2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan

Exquisite class

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Overview

The 2019 E-Class not only incorporates styling and technology from the flagship S-Class, but it even offers some features the larger car doesn’t. Also exciting are advanced driver-assistance systems that bring the new E-Class one step closer to fully autonomous driving.

Performance

The E-Class lineup will grow to include many different variants with a wide variety of powertrain options, but for 2019, Mercedes-Benz is laying a strong foundation, starting out with a single model that will likely become the most popular E-Class iteration in the years to come. The E-Class is available in either the base-level E 300 or the more powerful E 450, as well as the ultra-premium AMG® E 43 model.

The E 300 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That may seem like a small engine for a midsize luxury sedan, but it produces an impressive 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque when paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz offers the E 300 with either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.

With rear-wheel drive, the E 300 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while all-wheel-drive models take 6.3 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz. Top speed for both models is an electronically limited 130 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive and 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.* Those fuel economy ratings show the benefit of the E-Class’ downsized four-cylinder engine.

New for 2019, the E 450 uses the same 4MATIC® all-wheel drive but pairs it with a more powerful 3.0-liter V6 biturbo engine. The power upgrade will be more than noticeable; this V6 puts out 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, enough to accelerate this luxury sedan from 0 to 60 in 5.0 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz also offers a sportier AMG® E 43 model. It features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, nine-speed automatic, and sport-tuned 4MATIC® all-wheel drive and suspension. The engine produces 396 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, rocketing the E 43 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. EPA fuel-economy ratings for the E 43 are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.*

While the E-Class will certainly reward an eager driver, its defining feature may be its level of automation. The E-Class features a suite of driver-assistance systems that bring it one step closer to fully autonomous driving. The Drive Pilot system can follow a car at speeds up to 130 mph, controlling acceleration and braking, and even providing some steering assist. Remote Parking Pilot allows the car to be moved in and out of parking spaces using a smartphone app.

Those are just a couple of the many systems Mercedes-Benz deployed to take some of the workload off the driver. In addition to assistance systems, the E-Class also offers Car-to-X communication, which allows cars not only to “talk” to each other but infrastructure as well. This type of communication can convey warnings of obstacles and adverse conditions to drivers. In addition, the Driver Assistance Package will include the cutting-edge Route-Based Speed Adaptation, a new feature for the 2019 model year.

Features

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a four-door, five-seat midsize luxury sedan (though a wagon version is also available). Pricing starts at $53,500.**

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, power front seats with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, 64-color LED ambient lighting system, COMAND® infotainment system with touchpad controller and 12.3-inch central display, three-spoke Touch Control steering wheel, navigation, voice control, dual USB ports, and more.

Optional features include wood trim interior options with matching center consoles, 19-inch wheels, active multi-contour front seats with massage, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, Air Balance cabin-air purification system, leather upholstery, electronic trunk closer, 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster, Burmester® premium audio systems, head-up display, wireless phone charging, and in-car 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

Mercedes-Benz also offers its mbrace® Connect telematics system on the E-Class. The basic version includes remote-access features, allowing the driver to remotely start the engine, lock and unlock the doors, call for roadside assistance, and perform other functions using a smartphone app. Concierge, entertainment, and other services can be added as well.

Design

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cloaks its advanced technology in restrained styling that gives the car a sophisticated look. Compared to the previous E-Class, the new model is 1.7 inches longer with a 2.6-inch wheelbase stretch overall. It retains classic cab-rearward proportions with a long hood and short rear deck. The roofline is sleeker and more coupe-like than before, while the front end features the same rounded headlights and grille as other recent Mercedes-Benz models.

On the inside, the E-Class borrows much of its design from the flagship S-Class. Like that larger model, the E-Class is available with a large display screen that combines both the instrument cluster and center-stack display into one unit. A touchpad controller handles infotainment functions, and the 2019 model year introduces a new generation steering wheel with Touch Control Buttons. The interior has all of the traditional luxury trimmings you'd expect, including plenty of woodgrain, leather, and available heated massaging seats.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Active Brake Assist automatic braking, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, Pre-Safe pre-collision system, Car-to-X communication, and nine airbags. Optional features include Distance Pilot Distronic and Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, lane change assist, Congestion Emergency Braking, rearview camera, surround view system, rear cross traffic alert, and more.

Verdict

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class raises the bar for luxury and technology.

For more information, or to inquire about a test drive, contact us online or visit Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis at 324 6th St, Annapolis, MD 21403. 

* EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.

** Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Actual vehicle price may vary by Dealer.

Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz