2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

Standard equipment for the E-Class E300 sedan includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque), a nine-speed automatic transmission, LED headlights, automatic wipers, power-folding mirrors with heating, a sunroof, selectable drive modes, an adaptive suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory functions and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats.

Standard technology highlights for the E300 are a 12.3-inch display, a rearview camera, Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system with a touchpad controller, voice controls, a navigation system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD radio and two USB ports.

The E400 gets all of the E300's equipment plus a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (329 hp, 354 lb-ft). In addition to the above, the E400 wagon has power liftgate and the convertible receives a power-folding fabric top, Mercedes' Aircap wind deflector and a rear center pass-through.
Sport and Luxury versions are available for both the E300 and E400. The Sport has bigger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and brakes, and special styling details. The Luxury gets some additional wheel choices, upgraded upholstery and a different grille.

For the most part, the above variants share optional package availability. The Premium 1 package adds an automated parallel and perpendicular parking system, a wireless phone charger, satellite radio, keyless entry, a power trunklid (sedan) with hands-free activation, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats and a Burmester surround-sound system. The Premium 2 package includes all of the Premium 1 package, along with adaptive headlights with automatic high-beams, a perfumed air freshener system and a power rear sunshade (sedan).

The Premium 3 package includes all of the above plus a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control with steering and lane-change assist, a speed-limit sign reader, forward collision and rear cross-traffic warnings and mitigation, evasive steering assist, active blind-spot assistance, a head-up display, and Pre-Safe side and rear impact preparation.

Other notable options include the Warmth and Comfort package (rapid heating for front seats, heated front armrests, upper door panels and steering wheel), tri-zone climate control, rear side airbags, an adaptive air-ride suspension, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, an upgraded gauge cluster display, additional sound and solar insolation, active multicontour front seats with massage functions, and a couple of premium Burmester sound systems. Numerous upholstery and trim options are also available. The Airscarf neck-warmer is available as an option for the convertible.

For more power and some upgraded equipment, there's the AMG E43, which comes with most of the E400's standard equipment, plus a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (396 hp, 384 lb-ft), an AMG sport-tuned suspension and braking, keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, AMG-specific interior and exterior pieces, and leather upholstery.

At the top of the horsepower heap is the AMG E63 S. It gets the E43's equipment plus a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (603 hp, 627 lb-ft), AMG-developed or -tuned powertrain and suspension components, a limited-slip rear differential, and heated and ventilated front seats. It also comes standard with several of the E400's optional items. Any E63 S can be outfitted with carbon-ceramic brakes.