2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review: Luxury Without the Drama

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class proves that Mercedes-Benz hasn’t lost touch with what made this nameplate legendary. It’s quieter, more efficient, and honestly more engaging to drive than you’d expect.

The midsize luxury sedan is dead, or so the internet keeps telling us. Everyone’s buying SUVs, everyone wants a crossover, everyone’s going electric. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class didn’t get the memo. Here sits a car that fundamentally believes there’s still a place in driveways for a proper four-door with a sleek profile and the kind of presence that doesn’t require an oversized grille to announce itself.

This is the first complete redesign of the E-Class since 2017, and Mercedes took the opportunity to fix nearly everything that felt dated about the last generation while keeping what made the car special. That’s a delicate balance. Mess it up, and you get something that tries too hard. Get it right, and you remind people why this car has been the standard bearer in its segment for decades.

The E-Class sits in a peculiar spot in the market. It’s more affordable than the S-Class juggernaut but more refined than the C-Class. Its competitors include the newly redesigned BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6, the Genesis G80, and the Lexus ES. The 5 Series leans hard into technology and polarizing aesthetics. The A6 is the minimalist’s choice, almost boring in its restraint. The Genesis offers tremendous value and surprising competence. The Lexus plays it safe with Toyota reliability. The E-Class, meanwhile, plays it smart. It doesn’t need to be the loudest or the cheapest. It just needs to work.

Our Opinion

The 2024 E-Class is a remarkably complete luxury sedan that excels at being a place to spend time. This isn’t a car that wants to impress you at first glance with 27 screens or a grille the size of a dinner table. Instead, it wears its refinement quietly, through the quality of silence at 70 miles per hour, through how naturally the suspension absorbs a series of potholes without complaint, through the feel of leather seats that actually cost what they should.

Where the car stumbles is in its infotainment ecosystem. Mercedes loaded the new E-Class with more technology than most users want to navigate, and control systems that feel overly complex for simple tasks. Adjusting seat warmth shouldn’t require scrolling through menus. But this is a fixable frustration, not a fundamental flaw.

The core product, though, is solid. The driving experience straddles luxury and sport without committing entirely to either, which is exactly what the E-Class buyer wants. The engines are competent and efficient. The ride quality is legitimately impressive. And the overall package feels like it was designed by people who actually drive cars, not just engineers throwing technology at problems.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Well-balanced ride and handling, especially with the available AIRMATIC suspension and rear-wheel steering.
• Exceptionally quiet cabin with premium materials and outstanding highway comfort.
• Efficient and responsive mild hybrid powertrains with strong fuel economy for the segment.
• User-friendly driver assistance features, plus excellent visibility with standard parking cameras and aids.

Cons

• Overly complex infotainment system and voice controls make simple tasks harder than they should be.
• The E 350’s four-cylinder engine feels underpowered during high-speed passing.
• Optional 21-inch wheels noticeably reduce ride comfort.
• Rear-seat space trails the Genesis G80, and Sport mode adds steering weight without improving feedback.

What’s New for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes treated the 2024 redesign seriously. Everything from the hood line to the LED taillights is fresh. The shape is slightly more upright at the front compared to the previous generation, but the overall form remains conservative and timeless. That’s intentional. Mercedes knows its E-Class buyers aren’t looking for dramatic styling that ages poorly.

Under the hood, both available engines now incorporate a 48-volt mild hybrid system with an integrated starter generator. This system adds 23 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque at lower revolutions, making the engines feel more responsive off the line. The E 350’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder now produces 255 horsepower total, while the six-cylinder E 450 delivers 375 horses. Neither engine saw major displacement changes, but the hybrid assistance makes the powertrains noticeably more efficient without sacrificing driving feel.

The interior received the most significant update. Mercedes introduced a new generation of MBUX with artificial intelligence capabilities that learn your preferences over time. The standard system includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.5-inch infotainment screen. The optional Superscreen extends a single pane of glass across the dashboard, combining the gauges, passenger display, and central touchscreen. Third-party app integration is new, allowing owners to download TikTok, Angry Birds, and productivity software. A new optional rear-axle steering system turns up to 4.5 degrees to improve parking and handling agility.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Exterior Design

This is Mercedes being conservative, and there’s something genuinely appealing about that. The 2024 E-Class doesn’t try to be a sculpture. It’s a shape that emphasizes proportion and flow, with subtle character lines that suggest movement rather than demanding attention.

