Brimming with high-tech features, tranquil interior environment - 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
1Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-class epitomizes sophistication with its bleeding technology, classy appearance, and extravagant cabin. It's compelling enough to earn a spot on our Editors' Choice list. Available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe and cabriolet, the Mercedes can be made to match all manner of upper-class lifestyles. It also offers a set of distinct powertrains that range from an entry-level four-cylinder to a zesty turbocharged six-cylinder that makes 362 horsepower. The 2021 E-class family chauffeurs passengers in quiet comfort thanks to a serene interior and a pillowy ride. The experience is not unlike a smaller and more affordable version of the ultra-luxurious S-class.
What's New for 2021?
Mercedes-Benz introduces a mid-cycle update of the E-class lineup for 2021. The changes apply to the sedan as well as the coupe and cabriolet models. The updates include revised front and rear styling, an all-new steering-wheel design, the latest MBUX infotainment system, and enhanced driver-assistance technology. The E450 replaces its twin-turbo V-6 with a new turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine.
We recommend the sedan body style and advocate for the E450, with its potent six-cylinder powertrain and standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. It comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, a fully digital dashboard, heated front seats with memory settings, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and passive entry. To that we'd add the optional air suspension, head-up display, heated steering wheel, multi-contour front seats with massage functions, and ventilated front-seat cushions.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Every E-class features an obedient nine-speed automatic transmission that pairs with three distinct engines. The E350 has a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The E450 is powered by a turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system that doubles as an electric supercharger. The setup sends 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet to all four wheels. Since the E-class is a comfort-biased car, its handling is competent but not sporty. It leans in corners, but it rarely feels overwhelmed when pushed hard. With the optional air suspension in its Comfort setting, the ride is creamy, and the E-class is perfect for gobbling up lots of roads. It glides over pavement imperfections with only slight notification of such unpleasantries communicated to the cabin. With the drive-mode selector set to either Comfort or Eco, the steering is nicely weighted—not too light, not too heavy—and feels accurate. The E-class tracks straight on the freeway with a solid and predictable nature, and feedback from the road is muted.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The four-cylinder E350 earned ratings of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive and 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The more powerful E450 model is just as efficient with ratings of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Once we have the chance to test the different powertrains on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test route, we can evaluate their real-world mpg.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The E-class's cabin is beautifully detailed with brushed aluminum, lovely wood, and some of the most comfortable seats we've ever tested. Every model comes standard with customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and memory settings for the driver's and front passenger seat. Desirable options include a head-up display, massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front-seat cushions. Under its shapely rear end is a trunk that offers less space than some rivals, but the Benz has them beat when it comes to interior cubby storage. Lowering the rear seatbacks opens up much more space for hauling cargo, but they don't fold completely flat so loading heavy items may feel like a chore. We still managed to fit 18 of our carry-on suitcases inside the sedan with the rear seats stowed. Both the coupe and convertible models offer a 10-cubic-foot trunk; with the top down, though, the cabriolet model's available space shrinks considerably. We could only fit two carry-on suitcases inside the trunk with the convertible's top stowed, but the coupe managed to hold five.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The E-class comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which can be controlled in myriad ways that include a touchpad on the center console as well as voice-activated commands. The MBUX system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those who want fancier features can upgrade to a powerful Burmester stereo and wireless charging.