Vehicle Tested
2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 Sport 4Matic Wagon (3.5L 6-cyl. AWD 7-speed Auto)
Driven On
5/8/2012
Ratings Summary
This rating has been carried forward from a prior year because the newer model has no substantial differences.
Maybe it's because the once-omnipresent station wagon is now an endangered species supplanted by the crossover. Or maybe Mercedes-Benz just builds an outstanding vehicle, but combined, there is no better wagon than the E350 Sport 4Matic at any price. If you want more of a good thing, try the E63 Wagon and bring money.
A
Performance
The E350 Sport Wagon is one of the best-performing wagons available: Powerful 302-hp V6, strong brakes, capable suspension and excellent overall drivability.
| Acceleration |
A
|
Maybe running to 60 mph in about 6 seconds doesn't matter to you, but the E350 Wagon will do it with ease. It'll also get up to 100 mph in about a quarter-mile. |
| Braking |
A
|
Responsive, strong brakes stopped our test car in just 109 feet. Excellent fade resistance and pedal feel. |
| Steering |
B
|
Very strong on-center feel enhances sense of stability. Slightly isolated overall, but always precise when cornering. |
| Handling |
B
|
Self-adjusting shocks do a remarkable job sorting out conditions, providing both excellent handling and a compliant ride. |
| Driveability |
A
|
For hundreds of miles at a time, our E350 Sport (not E350 Luxury) provided us an uncommonly good ride, effortless acceleration and confident cornering. |
A
Comfort
Despite the Sport designation, the E350 Wagon offers nearly the same level of comfort as its Luxury sibling. Comfort in both seating and ride are above average.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
All seats are adult-size (even hidden 3rd row) and covered in convincing faux leather. The front seats are highly adjustable and optionally heated/ventilated. |
| Ride Comfort |
B
|
Ride quality is firm and controlled as well as comfortable on a wide variety of surfaces. |
| Quietness |
A
|
It's hard to imagine with so much surface area and glass, but the E350 Wagon we tested was quieter than a Nissan Leaf electric car at 70 mph. |
A
Interior
The E350 Wagon blends old world craftsmanship with new world tech in a way that few makers can. Plenty of room all around from a midsize wagon, plus unexpected rear-facing 3rd row seat.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Within the realm of knob-type multi-controllers, M-B's version is reasonably intuitive to operate. Other controls are equally good. |
| Ingress/Egress |
A
|
The E350 Wagon has generously sized, regularly shaped doors. Kids can climb under the powered hatch and over the rear bumper for the rear jump seats. Seats seven. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Ample head-, leg-, and shoulder room for two rows, and even an adult-size third row. Open and airy cabin affords room to stretch out. |
| Visibility |
A
|
Excellent sightlines for a wagon plus standard rear parking sonar and camera. World-class roster of optional enhancements, including night vision, blind-spot monitor, lane keeping, etc. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
There are 20 cubic feet behind second-row seats, with 57 cu-ft when the 60/40-split second-row seat is folded flat. |
B
Value
The E350 Sport 4Matic Wagon comes with an impressive list of standard equipment that justifies its base price of nearly $60,000.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
A
|
You'd be hard-pressed to find a vehicle built as well as this wagon at any price. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
Only the most extravagant features (night vision, rear-seat entertainment) are within expensive option packages, as powered liftgate, reverse camera are standard. |
| Cost |
B
|
At $57K, it's an expensive wagon, but there is only one other in this tiny luxury-wagon segment. |
| MPG |
B
|
Rated by the EPA at 19 city, 27 highway and 22 mpg combined, the E350 Wagon earns respectable fuel economy, especially for an all-wheel-drive wagon or SUV alternative. |
| Warranty |
B
|
The warranty package is merely competitive at 4 years/50,000 miles for both the basic and drivetrain components. |
| Ownership |
B
|
What the E-Wagon might lack in free scheduled maintenance is easily offset with knowledge that there are few, if any, vehicles manufactured to this benchmark standard. |
B
Fun To Drive
We weren't expecting to say the E350 Sport Wagon was fun to drive, but we just did.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
There's something very satisfying about a vehicle that does exactly what it was designed to do, then goes further with surprising performance, features and options in a wagon. |
| Personality |
B
|
A refined appearance that still expresses the Mercedes-Benz image, perfect for its very exclusive owner body. For a more outgoing appearance, choose the E63 AMG wagon. |
