Either the E-Class keeps getting better equipped or other luxury cars keep getting more expensive. Make no mistake, Mercedes charges plenty for the E-Class, but with all the features and refinements, it’s worth it. At least before the temptation of options and AMG variants.
Every E-Class comes with 18-inch wheels, twin 12.3-inch screens, smartphone compatibility software, keyless start and entry, heated power front seats with synthetic leather upholstery, and ambient lighting for about $56,000 to start with the E350.
A new generation of natural voice controls awakened by “Hey Mercedes” helps search and navigation, as well as in-car functions.
Every E-Class comes with a new steering wheel with new capacitive sensors for infotainment and cluster controls. They’re not as accurate to the touch as the outgoing miniature thumb pads.
It gets an 8, with a point each for good standard features, good infotainment, and a wealth of options. Its 4-year/50,000-mile warranty just misses another point for not including any scheduled maintenance, unlike some other luxury makes.
Which E-Class should I buy?
Whichever way you want it.
Even though the base E350 costs only $200 more than the 2020 model, we prefer the E450 with standard all-wheel drive. At $63,050, it’s more powerful and more efficient than the E350 for $5,250 more.
But, for the interior space of a crossover SUV with the performance of a sedan, the All-Terrain wagon has all the features of the E450 plus the space. It costs $68,650.
In the other direction, the coupe and cabriolet also come standard as an E450 with available all-wheel drive for $2,500 more. They and the E53 and E63 come with an upgraded flat-bottom steering wheel with a sensor mat wrapped around the inside so when the adaptive cruise is activated the driver need only tap the wheel to let the system know all is well.
Aside from a power retractable soft-top roof that can go up or down in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph, the $73,000 cabriolet comes with a wind deflector between the rear headrests that limits wind buffeting and turbulence, as well as an “Airscarf” heater at neck level for front riders.This would be a welcome feature for solid roofs, too. The available sun-reflecting leather with a special coating that Mercedes says stays 55 degrees cooler than untreated leather.
Options are too plentiful to list, from massaging seats to the AMG carbon-fiber package. The augmented video for navigation is noteworthy. Pull up to a stoplight and the front camera projects onto the 12.3-inch screen. With navigation set, it will show a direction arrow over the intersection as well as the name of the street. It even shows the addresses of houses and buildings. It’s really helpful at night.
How much is a fully loaded 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2021 AMG E63 S Sedan tops the lineup at $108,550 with its 603-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, air suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, and more. Tack on a Burmester sound system ($4,550), an AMG carbon ceramic braking system ($8,950) and it can easily eclipse $130,000.
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