10 Pros and Cons of a Mercedes E-Class (Is It a Good Car?)
Are you considering getting a Mercedes E-Class?
Well, you’re definitely not alone in this choice.
Now, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing the E-Class firsthand, and let me tell you, it’s quite the ride.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a sense of luxury that’s hard to find elsewhere.
But like any car, it’s not all positive. Some aspects might make you think twice, especially considering the investment involved.
So, in this article, I will discuss all the pros and cons of owning a Mercedes E-Class!
Let’s get started!
Overview: Pros and cons of a Mercedes E-Class
To help you decide whether getting a Mercedes E-Class is worth it for you, we’ll discuss ten of its pros and cons.
Here are the pros and cons of a Mercedes E-Class in a table overview:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a luxurious and high-quality interior | It quickly gets expensive when adding options |
| It has a very comfortable ride | It’s less sporty compared to some of its competitors |
| It has an abundance of safety features | The amount of technology might be overwhelming for some |
| It offers a variety of engine choices | |
| It has lots of rear legroom | |
| There’s an E-Class for everyone | |
| Used Mercedes E-Classes can be affordable |
7 Pros of a Mercedes E-Class
Here are some reasons why a (used) Mercedes E-Class is worth it:
1. It has a luxurious and high-quality interior
When you open the door of a Mercedes E-Class, you’re stepping into a place where luxury and quality are given top priority.
The materials used are top-notch, from the soft leather seats to the elegantly crafted wood and metal accents.
I remember the first time I sat in an E-Class; the attention to detail was impressive.
Everything you touch, from the steering wheel to the dashboard controls, feels solid and well-made.
Everything fits together seamlessly, with no rattles or squeaks.
The E-Class’s interior is built to last through years of daily use!
2. It has a very comfortable ride
One of the main reasons to purchase a Mercedes E-Class is its comfort.
The E-Class is packed with high-end features, including heated front seats, a power sunroof, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Its soft air suspension ensures a comfortable ride for all passengers, even when driving on bumpy roads.
Meanwhile, the cabin noise is minimal thanks to the excellent aerodynamics and soundproofing, ensuring that everyone onboard can relax and enjoy the drive.
With everything combined, it makes a perfect car for long road trips!
3. It has an abundance of safety features
Another great thing about the Mercedes E-Class is that it’s loaded with state-of-the-art features to protect its passengers.
From intuitive lane-keeping assistance, an intelligent emergency braking system, and automated parking technology, to drowsiness detection and crosswind assist – all are included in the E-Class’s list of incredible safety features!
4. It offers a variety of engine choices
Whether you go with a budget-conscious E200d or splurge on the performance-oriented E63s AMG, there’s an E-Class engine available for anyone.
But if your biggest concern is minimizing your spending at the pump, several E-Class models are incredibly fuel-efficient.
The most fuel-efficient gas-powered model is the W213 E200, while the most efficient diesel is the W213 E200d.
Note: The Mercedes E200 and E220d are often confused with each other, so check out this article if you’re interested in all their differences!
If you’re interested in a plug-in hybrid, the most efficient options are the W213 E300e (gas) and the W213 E300de (diesel).
The E300de is even the most fuel-efficient Mercedes E-Class, with an official fuel economy of 1.2 L/100 Km / 235 MPG UK / 196 MPG US.
Even in the real world, it’s incredibly efficient, with an average consumption of 4.67 L/100 Km / 60.5 MPG UK / 50.4 MPG US.
Here is an example of the real-world fuel consumption of an E300de:
Reader’s tip: Mercedes E-Class: Regular Or Premium Gas? (2024 Guidelines)
5. It has lots of rear legroom
Part of what makes the E-Class great is its generous passenger room in the rear with plenty of headroom and legroom.
There is plenty of legroom, and two passengers can easily stretch out without their elbows bumping into each other.
No wonder the E-Class is such a popular choice for taxis!
6. There’s an E-Class for everyone
The Mercedes E-Class entails an incredibly versatile model of vehicles, and there is a perfect one for almost any driver.
For performance enthusiasts, petrol engines offer potent options that are a joy to drive. Diesel drivers don’t need to be left out either – there’s a wide selection of diesel E-Class vehicles available for those who want an economical and efficient ride.
But good fuel efficiency doesn’t mean you can’t get power – plug-in hybrids allow you to drive an incredibly powerful car with low emissions.
There’s something special for everyone, even in the ‘vehicle type’ categories of the E-Class. From estates and limousines to coupes and cabriolets, they all fulfill different needs, whether you’re looking for practicality or luxury!
7. Used Mercedes E-Classes can be affordable
One of the best reasons you should consider buying used is that it’s more affordable than buying new.
Used Mercedes E-Classes offer great value, and with their outstanding quality construction and dependable performance, they can last for many miles.
A used Mercedes E-Class is also great because it has lower depreciation than new models.
Depreciation is the decrease in an asset’s value over time, typically highest in the first few years after a vehicle is purchased.
Tip: You can also find alternative models here: The 6 Best Used Mercedes Models To Buy In 2024
3 Cons of a Mercedes E-Class
Here are some reasons why the Mercedes E-Class may not be worth it:
1. It quickly gets expensive when adding options
One disadvantage of the E-Class is that once you add options, the price quickly starts climbing beyond its initial value.
Some popular options include a head-up display, active multi-contour seats with massage, a panoramic sunroof, and Burmester 3D surround sound system.
It’s easy to get seduced by all of the bells and whistles, but if you’re looking to save money while still getting a good bang for your buck, it might be best to stick with just the basics when configuring your E-Class!
2. It’s less sporty compared to some of its competitors
While the Mercedes E-Class offers a smooth ride and loads of innovative features, it isn’t quite as sporty as some of its competitors in this segment, like the BMW 5 Series.
Drivers will likely find the E-Class dynamic enough for everyday use, with its nimble handling, but when it comes to sportiness, it is not entirely on par with the BMW 5 Series.
For those looking for that thrilling driving sensation and handling, the 5 Series is simply tough to beat in this segment!
On the other hand, the Mercedes E-Class stands out for its classic design and refined elegance and should be well-suited for drivers who prefer luxury over pure sportiness.
3. The amount of technology might be overwhelming for some
For drivers who are newer to the Mercedes E-Class, the amount of technology that comes standard in the car might seem a bit overwhelming.
The vehicle features multiple driver assistance systems such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Tip: Did you know you can activate a ‘HOLD’ feature for your automatic gearbox? To learn how it works, check out this article about tips for the Mercedes E-Class!
Sprinkled throughout the vehicle are advanced technologies like HD display screens, touchpad controllers, and digital voice assistants to control your tech and make driving safer and easier.
While these features offer plenty of great benefits, they can be a bit overwhelming for the less tech-savvy.
So, if you’re a first-time buyer, take some time to get used to all the high-tech features before diving in headfirst!
3 Alternatives to the Mercedes E-Class
When it comes to luxury cars, the Mercedes E-Class is a long-standing favorite among vehicle owners.
However, plenty of great options exist for those looking for an alternative.
1. BMW 5 Series vs. Mercedes E-Class
The BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class have competed for many years. Each offers a sophisticated style, innovative features, and superior performance.
The 5 Series is often said to offer more responsive handling, while the E-Class focuses a bit more on comfort.
Both vehicles provide entertainment options, including infotainment systems with touchscreen capabilities.
Ultimately, it will come down to personal preference when deciding between the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class; regardless of your choice, you will surely enjoy a top-notch driving experience.
In short, the BMW 5 Series is a great alternative for you if:
- You prefer a more sporty drive.
- You prefer the interior/exterior looks of the BMW 5 Series over the Mercedes E-Class.
2. Audi A6 Vs. Mercedes E-Class
The Audi A6 is another car that competes in the segment of the E-Class.
Both vehicles offer a technologically advanced interior with modern features that will keep the driver comfortable and connected.
The Audi A6 has an edgy, driver-centric style that some prefer over the more classic look of the E-Class.
Overall, the Audi A6 seems to try and be a genuine jack-of-all-trades, while the E-Class caters more towards luxury and comfort.
In short, the Audi A6 is a great alternative for you if:
- You prefer the design language of the A6 over the E-Class.
3. Mercedes C-Class vs. Mercedes E-Class
When shopping for a Mercedes, most people will consider the differences between the C-Class and E-Class.
While both feature Mercedes’ signature style and engineering, the most notable difference is their size, as the E-Class is larger than the C-Class.
Because of this, the C-Class is considered a more entry-level model and typically contains fewer advanced technological features.
Another significant difference is price; while both are expensive cars, shoppers can expect a further price increase when looking at the ‘higher-end’ E-Class.
Regarding fuel economy, both vehicles deliver, but most buyers note that the C-Class consumes noticeably less gasoline, which is again due to its smaller size.
In short, the Mercedes C-Class is a great alternative for you if:
- You don’t need all the space that the E-Class offers.
- You don’t mind getting a slightly smaller-sized vehicle if that means a lower purchase price and improved fuel economy.
Learn more: Mercedes C300 Vs. E350: The 7 Differences & Which Is Best?
4 Common questions about the Mercedes E-Class
There you go! You’ve just learned about all pros and cons of the Mercedes E-Class.
However, some of you may still have a few questions about the vehicle:
Is the Mercedes E-Class electric?
The Mercedes E-Class is an extremely popular luxury car offering advanced technology. However, it is not available with an all-electric powertrain.
Mercedes named the electric equivalent of the Mercedes E-Class the EQE:
However, for those who prioritize emission-free driving, Mercedes does offer plug-in hybrid E-Classes, such as the E300e and E300de.
Using hybrid technology, these vehicles blend responsive power and performance with efficiency.
With up to 34 miles or 55 kilometers of pure electric range, the E300e or E300de are excellent choices for those looking for uncompromised luxury matched with green credentials.
Does the Mercedes E-Class have a timing belt or chain?
All Mercedes E-Class models have a timing chain rather than a belt.
The timing chain will last longer than an engine with a timing belt and does not need to be replaced as frequently, making it a more reliable and cost-effective solution for the E-Class.
Does the Mercedes E-Class have air suspension?
The Mercedes E-Class W212, produced from 2010 to 2016, was the first E-Class to feature a combination of air suspension and electronically controlled dampers.
Since then, Mercedes introduced AIR BODY CONTROL in 2016 on the W213 generation E-Class.
AIR BODY CONTROL is Mercedes’s name for its air suspension system, and it’s designed to provide superior comfort, agility, and driving dynamics.
However, not every Mercedes E-Class has air suspension, as the system is often sold as an optional extra, costing about $1,900.
So, check the options list of the E-Class you’re looking at. If you see ‘AIR BODY CONTROL,’ you will know that it has air suspension!
Does the Mercedes E-Class have a heated steering wheel?
Some models of the Mercedes E-Class have a heated steering wheel, but not all of them.
The heated steering wheel on the E-Class was first offered on the 2016 W213 generation as an optional extra, and it always remained that way!
Final verdict
If you accept that the Mercedes E-Class might be a little less sporty than some competitors and can quickly get expensive when adding options, it may be the car for you!
Either way, there is a Mercedes E-Class model for almost anyone.
Its luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and safety features make it easy to see why the E-Class is one of the most popular cars on the market.
However, if you’ve decided that the E-Class isn’t for you, you might want to consider its popular alternatives like the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, or even the Mercedes C-Class!
