Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Coupe

New Models

Used Models

  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Coupe View photos
    2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Used TMV from $40,562 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Sedan View photos
    2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Used TMV from $69,645 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Sedan View photos
    2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $41,019 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 BLUETEC Sedan View photos
    2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $37,320 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Sedan View photos
    2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Used TMV from $59,027 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 4MATIC Sedan View photos
    2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $34,118 Find Used Inventory
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Station Wagon View photos
    2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $37,489 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 BLUETEC Sedan View photos
    2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $31,283 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Sedan View photos
    2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Used TMV from $46,154 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Sedan View photos
    2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $28,681 Find Used Inventory
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Station Wagon View photos
    2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $32,398 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 BLUETEC Sedan View photos
    2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $25,069 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Sedan View photos
    2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Used TMV from $44,354 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Sedan View photos
    2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $23,688 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 Wagon View photos
    2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $26,063 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 CDI 4dr Sedan View photos
    2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $22,514 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG 4dr Sedan View photos
    2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Used TMV from $30,996 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 Rwd 4dr Sedan View photos
    2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $18,275 Find Used Inventory
  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 4MATIC AWD 4dr Wagon View photos
    2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $19,076 Find Used Inventory
  • 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 CDI 4dr Sedan View photos
    2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $17,863 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Rwd 4dr Sedan View photos
    2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Used TMV from $25,937 Find Used Inventory
  • 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 CDI 4dr Sedan View photos
    2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $15,140 Find Used Inventory
  • 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 4MATIC AWD 4dr Wagon View photos
    2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $16,189 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Rwd 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Used TMV from $23,459 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz E500 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $13,521 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz E500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Wagon View photos
    2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $12,617 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Exterior View photos
    2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Used TMV from $19,873 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4dr Sedan View photos
    2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $11,976 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon View photos
    2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $11,435 Find Used Inventory
  • 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Rwd 4dr Sedan View photos
    2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Used TMV from $14,630 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E430 4dr Sedan View photos
    2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $8,002 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 Wagon View photos
    2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $8,077 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG View photos
    2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Used TMV from $11,894 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E430 4dr Sedan View photos
    2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $7,216 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Exterior View photos
    2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $6,900 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan View photos
    2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $6,505 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Wagon View photos
    2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $6,309 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr STD E300TD Turbodsl Sedan View photos
    1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $8,320 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr STD E300TD Turbodsl Sedan View photos
    1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $5,239 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Wagon View photos
    1999 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $4,884 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E300TD Turbodsl Sedan View photos
    1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $6,655 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E300TD Turbodsl Sedan View photos
    1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $4,210 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 4WD Wagon View photos
    1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $3,867 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4dr E430 Sedan View photos
    1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Used TMV from $3,915 Find Used Inventory
  • 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E300TD Turbodsl Sedan View photos
    1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $5,080 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan View photos
    1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Used TMV from $3,247 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan View photos
    1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $3,802 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 Dr E320 Convertible View photos
    1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Used TMV from $5,432 Find Used Inventory
  • 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Used TMV from $3,471 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan View photos
    1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel Used TMV from $3,378 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan View photos
    1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $2,846 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 4 Dr 300TE 4WD Wagon View photos
    1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $2,526 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2 Dr E320 Convertible View photos
    1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible Used TMV from $4,987 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Used TMV from $3,144 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4 Dr E320 Sedan View photos
    1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Used TMV from $2,559 Find Used Inventory
  • 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 4 Dr 300TE 4WD Wagon View photos
    1994 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon Used TMV from $2,363 Find Used Inventory

Long a favorite in the midsize luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has provided an appealing mix of comfort, performance and safety for decades. The trademark qualities of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, such as vaultlike solidity and leading-edge technology, have also contributed to the E-Class' great popularity among luxury buyers.

With variants ranging from fuel-efficient diesels to ultra-high-performance AMG models, there's an E-Class for just about anyone -- provided they have the financial resources to procure one, of course. Through the years, V6-powered models such as the E320 and E350 have offered respectable performance along with respectable fuel efficiency, while V8 models such as the E430, E500 and E550 have delivered truly autobahn-worthy driving dynamics.

The overall design of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always been understated yet elegant. The interiors of the early models were comfortable but hardly lavish. However, the more recent models have grown quite luxurious, with generous helpings of leather, wood and chrome trim throughout, as well as the latest high-tech features. The E-Class stands tall among luxury cars as a tasteful and strong-performing entrant.

