Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review 2024

Mercedes-Benz E-Class At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
This Mercedes-Benz E-Class among the most sophisticated cars the German brand has ever made. It even gives the luxury S-Class something to think about such is the level of comfort, space, quality and technology.

+Beautiful cabin design and quality, lovely high-speed refinement, quiet efficient four-cylinder diesel, futuristic equipment and more spacious than ever.

-Lots of safety kit and tech is on the options list, best-riding air suspension a high-priced option, many are used as executive taxis which harms the classy image.

New prices start from £43,385
Insurance Groups are between 28–49
On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been a key contender in the executive saloon sphere for decades. The latest model, now getting on a bit having launched in 2016 but still very competitive, is as high-tech, comfortable, spacious and classy as it's ever been. The huge choice of engines - including both diesel and petrol plug-in hybrids - means there's something for both fleet and private buyers, too. Click through our Mercedes E-Class review for the full story.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is an institution, but one that is a little less dominant than it used to be thanks to the rise of premium SUVs and a wider choice than ever of luxury models. But it's still a superb all-rounder offering something for everyone. 

It has to be noted that the E-Class comes with an extremely broad engine range, particularly with other firms now shrinking their ranges. There's everything from the efficient and affordable E220d all the way to the mightily fast and thirsty Mercedes-AMG E63.

There is also two plug-in hybrid models in the range, so the E-Class has one of the widest, most advanced offerings when it comes to propulsion. You also have a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive depending on the engine you choose, so the E-Class is taking the fight directly to the also very talented Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series on this front.

Further key competitors include the Jaguar XF and Lexus ES, if we're discounting the vast quantity of posh SUVs that buyers are flocking to as well. 

Although the E220d diesel is as talented as ever, managing strong refinement for a four-cylinder combined with good real-world efficiency. But both company car users and private buyers are moving away from diesels - happily the entry-level petrols also do a stellar job. 

If more pace is required, the six-cylinder diesel in the E300 d offers huge low-rev pick up or you could go the whole hog with the impressively swift and smooth E400 d.

The again, more people will be looking to the plug-in hybrid model offered with the E300 de EQ. It produces carbon dioxide emissions as low as 34g/km. It can travel up to 32.9 miles on battery power alone, which is more than enough for most urban commutes to be completed with zero tail-pipe emissions. It's a nice stepping stone to the future of electric cars.

The Mercedes E-Class has a very classy and elegant cabin, with cool ambient lighting allowing you to customise the feel inside. Quality is excellent, too - everything feels expensively trimmed and even the man-made leather is pretty convincing. 

Despite being generously equipped across its various trim levels, the E-Class (like many executive models) requires you to delve into the options list for the more sophisticated equipment. Still, many models now have the twin-screen panoramic infotainment display as standard, while you can opt for kit such as remote parking too.

All of this clever stuff is underpinned by the E-Class getting the basics spot on, so it’s still a comfortable, roomy and very classy executive saloon. It's not quite the consummate all-rounder that the BMW 5 Series is, however. 

Looking for a second opinion? Check out heycar's review of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Looking for an older model? You'll want to read our Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2009-2016 review.

Ask Honest John

Do I need to keep my run flat tyres for insurance purposes?

"I have Mercedes E350 with run flat tyres, if I replace these with ordinary tyres would this affect the insurance or my Mercedes service and breakdown cover?"
It is always sensible to enquire directly with your insurer in matters such as these, as the terms and conditions may vary between providers, but we would not expect changing to standard tyres to affect your insurance. Similarly the service and breakdown cover provided by Mercedes may have terms and conditions that dictate that the car is maintained in its original specification, so we would suggest reviewing your policy documents or consulting with them directly.
Answered by David Ross

My dealer says my Mercedes E-Class Auto needs a gearbox service but it's only done 33,000 miles, is this necessary?

"I have a 2018 MB E-Class, it’s done 33,000 miles. The dealer tells me it needs an automatic gearbox service this year - £375 + VAT. Is it strictly necessary, and is that a reasonable price?"
Although your Mercedes has not covered many miles, we would suggest following the dealer's guidance and having the gearbox serviced, as the oil will degrade over time. The price you have been quoted is not surprising for a main dealer, but you may be able to get it cheaper by using an independent Mercedes-Benz specialist.
Answered by David Ross

How can I reduce tyre noise?

"I would like a car that cruises quietly without the tyre roar that a lot of cars seem to suffer from on run flats e.g. my current BMW 840d coupe and Mercedes E400d estate."
A lot of factors can contribute to tyre noise, and run flats in particular can suffer from this as they have a stiffer construction to resist punctures. Generally speaking the wider your tyres are, the more noise they will generate, while all-season and winter tyres are also generally noisier than summer tyres. We would suggest looking for an alternative tyre with a low noise rating. Looking on blackcircles.com, if your Mercedes is fitted with 245/35R20 tyres you could look at the Pirelli P Zero PZ4, which has the lowest noise rating of 68dB in this size.
Answered by David Ross

Should I buy an ex-press car?

"I have seen a Mercedes AMG E63S for sale, it was formally a Mercedes-Press car and I have seen it featured in press articles. Should I be put off by this or add it to my shortlist?"
Ask any motoring journalist and they will tell you that press cars live a hard life, particularly performance models. The limits of their performance and handling will have been explored far more regularly than a normal owner would, up to and including top speed runs and drifting under the excuse of testing. On the other hand, press cars are normally highly specified and are pampered by the press garages that look after them. They will have received comprehensive checks before and after every loan, often on a weekly basis, and been serviced strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. An ex-press car is highly unlikely to come with any faults, so ultimately it is down to whether or not its previous life makes it more or less appealing.
Answered by David Ross
More Questions

What does a Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost?