2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class midsize luxury car enters a new generation for this model year, bringing more tech than ever before. Pricing starts at $62,300.

It could be argued that an E-Class represents a high point in the automotive landscape. A kind of perfection. Anything bigger and plusher is veering close to extravagance. Any headliner with hundreds of LEDs simulating starlight is probably overkill. Then there are the driving abilities that come with something less barge-like than those larger luxury sedans.

With the arrival of the all-new 2024 E-Class, the sixth generation, there’s been a tectonic shift pushing that high point even closer to the sky. The E-Class boosts its computing power with artificial intelligence and an upgraded infotainment system, while also improving less obvious aspects like an aerodynamically efficient body shape, using recycled materials, and making the production process more environmentally friendly.

The new E-Class promises to push the segment forward, but will still face tough competition from a new generation of BMW 5 Series due for 2024, along with the always-excellent Audi A6.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class starts at $62,300. That’s for the base E 350 4Matic in the Premium trim. The 6-cylinder E 450 begins at $68,100. With either powertrain, upgrading to the Pinnacle trim adds $2,550 to the price tag. The E 450 4Matic All-Terrain wagon starts at $71,250.

These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and don’t include the $1,150 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

For a little pricing context, the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90 all begin in the high $50K range. The Genesis G80 starts in the low $50K range.

Before buying a new E-Class luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. As for resale values, there isn’t much difference between the German contenders, with the Volvo trailing those three.

What’s New for 2024

This is an all-new generation of E-Class making its debut for 2024, with fresh designs outside and in, plus up-to-the-minute technology. We have to admit, our immediate reaction when learning that the new E-Class offers the Angry Birds video game was: “Has Mercedes-Benz never heard of Roblox?” But that feathered franchise is still going strong. We checked.

The All-Terrain wagon variant of the E-Class will continue into the new generation, but it looks like there will no longer be any convertible or coupe versions of the E-Class, as there were in previous generations. However, we may see a new Mercedes-Benz nameplate replace the 2-door versions of the C-Class and E-Class in the near future.

Compared with other German luxury midsize sedans, power levels of the new E-Class are similar. Mercedes-Benz knows exactly what works in this sector. The Volvo S90 has a little more muscle, but isn’t necessarily more engaging.

An optional Technology package includes an adaptive air suspension (for a spectrum of settings from comfort to sport), and rear-wheel steering that enhances both agility and maneuverability.

Mercedes-Benz offers the wall-to-wall Hyperscreen with its electric vehicles. The new E-Class offers a variation called the Superscreen.

The optional Superscreen includes two touchscreens — a big infotainment screen and another for the front passenger — under a single glass panel, plus a separate display for the driver. The presumably hushed cabin also features an ambient lighting system that responds to the music being played. Upbeat stuff results in pulsating light patterns, while soothing sounds are matched with gentle transitions.

This is all quite nice, but let’s look at the basics. The 2024 E-Class has slightly more occupant space than the previous generation. Like about half an inch of extra rear legroom, for example. That puts it close to the BMW 5 Series, but the Audi A6 remains a little more spacious. Even so, no one called the outgoing model too small.

A first in an E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is using recycled materials for the seats’ foam cushioning. And trunk space goes from being one of the smallest in the segment to a generous 19.1 cubic feet. Naturally, the materials, comfort, and build quality are expected to be at the usual high Mercedes-Benz levels. The upcoming E-Class All-Terrain wagon will boast even more cargo space; the 2023 model has 35 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats.

In terms of aerodynamics, the new E-Class is pretty much as efficient as a Toyota Prius. As far as design goes, this new generation definitely has its own look, just as other versions have. One nice detail is that the LED taillights have 3-pointed star designs set into them. A wagon variant is on the way in the form of the E-Class All-Terrain, which will likely have more ground clearance and a rugged appearance package.

Infotainment system
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, now offers a huge Superscreen across the dash. Augmented reality for the navigation system becomes standard. Voice recognition is also improved — it can now take two orders at a time, like: turn on the heated seats and raise the cabin temperature by five degrees.

Third-party apps
As well as phone integration for Apple and Android devices, the MBUX system in the new E-Class also offers Zoom video conferencing (while stationary), the Webex online collaboration app, TikTok, Vivaldi (called the web’s best browser by Wired magazine), and Angry Birds.

Burmester audio
Often an expensive option, Mercedes-Benz now puts an excellent Burmester audio system into the E-Class as standard. Buyers can choose the Dolby Atmos option for greater clarity and a more immersive listening experience.

Active Parking Assist
This standard feature is now accessed in a more intuitive manner using the touchscreen, and its speed has increased to 2.5 mph so it can execute self-parking maneuvers a little faster than before.

Artificial intelligence
It’s all about routines. Getting into the car in the morning and tuning to a news station, calling the same person on the drive home on Friday… these kinds of things are learned by the optional artificial intelligence system in the new E-Class. Users can set up their own routines as well.

Energizing Comfort
This is an optional program of soothing lights and sounds with seat massaging functions.

The new E 350 4Matic has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The E 450 4Matic employs a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, also turbocharged, for 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. These power outputs are marginally higher than their predecessors.

A 9-speed automatic transmission and the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system are both standard.

Both engines are enhanced by a mild-hybrid system and its Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which help deliver smoother engine stop/restart action. And since the ISG is an electric motor, it helps the engine reach its peak a little quicker and more efficiently. The E 450 had the mild-hybrid system last year, with the E 350 gaining it with this new generation.

We’re anticipating slightly better fuel economy. With all-wheel drive, the outgoing E 350 and E 450 had combined mpg figures of 24 and 26, respectively. The more powerful engine was also more efficient, thanks to the mild-hybrid system. Premium gasoline will no doubt be required.

E 350 4Matic
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
255 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-3,200 rpm

E 450 4Matic
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine
375 horsepower @ 5,800-6,100 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The usual new-vehicle warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz isn’t likely to change for 2024, so let’s assume it will last for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This covers the drivetrain as well. Most European luxury car companies have the same terms.

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