Car Review: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2020-Present)
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
Welcome to one of Mercedes-Benz flagship cars that, believe it or not, acts as the bread and butter of the range. With over 14 million estate and saloon variants sold since 1946 and more than 1.2 million owners of the previous generation E-Class, it easily ranks as the best-selling model in Mercedes-Benz history. Like its predecessors, this latest version is set to take executive motoring to a new level with added refinement and quality.
First impressions are good; I mean, just look at it! From the striking exterior to the futuristic interior, the designers have worked their magic to bestow the E-Class with the elegance and style that have made it so unsuccessful to date. The aggressive look somehow still manages to draw your eye down the classically smooth-flowing sidelines, and it's perfectly proportioned. Our test car was fitted with the AMG-style elements that are designed to make it appeal to a more youthful audience, and for us, it’s the only way to spec the car because it looks fantastic.
Features
Once you are done admiring the exterior, you open the door to reveal a plethora of focal points led by the latest-generation MBUX touch screens. Displayed over two 12-inch high-resolution multimedia screens, you get vital driving information relayed directly in front of the driver whilst the more central screen intuitively acts as your onboard computer for multimedia, drive select modes, climate control, navigation, etc. It’s all right here and very easy to navigate. Other pleasantries include a high level of standard and optional ‘driver assistance’ functions that work automatically to support the driver. These intelligent aids bring various alerts in threatening situations to help avoid unnecessary accidents and enjoy a safer driving experience. But what is it like to drive, and what engine options are available?
Power
As with most Mercedes-Benz automobiles, engine options are plentiful, with 4 and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel units available. In an effort to help you make the best engine choice let us take you through what is available in petrol first. Buyers have a choice of five units spanning the 197hp to 435hp spectrum, inclusive of one hybrid and a powerful AMG unit. They are a 4-cylinder 1991cc E200 and E200 4MATIC (197hp) and E300 (258hp) alongside a top-of-the-range 2999cc E450 4MATIC and AMG E53 4MATIC+ outputting 367 and 435hp respectively. Diesel buyers are also well catered for with one that includes hybrid technology.
Diesels kick off with a 1597cc, 160hp E200d, a 1950cc, 194hp E220d, E220d 4MATIC and a 2939cc, 330hp E400d 4MATIC. On the plug-in hybrid front, you have the choice of a 4-cylinder 1991cc, 211hp E300e petrol with a 4MATIC version and a 1950cc, 194hp E300de, and E 300de 4MATIC diesel-powered versions. While all models are available to order through the Irish dealer network, focus is being placed on the E200d, E220d models initially and two plug-in petrol and diesel hybrids, the E300e and E300de in saloon and estate.
Despite a significant increase in the range of additional and new specifications, Mercedes-Benz has somehow managed to maintain its competitive position with an average price difference of just one percent across the range.
Safety
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a long list of safety features that help give it a top rating. The impressive list of safety technologies and features includes the PRE-SAFE package with Impulse Side, Active Drive Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist, and Attention Assist. Carried over from the previous generation, you will also have a rearview camera system, hands-free calling, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, nine airbags, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Active Parking Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Congestion Emergency Braking, Evasive Steering Assist and many others that are designed to protect you and your passengers while on the road.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Prices
Prices here in Ireland kick off from €52,910 for the E200 Petrol and €53,105 for the E200 Diesel. Plug-in hybrid versions range from €65,615 for the E300 Petrol PHEV, and €67,740 for the E300de Diesel PHEV, both of which are eligible for SEAI / VRT combined support of €7,500.
Summary
To drive and spend time with the E-Class is a little like traveling Business Class on your favourite airline for a week. It is refined, classy on the road, and so smooth mated to a 9G-TRONIC transmission. By now, many of you have seen the new E-Class on Irish roads, most notably noticed by the striking LED headlights.
The revamped Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Saloon and Estate versions are to be joined shortly by the Coupé and Cabriolet variants. For us, though, I think we would prefer the estate with that extra space and Germanic wagon look. Mercedes-Benz has stated the E-Class is like the heart of the ever-expanding model range. Our 2.0 diesel-powered test car was sublime to drive, but we reckon the Diesel hybrid could be the one to go for! With the possibility of all-wheel drive also now an option, this could be the ultimate E-Class.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pros
Technology
Build quality
Ample Space
Drive
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cons
No Apple Car Play or Android Auto
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