all background noise in the busy showroom suddenly disappears thanks to Mercedes’ legendary build quality. Holding the brake and pushing the start button brings a reserved AMG rumble to life.
The new 2021 Mercedes-Benz E63 S is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 version of the hybrid system you get in the E450, except it produces a herculean 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with Mercedes updated 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and new 9-speed transmission means this 16ft long 4,700 lbs behemoth can do 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds and rocket all the way to an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.
These massive performance figures come at a couple of costs: price and fuel economy. Starting price for the 2021 E63 S is $112,450. However, if you want a cream of the crop model with massage seats, 20-inch matte black wheels, and loads of carbon fiber trim like the one we looked at, it will set you back $124,880. Do not think you will be saving anything at the pump either. Even with its new fancy hybrid system and sleek design, the E63 S only does 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The fuel capacity is 21.1 gallons, so, with a light right foot on the highway, you could get around 480 miles to a tank.
Any Generation of E-Class Is a Good Choice
All that being said, driving the kids to school, or a brisk midnight thrash through the countryside are all light work for the Mercedes-Benz E-class. It is a wonderful platform that can accommodate virtually any lifestyle. A good E-Class of any generation will keep your family safe, comfortable, and be as reliable as a grandfather clock. The real question here is not what is the best class of Mercedes-Benz but which E-class is best for you?
Photos: Mercedes-Benz; DepositPhotos
