For some odd reason, whenever someone thinks of vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, the flagship S-Class or entry-level C-Class, their various SUVs, or even the storied brand’s sports cars first come to mind. Everyone forgets about the middle child, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic.
I think this is odd because the E-Class has made a pretty significant mark since it debuted more than 75 years ago. You could argue the W123-era cars embody what Mercedes-Benz used to stand for, many of us have fond memories of the 190E Evo II tearing up racing circuits throughout the 1990s, the W210 and W211 cars kickstarted Mercedes’ trendsetting quad-oval headlight design, and let’s not forget the ultimate family wagon.
Therefore, this redesigned, sixth-generation E-Class sedan is an important car in my books. Mercedes-Benz is putting their best foot forward in creating a tech-forward experience for professionals who have become the main clientele for this midsize luxury sedan.
Starting with the exterior design, the new E 450 looks fresh, trendy, and dressed to impress. The proportions are well-balanced, and the new lighting elements set the stage perfectly for what is to be expected inside. The E-class bucks the trend within the Mercedes-Benz portfolio where each sedan resembles one another, offering up an understated look that comes across as both sporty and sophisticated.
Once you step inside, though, the new E-Class is anything but understated. Not one, but three screens on the dashboard—Mercedes calls this arrangement the MBUX Superscreen—serve up the digital experience for its driver and front passenger, while the expansive use of ambient lighting further elevates the tech-heavy atmosphere. I can see why some consumers may feel this is sensory overload, and I can understand why they would choose to dial down the brightness or turn them off completely. But there is no denying that the E 450’s cabin is one of the trendiest spaces in the segment, and well-suited to the younger buyers Mercedes-Benz is seeking.
The rest of the interior layout is rather simple and clean. The flowing lines have soothing effect and the materials used feel a class above its peers. The seats are supportive and comfortable with plenty of room for four adults even for extended road trips. The optional Burmester sound system is among the best in the segment, and if you are sitting in the front seat, you can now stream videos on the third screen. Trunk space measures in at 540 litres, with a wide opening to accommodate longer cargo such as golf clubs.
One of the key features in the new E-Class is the introduction of artificial intelligence. This allows the car to learn frequently used functions and routines. For instance, Mercedes’ updated MBUX infotainment can now recognize complex commands that link conditions and functions with each other, such as asking it to switch on the heated seats if outside temperatures dip below a certain point. Among the full suite of driver assists is a new feature called Attention Assist, which detects when the driver is not paying attention and warns them proactively before eventually engaging in an emergency stop.
The redesigned E 450 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, aided by a 17 kWh electric motor. This mild hybrid powertrain puts out 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, working with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. While those figures may not jump out at you these days, the E 450 wins solely on being silky smooth in every situation. In the city, it accelerates with great poise, and the engine is nearly imperceptible cruising on the highway. It can also hustle when called upon, thanks to the electric motor pitching in a meaningful 148 lb-ft of instant torque.
The E 450 is not meant to be sporty, but it feels pretty lively thanks to its responsive steering and engaging chassis. Ride quality is another strong suit—the E 450’s suspension soaks up imperfections very well, and the fact that there are no AMG bits on this car means comfort is its number-one priority. That is how I like my luxury cars.
Fuel economy is rated at 10.8 L/100 kilometres in the city, 7.7 on the highway, and 9.4 combined. Those figures are quite good for a turbocharged, six-cylinder luxury sedan. My real-world figures clocked in at a reasonable 10.5 L/100 km over mixed commuting. As expected, premium-grade gasoline is required for the E 450.
The redesigned E-Class starts at $73,900 for the base E 350 sedan, while E 450 is exactly a $10,000 step-up. Our tester added the 21-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, the MBUX Superscreen layout, and the Pinnacle Trim, Sun Protection, and Driver Assistance packages, bringing the as-tested total to $94,155 before fees and taxes. It competes head-to-head against arch-rivals such as the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series. In my books, it wins out on comfort and luxury, but gives up a bit in the driving-dynamics part of the recipe.
The E-Class may be an often-forgotten member of the lineup, but there is no denying its significance not only among midsize luxury sedans, but also to Mercedes’ history as a whole. By emphasizing a tech-forward experience with this all-new generation, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic opens up its appeal to a new group of professionals. These upgrades inside and out will no doubt continue to make an impact in the segment—quietly and confidently, of course, as the E-Class always has.
