Mercedes-Benz E-Class,  Page 1

Performance

This version of the E saw improvements in handling and  stability while the E’s previous attributes of controlled ride motions, smooth acceleration, all-wheel drive traction and tight turning circles were maintained. The pedestrian E-Class models offered pleasant and capable handling, though some testers felt the steering was not tight enough even on versions equipped with the Sport Package. Braking was highly responsive, easy to modulate, and felt secure.  All of these attributes are greatly magnified on the performance versions in the series.

Fuel economy is just OK. The official EPA estimates for the E350 RWD sedan were 18/26 mpg city/highway, while the E550 got a 16/24 mpg rating. Opting for the available 4MATIC AWD system drops the numbers to 16/24 mpg in the E350 (Canadian 12.7 L/100 km city, 8.3 L/100 km highway) and 15/23 mpg on the E550 (Canadian 13.8 L/100 km city, 8.6 L/100 km highway). The E550 RWD coupe had Canadian fuel efficiency ratings close to the 4WD E550 sedan. All models required premium grade gas.

Reliability/Service

There are relatively few problems reported on the 2010-2013 E350, E550 and E63 models. The most reported issue on E350 and E550 models related to air bags, which were also comprised most of the E-Class recalls.

Safety

Mercedes-Benz was one of the first automakers to put a major emphasis on safety. The list of available safety features on the 2010 E-Class was class leading. The standard features alone were impressive but the optional safety systems set the E-Class apart. A new standard feature called Attention Assist actually interprets driving patterns to monitor if a driver may be falling asleep at the wheel. Also, Pre-Safe forward collision warning was standard across the lineup. Several driver assistance features were available, including automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, a rearview camera, and a night-vision camera.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2010 E-Class sedan four out of five stars in the front crash test and five stars in the side and rollover crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a 2010 Top Safety Pick (built after April 2010), giving it the highest rating of Good in four crash features – description (cameras, warnings, monitoring, etc.

Value

The restyle of the Mercedes seems to be leaning just a bit more on the sporty side but not so much as to deter the tried and true Mercedes buyer. Luxury still rules with this car which offers a top quality interior, spacious back seat and superior safety offerings. Performance numbers still lagged behind the more dynamic competitive models from Audi and BMW, with the gap all but disappearing among the top offerings from each. At the lower end, the BMW 535i had the quickest 0 to 60 acceleration time if stats like that are important to you. The BMW and Lexus GS350 registered the best actual fuel economy. As for pricing and equipment levels, Mercedes and BMW are very close, and service and ownership costs are similar. Resale value drops quickly after a few years, reflecting both the expense of keeping these properly maintained and the large number that have had service deferred. Because of this, a superb example can easily bring above the VMR estimated retail value.

It's also worth noting that the E Class diesel, while a marvelous piece of engineering, no longer enjoys a large advantage in the used car market. Sure, you'll have sellers telling you it does, but the recent round of astounding revelations and/or allegations regarding emissions cheating by numerous manufacturers (Mercedes included), the higher cost of diesel fuel in general, added manufacturing costs, and an eroding fuel economy/reliability/longevity advantage vis a vis gasoline engines has begun to put large scale diesel installations in doubt. We, for one, think they are on their way out, at least in the developed world.

When considering the Mercedes E coupe also consider an Audi A5 or A6 which offered a nice alternative to the E350 and E550 coupes. In acceleration, braking and handling, most reviewers gave the nod to the Audi.

Current E-Class pricing

Competitors