The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class got a refresh for 2021, helping it maintain its status as the class benchmark. The E-Class doesn't feel like a totally different car, but that's hardly a bad thing. The premium interior, smooth ride and excellent driver aids all come together in a handsome, well-crafted package.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a perennial favorite with luxury-car shoppers and our test team alike. With a ritzy cabin, smooth engines and technology features that truly make driving easier, the E-Class checks all the boxes you'd expect of a vehicle in this price range. And that's before you peruse the options list, which is chock full of add-ons like massaging front seats, a 23-speaker audio system and soft-closing doors. You can get the E-Class as a sedan, a coupe, a convertible and even a wagon to truly find a model to suit your needs.
Mercedes gave the E-Class a significant update just a couple years ago, and a next-generation E-Class is on the way for the 2024 model year. Even though the E-Class remains essentially unchanged for 2023, we think it's still an excellent pick even among compelling rivals such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Genesis G80.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Nick Yekikian
Great
8.4
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the E-Class drive? The Mercedes-Benz E-Class feels smooth and balanced on the road, with a seamless powertrain that goes about its business without much fuss. Acceleration is effortless. We tested the E 450 4Matic sedan. At the Edmunds test track, we recorded a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.9 seconds, which puts it near the top of the class. The all-wheel-drive system does a great job of putting power to the pavement and making the E-Class feel sporty when you select the Sport drive mode.
The steering doesn't provide much in the way of feedback, but it's quick and light, making it easy to maneuver in parking lots or on tight city streets. In corners, the E-Class feels composed without being stiff. Our biggest complaint is braking performance. While the brakes are smooth, our testing showed that the E-Class posted some of the longest panic 60-0 mph braking figures we've seen on a luxury car in a while. We suspect a better set of tires would improve things immensely.
Comfort
9/10
How comfortable is the E-Class? The E-Class nails the most important aspect of a luxury car: quiet refinement. The seats offer lots of support and adjustment, though we found the padding to be on the firm side. Even so, they remained comfortable after a few hundred miles behind the wheel. The ride is smooth and isolating without feeling overly disconnected. Our tester had the optional air suspension and we think it's well worth getting.
This E-Class is quiet too, with little road or wind noise intruding into the cabin. Dip into the throttle and you get a smooth growl from the six-cylinder engine. It's just quiet enough to avoid attracting attention. The mild hybrid system allows for seamless engine stop-start functionality at stoplights, with no vibrations coming through when the engine shuts off or fires on. The climate control is also quiet, even at full blast. It works simply and evenly, and rear passengers will appreciate the air vents.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The refreshed E-Class' interior is basically the same as what came out in 2017 with a few small updates. It uses Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system, so you get a touchpad on the center console to control the system. If you prefer a touchscreen, that's an option too. Most physical buttons are easy to see and understand. The biggest issue is the new steering wheel. It ditched hard buttons for capacitive touch ones and, unfortunately, it's not as intuitive as before.
Dialing in a good driving position is easy thanks to the adjustability of the seat and steering wheel. All the controls and gauges are easy to see and reach. Forward visibility is fine, but the narrow rear window makes you appreciate the crisp backup camera. Getting in and out is fine up front. But the back seat isn't quite as spacious as the ones in some rivals, so taller occupants might find knee room lacking.
Technology
9/10
How’s the tech? With the addition of Mercedes' MBUX infotainment system, the E-Class rises to the top of the class in terms of overall tech. The new infotainment is a marked improvement over the old system thanks to a robust list of features, easy-to-operate controls, and excellent device integration thanks to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a smartphone app, as well as some genuinely useful voice controls. The navigation system is easy to use, and the augmented overlay is great for turn-by-turn directions. We're also fans of the optional Burmester audio system.
The E-Class also gets the latest and greatest driver aids Mercedes has to offer. The adaptive cruise control maintains a tight gap in traffic, and it changes speed smoothly and quickly. The car can even slow down when the speed limit changes or when you're coming up on gentle curves. We only wish the controls on the steering wheel were easier to use.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? At 13.1 cubic feet, the E-Class' trunk is on the small side for the class, especially compared to the cavernous BMW 5 Series. That said, the space itself is wide and tall, so it's easy to actually fit items inside. The folding rear seats, which are split into 40/20/24 sections, help out too. Small-item storage up front is much better. Many luxury cars skimp on storage, but the E-Class does fairly well thanks to a decent-size center console, door pockets and glovebox. The wireless charging pad means there's always a place for your phone.
Getting a car seat in the rear shouldn't be too much of an issue most of the time, though it may be tight for larger seats. Car seat access points are placed behind easy-to-locate plastic covers.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The E 450 sedan we tested gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, which is more fuel-efficient than the previous model's turbocharged V6. It's also just as efficient as an E 350 equipped with a four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive, so you get both more power and better fuel economy. We managed 27.1 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation route, which indicates the fuel economy estimates should be accurate.
Value
8/10
Is the E-Class a good value? You see exactly where the money has gone as soon as you walk up to the car. The paint and finish are excellent. Step inside and you'll find one of the most handsome and well-crafted cabins around. Everything you look at or touch has a premium feel. Mercedes even nails little things like the click of a button or the feel of the air vent knobs.
Unfortunately, the warranty is a bit underwhelming. Mercedes includes a four-year/50,000-mile basic, powertrain and rust warranty. While the basic and powertrain coverage is fine, the rust warranty is well off the class leaders. And unlike most other luxury automakers, Mercedes doesn't include any scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
9/10
The E-Class is all about subtlety. The exterior design is handsome without being flashy, and the interior is rather stunning. It all exudes luxury, and it feels like the class benchmark that it's been for the past few years.
It's fun to drive too, but not completely in an athletic sport sedan sort of way. It's more of a Q-ship, thanks to a potent engine that delivers effortless power and a comfortable ride that makes it a joy to just cruise in. If you do want to tackle some back roads, the E-Class is willing to play.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available in four body styles and three trim levels. The body styles are sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon. The sedan seats five passengers, and the coupe and convertible seat four. Notably, the sedan-based wagon also has two rear-facing third-row seats to boost seating for up to seven. The seats can be folded into the floor when not in use, though they are suitable for small children only. As for trims, Mercedes offers the E 350, E 450 and AMG E 53. Read on for more detail on the E-Class' engines and features.
Which E-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
We think the E 450 is the sensible pick of the E-Class lineup. Its 362 horsepower is more appropriate for a car of this size than the E 350's 255 hp, and it also comes standard with all-wheel drive. Among the E-Class' available options, the Driver Assistance package is a near-must as it adds expected luxury car features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I drove the competitors BMW 5, Audi 6, Lexus ES 350 and this new E Class is really something special. I had the other cars via a Subscription Model including the 2020 Mercedes so I have recent experience for weeks at a time driving the cars. The MBUX is a great user experience. Buy the Premium package because of the 360 camera and the upgraded audio system. The other add-on stuff is … fun but not really needed. You will use Android Auto and not the Mercedes Navi if you want accurate directions. The Mercedes Navi is very pretty but useless for directions. The Augmented Reality is fun, once, and may impress your friends but is more of a distraction than a help. The Driver Assistance package is interesting but the distronic cruise control is the only thing you will actually use from this package. This is a truly comfortable car with the latest electronics. Note if you never have had a Mercedes you will need a good independent mechanic to do your A/B Services (Oil Changes) if you want to avoid the the dealer. You must log all service in the electronic service log which all of the good independent shops will do. Note the Lexus is the best value if not boring, with regular gas and standard oil changes, but I think with the 2021 updates the Mercedes E 350 is more fun than the Audi 6 (watch for recalls) or BMW 5 (needs updating to stay competitive). Obviously you should compare similar versions of each model.
