2023 Mercedes-Benz E Class

Reviewed by Jack R. NeradJack R. Nerad

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is not simply one vehicle but instead a closely related family of vehicles that collectively set a high level of excellence. The E-Class is available as a sedan, coupe, cabriolet, and station wagon. Each sits at the top of its respective subsegment, based on the model's pervasive quality. All the E-Class variants share classic luxury, innovative technology, rock-solid quality, and impressive safety and security. The rear-wheel-drive models warm the hearts of enthusiast drivers, while the available all-wheel-drive versions provide extra traction and security. The standard E-Class models will delight buyers. The performance-oriented AMG versions raise the driving experience to an even higher plateau.

In terms of size, the E-Class sedan defines the midsize-luxury vehicle market. Its key competitors have very similar dimensions. The BMW 5 Series is slightly longer, and the Audi A6 and Cadillac CT5 essentially match its footprint. The E-Class sedan is a very attractive vehicle in its own right, but the E-Class coupe, which is 4 inches shorter than the sedan, is absolutely stunning.

Pros

A family of impressive luxury models. Beautifully designed and crafted interiors. Powerful and fuel-efficient engines.

Cons

Hard to decide which E-Class variant to buy. Infotainment system is overly complex.

Verdict

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the leader in four incredibly competitive segments that include some of the best luxury cars in the world. The E-Class sedan, coupe, cabriolet, and wagon combine well-tailored exterior styling and striking interiors with technological excellence.

What's New for 2023

The 2023 Mercedes E-Class lineup moves forward with no significant changes.

Trims and Pricing

Because of its four body styles and multiple trim levels, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class presents a very long menu. Each trim level is tied directly to an engine and drivetrain. The sedan is available in four trims: E 350, E 350 4Matic, E 450 4Matic, and the performance-oriented AMG E 53. The coupe and convertible come in three trims: E 450, E 450 4Matic, and AMG E 53. The wagon comes in just one trim, the E 450 4Matic All-Terrain. The E 350 sedan is the popular model, and it is our recommendation as well. We'll explain why.

E 350

With a starting price of $56,800 (including a $1,050 destination fee), the rear-wheel-drive E 350 sedan includes heated power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power-operated tilt-and-sliding sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, and a power-operated trunk closer. Remote start, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, and heated exterior mirrors are also standard. The E 350 4Matic ($59,300) is the all-wheel-drive version. This trim level offers impressive levels of luxury, technology, and performance at a price that is competitive with its chief rivals, making it our recommendation for most buyers.

E 450

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic sedan ($64,800) has a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, mild-hybrid powertrain, and the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Genuine leather seats aren't standard in this trim, but Mercedes-Benz presents potential buyers with a long list of optional luxury equipment and accessory items. The E 450 coupe and cabriolet models are available with rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The E 450 4Matic All-Terrain Wagon ($70,450) features a slightly higher ride height that gives it an SUV vibe.

AMG E 53

Starting at $80,250, the AMG E 53 is a performance-oriented version of the E-Class available in sedan, coupe, and convertible forms. It includes the 429-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. It has a special Speedshift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG-tuned version of 4Matic all-wheel drive. The AMG E 53 also features driver-assist technology that includes active parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot assist, and crosswind assist.

Engine and Performance

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers three engine options — a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (255 horsepower), a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (362 hp), and a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (429 hp). The E 350 is fitted with the 2.0-liter engine. The 362-hp 3.0-liter is in the E 450 4Matic. And the 429-hp turbo six-cylinder powers the AMG 53. Both versions of the six-cylinder feature mild-hybrid technology. All models use nine-speed automatic transmissions. Mercedes-Benz says the E 350 will go from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG versions deliver more performance with 400+ horsepower accompanied by suspensions tuned specifically for enthusiastic driving. According to Mercedes, the AMG E 53 will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

The AMG E 53 sedan, coupe, and cabriolet are true grand touring cars, yet they can transport five passengers in comfort. But for most Mercedes-Benz buyers, the added performance, and cost, is unnecessary. The typical luxury-car buyer will find the E 350 and E 450 provide more-than-adequate acceleration, braking, and overall handling.

For comparison, the Audi A6 Premium has a 261-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid tech. The BMW 540i sedan is equipped with a 335-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assist.

Fuel Economy

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E 350 sedan will return 23 mpg during city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. The all-wheel-drive E 450 4Matic is rated at 23/30 mpg city/highway, and the E 450 4Matic All-Terrain wagon is rated at 21/28 mpg.

The BMW 530i sedan with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has an EPA estimate of 25/33 mpg city/highway. The Audi A6 Quattro returns 23/32 mpg.

Interior

No matter whether you pick a sedan, coupe, convertible, or wagon, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a superior interior. An excellent driving position, superior seating comfort, contemporary cabin design, and an impressive array of infotainment and connectivity are obvious the second you climb aboard. The base seat upholstery is high-quality synthetic leather rather than genuine leather. It is set off by genuine ash wood with various complementary finishes. Real leather is available at an extra cost. Quilted and two-toned upholstery are available among a variety of tasteful combinations. An option package offers amenities that include heated front armrests, a heated steering wheel, and rapid-heating front seats. With the exception of the wagon, the sedan is the roomiest of the models, with plenty of shoulder, hip, leg-, and headroom in the front and rear. The three-passenger rear bench seat is split 40/20/40, and a sunroof brightens the cabin. Two 12.3-inch displays, one for instrumentation and the other for infotainment, are standard.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system in the Mercedes E-Class is accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, steering wheel-mounted controls, or responsive "natural language" voice control. In contrast to earlier systems, the 2023 E-Class's voice recognition does a very good job of deciphering your desires without requiring specific language commands. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) includes embedded navigation along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. MBUX video-augmented navigation is an interesting option. It displays live images from a forward-facing camera with information such as street names, house numbers, and guiding arrows superimposed on the central screen.

Safety

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is expected to deliver superior overall safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued its top five-star rating to the 2022 sedan and wagon models. The coupe and convertible have not been rated. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the 2022 E-Class a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2023 E-Class offers a comprehensive list of the latest driver-assist systems. Standard safety technologies include active brake assist, blind-spot assist, adaptive high-beam headlight assist, and crosswind assist. Optional features are adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, active lane-change assist, speed limit assist, and route-based speed assistance.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. the Competition

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

TrueCar works with a select group of automotive industry experts who test-drive nearly 300 vehicles per year. TrueCar's experts grade the vehicles on key attributes including driving dynamics, comfort, interior design, technology, storage, and efficiency. Our experts also judge recent model updates, pricing and value, trims, options, comparable vehicles, and safety assessments (as provided by the NHTSA and IIHS) to inform their recommendations and help car shoppers choose a vehicle that is right for them.

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