Mercedes E300 vs. E350: The 4 Differences & Which Is Best?
If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’re weighing up two fantastic choices: the Mercedes-Benz E300 and E350.
These cars are like twins – so much alike, yet with some minor differences.
The main difference between the Mercedes E300 and E350 is that the E300 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 241 horsepower, while the E350 has a slightly more powerful 2.0-liter engine with 255 horsepower.
Ready to learn more about them? Let’s dive in!
4 Differences between the Mercedes E300 and E350
Let’s look at all the differences between a Mercedes E300 and an E350!
1. Build years
One of the most distinct ways to differentiate between the Mercedes E300 and E350 is by looking at their respective build years.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
The E300 was the base model for the Mercedes E-Class during the W213 generation, and it did an excellent job representing the E-Class for several years.
However, in 2020, Mercedes shook things up a bit. The Mercedes E350 was introduced, which replaced the E300 as the base model in North America.
So, was it just the name change? Or are there more differences?
You guessed it already; there’s a bit more to it! Let’s take a look:
2. Engine performance
Dive under the hood, and you’ll find the heart of any vehicle: its engine.
When comparing the E300 and E350, both might seem quite similar at first glance, but let’s zoom in on those specifics.
The E300 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out a respectable 241 horsepower. In terms of torque, which is that force that gives you the initial push, the E300 offers a solid 273 pounds-feet.
But then, there’s the E350. While it maintains the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, it has been improved to produce 255 horsepower.
That might seem like a small bump up from the E300, but every little bit counts when you’re merging onto a highway. Interestingly, the torque remains consistent at 273 pounds-feet.
Here is an overview of the engines of the E300 and E350 and their performance:
| Mercedes | Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0 to 62 mph | Top speed |
| E300 | 2.0-liter four-cylinder | 241 | 273 | 6.2 seconds | 155 mph (215 km/h) |
| E350 | 2.0-liter four-cylinder | 255 | 273 | 5.9 seconds | 155 mph (225 km/h) |
In conclusion? The E300 offers plenty of power for daily driving, while the E350, with its slight edge in horsepower, might just be the pick for those craving a tad more power beneath their pedal.
Reader’s tip: Which Mercedes E-Class Engine Is Best In 2024? (+2 To Avoid)
3. Fuel consumption
Let’s talk about something we all care about: fuel consumption.
When considering which car to buy, understanding how fuel-efficient it is can significantly affect long-term expenses.
So, how do the Mercedes E300 and E350 stack up?
Starting with the E300:
- For the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version, you’re looking at an EPA-rated fuel consumption of 22 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and an average of 25 MPG combined.
- For the 4MATIC version, you’re looking at an EPA-rated fuel consumption of 22 MPG in the city, 29 MPG on the highway, and an average of 24 MPG combined.
Now, for the E350:
- Both the RWD and 4MATIC versions have an EPA-rated fuel consumption of 23 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and an average of 26 MPG combined.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-Benz E350 offers slightly better fuel efficiency than the Mercedes-Benz E300.
Reader’s tip: Mercedes E-Class: Regular Or Premium Gas? (2024 Guidelines)
4. Price tag
Alright, let’s tackle a topic that often sits right at the top of most buyers’ checklists: the price tag.
Luxury comes at a cost, and when considering the Mercedes E300 and E350, you’re indeed paying for top-notch design, engineering, and brand value.
But how do these two models fare when we bring out the calculator?
Starting with the E300: This model had a starting price of about $52,000.
Now, onto the E350: A touch more advanced and powerful, the E350 kicks off with a starting price of around $54,000.
In general, when comparing the two models, the Mercedes E350 tends to be somewhere in the ballpark of $2,000 to $4,000 pricier than the E300.
Think of this as the premium for a bit more horsepower, possibly some added features, and of course, the fresher model in the lineup.
Article tip: 7 Reasons You Should Buy A (Used) Mercedes E-Class In 2024
What is the best choice? (Mercedes E300 vs. E350)
The age-old question for any buyer: “Which is the best choice for me?”
Well, here are some factors to consider:
- Budget. If you have a tighter budget, the E300 might be better. Being an older model, you might find attractive offers, discounts, or deals on pre-owned versions. Essentially, you’d still be driving a Mercedes E-Class, just at a reduced price.
- Performance. For those who thrive on that additional horsepower, the E350’s improved engine might be worth the extra cost.
- Fuel efficiency. If long drives or daily commutes are your thing, and you want to save a bit at the pump, the E350 has marginally better fuel efficiency.
- Latest technologies. The E350, being the fresher model, may come with newer technologies, features, and even design updates that the E300 might not offer.
In the grand scheme, the Mercedes E300 and E350 both offer luxury, performance, and style.
Your decision ultimately boils down to what you value the most: is it cost-saving? Performance? Latest features? Once you’ve determined your priorities, the choice becomes clearer.
And if you ever want to get the power of the E350 or more in your E300, you can always consider getting a RaceChip.
RaceChip is a company offering Plug & Drive tuning box systems for many car models. They can be installed by yourself without needing any specialist knowledge or tools.
In fact, it will only take 10 to 15 minutes, and when you buy a RaceChip, you’ll receive car model-specific installation instructions!
Using a RaceChip, you can give your Mercedes E300 a performance boost of up to 41 horsepower and 50 lb-ft:
And the best thing is, a RaceChip is much more affordable than the upgrade from an E300 to an E350. You can check out RaceChip’s website here!
Related article: Is A Mercedes E-Class Worth It In 2024? (10 Pros & Cons)
Conclusion
To conclude, the Mercedes E300 is the better choice for those looking for a more affordable car. It is cheaper than the E350, yet it still offers many of the same features.
The E350 is a better choice for those who prioritize performance. It has a more powerful engine and better acceleration.
However, if you’re looking at the used car market, it’s better to compare the car’s trim levels and optional packages. These will make a much bigger difference to the look and feel of your E-Class than whether it’s an E300 or E350.
Good luck with your choice!
More E-Class comparisons
Not sure if these Mercedes E-Class models are right for you? Don’t worry, there are more options to choose from:
