PHOENIX — The E-Class has been a principled staple of the Mercedes brand for more than 75 years and for 2024 has launched its newest iteration of the mid-sized sedan in two varieties: the E 350 sedan ($62,300) powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged inline 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the E 450 ($68,100) with a 375-horsepower inline 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder. 

Both models feature standard all-wheel-drive with power delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission and a mild 48-volt hybrid system.

For this review, Mercedes furnished us a seemingly fully optioned E 350 that added over $20,000 to the total $83,400 MSRP. The base E-Class  appropriately named "Premium" and comes standard with LED headlamps, panoramic sunroof, digital vehicle key, 14.4" touchscreen display, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) augmented reality for navigation, parking package with surround view 360-degree camera, blindspot assist, a very cool 64-color ambient lighting setup to its futuristic-looking instrument panel and wireless smartphone charging.

Our test E 350 stepped up the luxury adding the "Pinnacle," trim option ($3,400) that add features and technology above and beyond the standard Premium 350 and 450 branding with an illuminated grille with a large glowing Mercedes badge, an active ambient lighting feature that pairs it with the optional Burmester audio sound system. Drivers can configure the ambient lighting to change in time with the music coming from the Burmester 4D Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos® Spatial Audio featuring 17 premium speakers and 730 watts of technology. Arguably the most useful feature is the heat and noise insulating glass in the Pinnacle package.

Visually, the exterior proportions is what Mercedes calls classic "cab-backward'" design with a short front overhang and long hood. Forgive me for pointing out most folk wouldn't notice the fact Mercedes has launched yet another new generation with the 2024 model lacking social grace and sensitivity for the oversight. To do so would be accomplished by recognizing the plethora of three-pointed stars that make up the bulk of the grille surrounding the oversized twin mid-grille. Highlights at the rear include the new and very classy two-section repeating Silver Arrow graphic LED taillights with a unique star motif design. Nothing else like it on the road.

Buyers can further sharpen the look of the E-Class sedan with an array of paint options, including a new Verde Silver metallic finish, a variety of wheel designs in 18 to 21" sizes. Our E 350 included the 21" AMG multi-spoke wheels with black accents that tacked on an additional $3,050 to the MSRP that look fantastic and worth the uncharge if you're moved by visual appeal. Wheels that large do get noticed.

We also had the $3,200 optional air-spring suspension with adaptive dampers and includes rear steering. Without question it improve the ride quality and handling. If you've never driven a vehicle with rear steering you're in for a treat once you do. I'd definitely add the suspension package. And while we're commenting on ride quality it leads us to the four-cylinder that powered our test E 350. It's extremely refined with ample power in all driving situations and plenty of punch for accelerating up to interstate speeds and when passing. It also delivered just over 33 mpg during our weeklong testing time.

To be sure, the more powerful E 450  will with its inline-six will noticeably improve acceleration times and passing speeds with its 120 additional horsepower but we think most will be well satisfied with the four-cylinder.

Inside is where the most noticeable changes happen starting with the addition of the brands new third generation MBUX infotainment system with its optional Superscreen and high-resolution 14.4" central multimedia display that includes an additional 12.3" front passenger display privacy function. My passenger was watching the Major League All-Star game live on the screen but wasn't visible to me the driver keeping me from distracted driving.

The large glass screen surfaces extends from the A-pillar on the passenger side to the central display, giving the passengers their own personal display and control area to stream video while on the move, use apps or even participate in video conferences when the car is parked.

Aesthetically, I loved the look of the optional Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery accented by silver fabric trim pieces. Switchgear, as it is in all Mercedes vehicles is akin to Swiss watch styling and quality. The steering wheel functions numerous controls activated by an arraying combination of vague touches, presses and capacitive swipes. Mastering the endless controls and vehicle functions, driver assist features, infotainment, and endless amounts of high tech functions, temperature operation, vent functions, information etc, is worth of 3 maybe 4 college credits. There's always voice commands to handle many of these functions since Mercedes has decided to almost completely eliminate buttons, knobs, switches and scroll wheels for operating the vehicle.

While I'm venting about operating controls, I'll mention the vehicle's lane keep assist feature that is just far too sensitive and rather than ease you back into the lane is almost violent in its correction. My final gripe is the brake pedal that feels a bit mushy, too soft.

Overall the new 2024 E-Class is a fantastic sedan that's lovely to drive, easy on the eyes, a tour de force of exceptional automotive achievement that will please even the most discerning judgement and requirements. Well, that is except for the overly technical features of the vehicle. Perhaps the best advice is to simply ignore the questionable tech features you feel unnecessary and just simply enjoy ride and drive.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $62,300
Price as Tested: $83,400
Powertrain: 255-horsepower, 2.9-L turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 48V mild hybrid paired    with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 24/33/27 - MPG City/Highway/Combined
Seats: 5

Where Built: Sindelfingen, Germany

Competes With:
Audi A6
BMW 5-Series
Genesis G80
Lexus ES Hybrid
Volvo S90

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as of this writing.

Likes:
Exceptionally luxurious, quiet and lovely ride and driving experience
Long list of nearly bespoke options choose from
Leading-edge technology

Dislikes:
Sporty driving and handling not part of the vehicle
Infotainment system and operating control functions can boggle one's mind
Overly sensitive and responsive lane keeping assist feature

— Jim Prueter