2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pros: All-around refinement; ride quality and composure; innovative safety and technology features

Cons: Steep prices; control interface is complicated to use; stingy cargo room in coupes and convertibles

CG Says: The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class line gains redesigned coupe and convertible models that are newly available with all-wheel drive. The E-Class sedan and station wagon were redesigned last year and now the 2-door models join them on the new platform. Also new is an AMG E63 S with a 603-horsepower turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and standard all-wheel drive. A new E400 sedan with a 329-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 joins the E400 wagon. E300 models have a 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. A high-performance AMG E43 model packs a 396-hp version of the E400’s V6. A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard with all engines. The E-Class offers a host of safety and autonomous-driving technology. Mercedes-Benz says the E-Class’s automatic-braking system is effective in avoiding accidents at speeds up to 43 mph and can apply brakes to avoid accidents involving cross traffic at intersections. If the car senses an imminent side collision, it can inflate bolsters to move front-seat passengers away from the doors. Also in case of an imminent accident, the stereo will emit a loud sound to trigger a natural reflex in the ears that will protect the passengers’ hearing from the loud sounds of a crash. The E-Class offers other cutting-edge technological features as well. “Car-to-X” communication uses cell-phone technology to exchange information about the road ahead and warn drivers of possible hazards. Drive Pilot is an autonomous driving aid that steers, brakes, and accelerates to follow traffic at speeds up to 130 mph. Remote Parking Pilot allows the vehicle to be moved into and out of garages and parking spaces remotely using a smartphone app. The E-Class wagon has a hands-free-opening tailgate, along with most of the innovations offered on the sedan. The E-Class is a technological tour de force, offering groundbreaking features that aren’t matched by its class rivals. Helping to justify its steep pricing are exceptional build quality and smooth powertrains.