Current Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan comes in four trim levels: the gasoline V6-powered E350 (268 horsepower), diesel-powered E350 Bluetec (210 hp), the V8-powered E550 (382 hp) and the pavement-scorching E63 AMG, which boasts a 518-hp 6.3-liter V8. There are also four body styles: sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon. The coupe and convertible are available in all but Bluetec and AMG trims, while the wagon is E350 only. Rear-wheel drive is typically standard, though all-wheel drive is standard on the wagon and optional on E350 and E550 sedans. All models are equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

All E-Class trims come with the expected luxuries, such as a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, leather seating, power front seats and a powerful audio system. The convertible gets an innovative AirCap system, which reduces top-down turbulence significantly. The E63 AMG has unique exterior styling and interior trim, sport seats, upgraded brakes and an adaptive sport suspension.

In reviews, we've noted that the performance of any Mercedes-Benz E-Class is impressive. The E350 can hit 60 mph in less than 7 seconds, while the E550 sprints to that speed in around 5 ticks and the AMG sedan will run it in well under 5. The handling and ride balance should please most folks, though the AMG's hard-core suspension may be too stiff for some. There are very solid reasons for the E-Class' popularity, namely strengths in every area that counts in this segment, such as luxury, performance, safety and prestige. If you can afford one, you can't go wrong with a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Models
The current car represents the fourth-generation E-Class, which debuted for the 2010 model year. In that initial year, Mercedes only offered the E-Class as a gasoline-powered sedan and coupe. The wagon, convertible and E350 Bluetec arrived for 2011.

The third-generation E-Class was produced from 2003-'09. The initial lineup consisted of the E320 sedan and wagon (221-hp gasoline V6) and the E500 sedan (302-hp V8). The wagon continued in previous-generation form for '03. Later that year, the E55 AMG sedan came online with a 469-hp supercharged V8. The 2004 model year brought the "new" generation wagon, which could be had in both E320 and E500 versions. Mercedes also began offering the option of 4Matic all-wheel drive for both sedans and wagons. The 4Matic system was standard on the E500 wagon (which was discontinued after the '06 model year). In 2005, Mercedes added an E55 AMG wagon to the lineup, and for 2007, the AMGs were renamed E63 with the arrival of the larger V8 engine sans supercharger.

Also for '05, a diesel E-Class, the E320 CDI, returned to the family after a five-year hiatus. The E320 CDI was only available in 45 U.S. states due to stricter emissions standards in the remaining five states (California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont) but was quick for a diesel; it could run to 60 mph in under 7 seconds. In 2006, the gasoline E320 became the E350, with the name change indicating a new 3.5-liter V6 making 268 hp. The E500 became the E550 for '07, marking the arrival of the 5.5-liter V8, and the tweaked diesel-powered E320 featured a new "Bluetec" clean-burning diesel engine. For 2009, the E-Class received an updated audio system and a new hard-drive-based navigation system.

In reviews, we consistently praised this E-Class's restrained styling, luxurious interior and confident performance. In fact, there's not a lot of difference between the third- and fourth-generation models beyond the design language and the latter's unique coupe variant, so a pre-owned third-generation E-Class should deliver nearly as much satisfaction as a new E. With all those running changes, though, it will behoove used-car shoppers to pay close attention to the model year of the E-Class in question.

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class ran from 1996-2002. This generation initiated the marque's signature cue, the four ellipsoid headlights. Although a few inches longer than the car before it, this E-Class had basically the same chassis as its predecessor. Offered at debut were sedans called the E300D diesel (134 hp), the E320 with an inline six-cylinder engine (217 hp) and the E420 V8 (275 hp). By '98, the diesel had gained a turbo and more power (174 hp), a wagon returned, 4Matic all-wheel drive was offered and the gasoline inline-6 was replaced by a 221-hp V6. The E420 also became the E430 via a slightly larger (4.3-liter) V8. The following year, the hot-rod E55 AMG with its 349-hp V8 bowed. Side curtain airbags came in '99, while the 2000 model year saw a revised cabin and front end, the exit of the diesel and more standard safety equipment (including stability control, as well as front and rear side airbags). Changes were minimal for the next couple of years.

Durable and well built, a second-generation E-Class from this generation should serve you well. As with any used car consideration, look for a complete and up-to-date maintenance history, since upkeep on an E-Class can be quite expensive (as with any German car).

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1986-'95) was praised for its excellent combination of performance and safety. At first, it was available with either an inline-6 (300E) or a turbodiesel (300D), with V8 power coming a few years later. In addition to the sedan, coupe and wagon versions were offered.

The 300E furnished strong performance for a midsize luxury sedan of its day -- zero to 60 mph took less than 8 seconds and top speed approached 140 mph. Serious enthusiasts might be interested in the limited-edition 500E sedan, which packed a Porsche-designed 322-hp V8 and was offered from 1992-'94.

Still desirable and known for a long service life, a well-kept E-Class from this generation will nonetheless be a costly vehicle to own when repairs are required.

For more on Past Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, view our Mercedes-Benz E-Class History page

Read the most recent review for 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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