The headlights are slimmer than the outgoing model, with elegant sweep that gives the front end a lighter appearance despite the E-Class being 194 inches long. Mercedes fits a barbell-style bumper design that’s less aggressive than some recent Mercedes designs. The profile is where things get interesting, particularly the way the side body line flows from the front wheel arch toward the rear overhang. It’s mature and understated.

The rear end deserves a moment. Instead of a bland horizontal light bar, Mercedes designed individual LED taillight elements arranged in a star pattern. When illuminated, they create visual interest without resorting to gimmickry. The proportions feel balanced because Mercedes actually got the proportions right. The hood extends forward naturally rather than being artificially extended. The rear quarter panel sits in the correct relationship to the wheel.

Compared to the BMW 5 Series, which looks intentionally controversial, the E-Class is the diplomatic option. The Audi A6 feels even more subdued, verging on anonymous. The Genesis G80 is bolder and more striking. But the Mercedes lands in a position where it will age better than either extreme. In ten years, this will still look contemporary. That matters more than looking exciting today.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Driving Experience

This is where the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class reminds you why Mercedes still matters in the luxury sedan segment. It doesn’t rely on headline-grabbing horsepower or flashy technology. Instead, it delivers a driving experience where the steering, suspension, powertrain, and chassis work together with remarkable balance. The steering feels precise without being overly sharp, body roll is well controlled, and the car remains composed whether you’re navigating city streets or sweeping highway curves.

The two available mild hybrid powertrains each suit different buyers. The E 450’s turbocharged inline-six produces 375 horsepower and delivers effortless acceleration with smooth, confident passing power. The E 350’s turbocharged four-cylinder is perfectly adequate for everyday driving, though it feels less energetic during high-speed highway overtaking. Both engines pair with a refined nine-speed automatic transmission that shifts so smoothly it rarely calls attention to itself.

Ride quality is one of the E-Class’s biggest strengths. The available AIRMATIC air suspension and optional rear-wheel steering noticeably improve both comfort and agility. Rough pavement is absorbed with impressive composure, while the rear-wheel steering makes the sedan feel smaller and easier to maneuver in tight spaces without sacrificing highway stability.

Long-distance comfort is equally impressive. Road and wind noise are exceptionally well controlled, creating one of the quietest cabins in the segment. The front seats provide excellent support and are available with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making extended trips genuinely relaxing. Rear passengers also enjoy good comfort, although the Genesis G80 offers slightly more rear-seat space.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Interior Design and Materials

This is where Mercedes shows its strengths and weaknesses simultaneously. The overall design is clean and modern, drawing inspiration from the EQS electric sedan. The dashboard is lower than the previous generation, creating a sense of airiness. Air vents feature lovely mechanical controls that click satisfyingly at center. The ambient lighting is tasteful rather than excessive.

Materials vary by trim. The base E 350 comes with standard upholstery that feels appropriate but not special. Moving up through trims, you encounter Napa leather options, open-pore wood trim, and carbon fiber accents. The open-pore wood is genuinely attractive, far better than the plastic wood graining that many competitors offer. The leather feels soft without being delicate. Metal trim pieces have appropriate weight and finish.

The dashboard, particularly the steering column housing, includes some shiny plastic that feels out of place. For a car in this price range, there’s no excuse for glossy plastic. The glare and cheap appearance are distracting. It’s an oversight that would be easy to fix with a semi-matte finish.

The overall cabin layout prioritizes technology over traditional controls. Climate adjustment, seat heating, and many basic functions are accessed through the central touchscreen. For someone comfortable with smartphones, this feels intuitive. For drivers who prefer tactile buttons, it’s a step backward. Mercedes offers some steering wheel controls, but full adjustment usually requires navigating screens.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Technology and Infotainment

This is where the E-Class’s biggest frustration lives. Mercedes equipped the new E-Class with a staggering amount of technology, much of it impressive. The problem is systems that should be simple are made unnecessarily complex by the implementation.

The new MBUX system is undeniably capable. Voice recognition works better than it used to. The system now includes artificial intelligence that learns your preferences for seat heating, climate control, lighting, and massage functions. It can execute “routines” that automate multiple functions based on conditions you set. Third-party app integration means you can download TikTok, Angry Birds, and productivity software directly onto the car’s systems. These are genuinely interesting capabilities.

But getting to them often requires scrolling through multiple menu layers. Want to adjust seat lumbar support? That’s a screen affair, not a button. Want to change climate zones? Same story. The voice assistant can help, but asking it to adjust the ambient lighting to a specific color and brightness level requires more words than it should.

