2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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

Cons: Steep prices; some tedious controls; stingy cargo room in coupes and convertibles

CG Says: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has revised styling and a new infotainment system. The E450 range replaces its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with a turbo 3.0-liter inline six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Horsepower is unchanged at 362. There is also new Exit Assist that warns of oncoming vehicles when getting out of the car. The premium midsize E-Class offers sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible bodystyles. The base E 350’s engine is a 255-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The step-up E 450 has the previously mentioned 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. An AMG E 53 has a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six that is paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The most powerful E-Class is the AMG E 63 S that packs a 603-horsepower turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard with all engines. Rear-wheel drive is standard on E 350 and E 450 coupe and convertible and all-wheel drive is available on those models. All-wheel drive is standard on E 450 sedan and wagon and on all AMG models. 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.