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.Read full review
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
Pros
Exquisite cabin with excellent design and comfort features
Driver assistance technology works great
Vast array of personalization options
Cons
Sedan's cargo capacity is small for the class
Standard suspension can ride stiffly over rough surfaces
What's new
No major changes for 2023
Part of the fifth E-Class generation introduced for 2017
Overview
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 450 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
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
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $13,532 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $13,532 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG E 53 trim.
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe pricing in Ashburn, VA
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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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.
Which E-Class 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.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Top Rated Luxury Sedan | Edmunds Top Rated Awards 2021
NOTE: This video is about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but since the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class takes the title as Top Rated Luxury Sedan in the Edmunds Top Rated Awards for 2021. Dethroning last year's winner, the smaller A-Class sedan, the E-Class is exactly the type of luxury car we have come to expect from Mercedes. A refreshed exterior, restyled cabin and improved technology features elevate the 2021 Mercedes E-Class to the best… luxury sedan for 2021.
If you're in the market for a luxury sedan in this price and size range, you might also be considering the Audi A6. We also think the A6 is a strong choice in the segment thanks to its powerful available V6, comfortable ride (provided you don't opt for the sport suspension) and handsome design inside and out. In a direct comparison, we give the edge to the Merc since the Audi's infotainment system can be difficult to use.
The BMW 5 Series is the third pillar of the German luxury midsize sedan triumvirate, and wouldn't you know it — we like this car, too. Its styling is a little too anonymous for this price, and interior materials are fine. But otherwise, the 5 Series is an excellent all-rounder, combining strong performance with a luxurious ride. We recommend test-driving the Mercedes, Audi and BMW to find which speaks to your sensibilities.
Mercedes attaches the "EQ" moniker to its growing line of electric vehicles, and as the name implies, the Mercedes-Benz EQE is the EV equivalent of the E-Class. It's not an E-Class with an electric powertrain, but rather an E-Class-sized sedan that was built to be an EV from the ground up. If you like the idea of owning a midsize Mercedes with loads of drool-worthy technology and luxury features but want to go electric, this EQE is the way to go.
Helps mitigate an accident by monitoring signs of driver fatigue.
Evasive Steering Assist
Calculates extra steering torque during an evasive maneuver to help the driver avoid a collision and maintain control of the car.
Pre-Safe Sound
Reduces hearing damage from an accident by emitting a specific noise that triggers an inner-ear muscle reflex to protect hearing.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 E-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.4 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the E-Class has 10.0 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class:
No major changes for 2023
Part of the fifth E-Class generation introduced for 2017
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the E-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the E-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 E-Class and gave it a 8.4 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 E-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 450 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $69,750.
Other versions include:
E 450 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $69,750
E 450 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $72,250
AMG E 53 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $84,500
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the next question is, which E-Class model is right for you? E-Class variants include E 450 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), E 450 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), and AMG E 53 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of E-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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