The standard system offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable displays and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen. The optional Superscreen expands these into a single pane of glass spanning most of the dashboard. There’s also an optional 12.3-inch passenger display that can show entertainment or navigation. Adding all these screens transforms the dashboard into a command center. It’s impressive, but it’s also a lot to process.

The DIGITAL LIGHT headlamp system is genuinely clever. It uses a matrix of LEDs to project light patterns, adapt to oncoming traffic, and even project navigation arrows onto the road ahead. The technology is sophisticated and works seamlessly. It’s also expensive, but the utility justifies the cost for anyone who drives frequently at night.

The sound system warrants a mention. The standard Burmester system is very good. The optional Burmester 4D surround sound system with 17 speakers and 710 watts of power is genuinely excellent. It creates an immersive listening experience without overpowering the cabin. The optional ambient lighting with sound visualization can sync the interior lighting to music, creating visual effects that react to bass and treble. It’s indulgent, but if you value music in your car, it’s worth the investment.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Fuel Consumption

The mild hybrid system helps considerably here. The E 350 with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder achieves 24 miles per gallon in city driving and 33 on the highway, with a combined rating of 27 miles per gallon. Real-world testing has returned results closer to 23-28 miles per gallon depending on driving patterns, which is respectable.

The E 450 with its larger engine and extra power trades efficiency for performance, managing 22 miles per gallon city and 31 highway, with 26 combined. Again, real-world results vary, but you’re looking at roughly 25 miles per gallon under normal mixed driving. For a car producing 375 horsepower, that’s competitive.

The integrated starter generator contributes significantly to these figures. The system captures energy during braking and coastdown, storing it in a 48-volt battery. This energy is then used to assist acceleration and handle engine stop-start without the lag that plagued earlier iterations. The system is transparent to the driver. You don’t think about it working. You just notice that the fuel gauge seems to move slower than you’d expect.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Practicality and Storage

The E-Class sedan offers 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space. That’s respectable for a sedan. The opening is wide enough to load suitcases without awkward angling. The rear seats split and fold to create additional cargo space if needed. Under the floor is additional storage for smaller items and charging cables.

Interior storage is adequate. There’s a center console with multiple compartments. Door pockets can hold water bottles or larger items. Cup holders are intelligently placed. The overall sense is that Mercedes thought about how owners would actually use the car.

Rear passenger space is comfortable for two adults on longer drives. Three across the rear seat is possible but cozy. The center seat has a slightly raised transmission tunnel that makes it less ideal than the outer positions. Headroom is sufficient, though taller passengers might find the roofline closer than expected. Legroom is adequate for typical adults but not exceptional. The Genesis G80 genuinely offers more rear space, which is worth considering if you frequently carry passengers.

The E 450 All-Terrain wagon version, arriving later in the model year, will solve many of these practicality concerns. It offers considerably more cargo space while maintaining the sedan’s driving manners. For families or anyone needing hauling capacity, that’s the move.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Mercedes equipped the E-Class with an impressive standard safety suite. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking comes standard. The system includes pedestrian and cyclist detection. Lane departure warning is standard, as is lane keeping assist that gently steers the car back toward center if you drift without signaling. Blind spot monitoring is standard. So is rear cross-traffic warning.

Additional driver assistance packages add options like active steering assist, which helps center the car in its lane during long highway drives. Adaptive cruise control with lane centering is available, allowing the car to maintain speed and center itself for an extended period. Mercedes added driver monitoring, which watches for signs of distraction or drowsiness and alerts the driver if attention seems to be wandering. If ignored, the system can bring the car to a safe stop.

These systems are effective without being intrusive. The lane keeping assist doesn’t yank the wheel. The collision warning gives adequate time before intervening. You can disable most systems if you find them annoying, and the car remembers your preferences.

Official crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available at publication. However, the structure is robust, airbag placement is comprehensive, and the crash avoidance systems significantly reduce the likelihood of collisions occurring in the first place.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Competitors

The BMW 5 Series deserves a moment. It’s also redesigned for 2024, and it’s a talented sedan that leans into driving dynamics and technology. The interior is driver-centric, the handling is engaging, and the turbocharged engines are willing performers. Where the E-Class emphasizes comfort and refinement, the 5 Series emphasizes sportiness and driver engagement. If you spend more time on twisty back roads than highways, the 5 Series might be the answer. On balance, though, the E-Class rides better and feels more cohesive as a complete package.

The Audi A6 is the minimalist option. Its interior is beautifully restrained, almost austere compared to the E-Class and 5 Series. It’s a capable sedan with solid handling and efficient engines, but it lacks the emotional appeal of its German rivals. For buyers who want a luxury sedan without fuss or theater, the A6 is logical. For those who want their car to feel special, the E-Class or 5 Series make stronger cases.