Update 2 years later: Well the car is still great. I only have 7,350 miles and just dropped the car for a B Service. So far no problems except for a few early glitches with the cameras that resolved after a restart, Note the dealer costs for A & especially B Service is nuts. I was quoted $1,529.74 for a B Service at the dealer. I am trying a local specialty place that charges $450. I guess I will see. Last year another specialty shop charged $250 for an A service which was fine compared to $595 at the dealer.
Edmunds saved me my coins!?! LOL
5 out of 5 stars
KROB21, 03/14/2021
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
I’m so glad that I used the Edmunds new car pricing tool. Because of the tool I was able to get 9.6% off the retail price. Which was a few hundred dollars less than the suggested price. Of course , I had to do some serious negotiating because of the included options but it was worth it.
Caution - recall waiting to happen - front bumper
1 out of 5 stars
Joe, 03/10/2023
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 450 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
The front bumpers are getting torn off just by parking at a traditional parking lot cement barrier. Apparently, when riding, the car automaticly rises. And when you park, it automatically lowers. Unfortunately, if the front number is in front of the cement barrier when you park, when you return to your car, turn it on and put it in reverse, the car is still lowered and so putting it … in reverse, tears the front bumper off. And Mb is refusing to fix it. This is clearly a design flaw. This happened to me. A friend witnessed it. And the next day saw the exact same thing happened to someone else.
E350/W213 - 2 steps forward, 1.5 steps back
4 out of 5 stars
BobH, 09/28/2023
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)
Here are pros and cons comparing a fully featured 2021 (W213) to a 2014 (W212)
PROS
Engine: 4 modes (ECO, CMFRT, SPRT, SPRT+)
Engine: Better pickup (Torque)
Engine: Better City / overall Mileage
Outside: Better looking Hood, Wheels
Outside: Folding Mirrors
Ride: Smoother; 9 Speed Xmission; AIR MATIC
Distronix: Specified distance works right
Parking Brake better … (Automatic)
Safety: More safety (e.g. Side Impulse) Death stats = 0
Safety: Rear cross traffic backup warn/avoid
Safety: Front Pedestrian accident avoidance
Safety: Better automatic headlights
Safety: Intersection accident avoidance
Trunk: Automatic close button/feature
Key: Keyless Entry Exit much easier
Camera: Larger Screen Parking and Nav and …
Nav: Alternate Routes; Larger Screen; Speak Destination
Radio: Can add AM/FM to Favorites
MBUX: More Voice commands; More Vehicle commands
Inside: Light color seats; Piano Trim
Inside: Acoustic Comfort package
Inside: Inductive Cell Phone charger
Inside: Ambient lighting of cab
Inside: LED highlight with color selection
Inside: Illuminated Door Sills
Music: Better; More clear; Mid Range Adjustable
Instrumentation: Range always shown
Instrumentation: Can see MPG from Start and Reset
Instrumentation: Head Up display
Instrumentation: Speed Limit shown
MyMercedes: Remote data, Start, Download SW updates
MyMercedes: Get mileage from cellphone
Low Mileage = 12268
CONS
Music: No help with getting CD's onto Thumb Drive
Music: No CD Player
Transmission: Mild jerk on downhill downshifts 3 -2
Transmission: Mild Jerk upshift 2 to 3
Nav: Can't name and store destinations
Nav: Can't use Zipcodes
Controls: Wheel Upper center: Intermitent; not reliable
Controls: Buy a 2018-2020 instead; it has buttons and toggles
Controls: Touch pad; intermittent misfires.
Touch causes press; one slide causes 2 slides
Controls: Really hard to set Heads up display
Manual: No list of voice commands
Manual: No clear presentation of command Tree
Manual: Options shown out of order and incomplete
Manual: ICONS under primary links not explained
MBUX: Menus and tree operation inconsistent
MBUX: No HELP systems: Info system sparse/incomplete
MBUX: Voice Misfires; Occasional wrong startjups.
Tones: One ear shattering tone at random times
Storage: Way less than W212 (missing: BelowFrontOfSeat; Side web)
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the E-Class since its last redesign.
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