The E-Class comes in an array of different body styles -- Sedan, Coupe, Cabriolet and Wagon -- which are complemented by five different engines.
All E-Class models come with a 7-speed automatic transmission. E350 models are the starting point up the price ladder, with their 302-horsepower, 3.5L V6. Above that, it's the E400, powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 making 330 horsepower. 4MATIC all-wheel drive is available on the E350 and E400. At the top of the line, there's the performance-focused AMG E63 S, with its 585-hp, 5.5L twin-turbocharged V8.
Environmentally minded shoppers have a solid option in the E250 BlueTEC, which makes an impressive 42 mpg on the highway from its 195-horsepower 2.1L 4-cylinder turbodiesel. The E250 BlueTEC is available with 4MATIC as well.
No matter the model, the E-Class has a classic luxury-sedan interior, with appointments that are impressive and upscale yet not too flamboyant. Coupes and Cabriolets have less backseat space -- with seating for four instead of five -- but an AirCap system in Cabriolet models helps limit air turbulence with the top down. Ride comfort is top-notch through the lineup, too, and a driver-adjustable suspension system is included, while V8 models get air shocks to increase comfort without additional body motion.
On the AMG E63 S, standard equipment includes a navigation system, enhanced voice control, a rearview camera system, an Active Multicontour Driver seat, heated and active ventilated front seats, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, bi-xenon headlamps with Active Curve Illumination, additional corner-illuminating lamps, an electronic trunk closer and Keyless Go.
Standard equipment across the E-Class model line includes power front seats (with three-position memory), Smart Key entry, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, an integrated garage-door opener, rain-sensing intermittent wipers and ambient lighting. The COMAND screen- and controller-based system is also included, wrapping together radio, DVD/CD and a Bluetooth interface, as well as other media through a memory-card slot.
All E-Class models also include Attention Assist, a feature that studies the driver's steering patterns, alerting the driver with a coffee-cup icon and instrument-cluster message if, when traveling between 50 and 112 mph, it suspects drowsy driving.
The E-Class has several other noteworthy active-safety options. Night View Assist Plus uses infra-red light from beams mounted within the headlights to help see ahead nearly 500 feet--and see pedestrians up to 300 feet earlier than without the system, thanks to a screen built into the instrument cluster. There's also Distronic Plus, a sensor system that now includes Blind Spot Assist and Park Assist. Distronic Plus cars also have Pre-Safe, a system that can automatically apply full braking for an impending collision.
Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist are offered together in a Lane Tracking Package, while the Driver Assistance Package brings Distronic Plus, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Some of the desirable luxury features and conveniences are grouped together into Premium 1 and Premium 2 packages, while standalone options include a rear side airbag, Parktronic parking guidance, split folding rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a 115-volt power outlet and a rear-seat entertainment system, among many others.
Distinguished, Luxury-car Look
Elegant Interior
World-class Safety Features
Quiet, Smooth Ride
High-performance AMG E63 S
Available Clean-diesel Model
For 2016, Mercedes-Benz has dropped the E400 hybrid from the E-Class lineup, as well as the E63 AMG, though the E63 AMG S remains.
The E-Class offers a wide range of models that are each quite different, yet they each have plush cabins, some of the world's best safety innovations, and a reputation like no other. All of the E-Class models also have great ride quality and a relatively quiet interior -- even the Cabriolet. The E63 AMG S packs an intense level of performance in an otherwise somewhat staid luxury package. There's also an economical powertrain in the E250 Blue TEC diesel.