The Genesis G80 is genuinely the value play in this segment. The base G80 costs roughly 10,000 dollars less than the E-Class, yet it offers more rear seat space, more horsepower in the base engine, and a warranty that makes German manufacturers look stingy. It’s a capable, modern luxury sedan with impressive technology. The only place it trails is brand heritage and the sense of occasion that comes with owning a Mercedes or BMW. For rational buyers, the G80 is a persuasive argument. For emotional buyers, the Mercedes wins.

The Lexus ES exists in this segment and competes directly with the E-Class, 5 Series, and A6 in both size and price. It’s the reliability king. If you plan to keep the car for a decade and never want to think about maintenance, the Lexus is the answer. But the E-Class is the better driving experience.

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses

The E-Class’s greatest strength is its completeness. It doesn’t excel at one thing at the expense of others. The ride is genuinely comfortable while handling is still engaging. The engines provide adequate power without excessive consumption. The cabin is quiet and well-appointed without feeling cluttered. The technology works and integrates well without overwhelming the driver. It’s a car that does almost everything well.

The biggest weakness is the complexity of basic controls. In an era when simplicity is increasingly valued, Mercedes made infotainment harder to navigate than it should be. Worse, Mercedes added technology that many buyers don’t want, like the in-dash camera for video calls. The company seems determined to turn every car into a rolling office, which misses the point of why people enjoy driving.

Should You Buy the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class? Our Recommendation

The 2024 E-Class is best suited for drivers who value refinement and long-distance comfort. This is the car for someone who spends considerable time on highways and wants a space that feels like a sanctuary. It’s ideal for buyers who appreciate material quality and engineering depth. It’s perfect for those who want technology without being bombarded by it. Skip the most expensive tech packages and focus on the core product, which is genuinely excellent.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying?

Yes, with caveats. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is an excellent luxury sedan that deserves consideration if you’re shopping in this segment. It’s not the most exciting, it’s not the most spacious, and it’s not the most affordable. What it is, though, is fundamentally competent across every measure that matters.

If you can live with the occasionally frustrating technology and don’t need maximum rear seat space, this is a sedan you’ll genuinely enjoy owning. The ride quality will impress you. The quietness will spoil you for other cars. The handling will remind you that Mercedes hasn’t forgotten how to engineer vehicles.

Buy the E 450 if highway performance matters. Buy the E 350 if budget is a concern but you want the E-Class experience. Either way, option the AIRMATIC suspension if you can swing it. Skip the 21-inch wheels and go with 19 or 20 inches for a more compliant ride. Consider the driver assistance package for serious miles. The rest is personal preference.

The E-Class isn’t a car that demands your attention. It’s a car that earns your respect through sheer competence and refinement. In a market increasingly obsessed with emotional appeal and brand theater, that’s genuinely refreshing.

FAQ

What’s the difference between the E 350 and E 450?

The E 450 has a larger turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower, while the E 350 has a smaller turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower. The E 450 accelerates faster and sustains performance better at highway speeds. Both are competent, but the E 450 is the more convincing choice if you regularly push the car hard. The E 350 is fine for typical mixed driving.

Should I get the AIRMATIC suspension?

Yes, if the budget allows. It’s expensive, roughly 3,200 dollars, but the improvement in ride quality is legitimate. The adaptive dampers do impressive work over rough roads. If you drive on consistently smooth highways, it’s optional. If you encounter variable road conditions, it’s worth the investment.

Is the E-Class a good long-distance cruiser?

Absolutely. The quiet cabin, comfortable seats, and composed suspension make it one of the best highway cars in any price range. The infotainment technology, while sometimes frustrating to control, can keep you connected with maps, music, and climate management. Eight to ten-hour drives are genuinely comfortable in this car.

How does the 2024 E-Class compare to the outgoing generation?

It’s better at nearly everything. The ride is smoother. The handling is more composed. The engines are more efficient. The interior is more modern. The technology works more intuitively, despite adding complexity elsewhere. The main advantage of the old model is probably lower used-car prices. As new cars, the new E-Class is superior.

Can I get the E-Class in rear-wheel drive?

The 2024 model is all-wheel drive only. However, Mercedes confirmed that a rear-wheel-drive E 350 is available for 2025, offering slightly better efficiency and a more traditional sedan feel for drivers who prefer it. The 2025 E350 RWD starts at $62,450 and returns slightly better EPA fuel economy than the all-wheel-drive version.