Like its bookend siblings -- the compact C-Class and flagship S-Class -- the E-Class embraces the same curvaceous design language that brings it into line with the current family theme. With its redesign, this iconic sedan remains competitive, but Mercedes-Benz shifts the focus of the E-Class toward handling agility and fuel economy, with less emphasis on ride comfort and roominess. Unfortunately, it also adopts some of the least intuitive controls known in the car world.
The E350 is the volume leader of the E-Class line. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The car seldom suffers from any shortness of pace. Fuel economy gains are considerable, with the E350 attaining 24 mpg overall -- a commendable result for an all-wheel-drive sedan of this size. E450 versions have a more powerful turbo six cylinder engine.
Ride comfort has long been a Mercedes-Benz hallmark. And while the E350 imparts a feeling of solidity and cocoons its occupants, the ride isn't as cushy as in previous generations -- or as expected of this stately Swabian. The Sport package comes standard, and this lower, sportier E-Class is challenged by some sharp bumps. The Luxury package is a no-cost option.
Cabin noise is kept to a whisper, but on this front, the Benz is a bit adulterated. Like a church mouse with a snoring problem, the engine stands out. You hear almost nothing in the E350's cabin except for the four-cylinder thrum, which from the outside sounds like a clattering diesel, as if it were a European taxi.
On the other hand, handling agility is impressive. Contrary to some prejudices, the E350 dives into corners like a young ballerina rather than a middle-aged Burgermeister. It demonstrated its athletic demeanor on both road and track.
The stunning interior blends old-world charm with high-tech wizardry. That's both good and bad. Generous applications of rich wood, leather, and chrome make the cabin warm and inviting. The seats are supremely comfortable and supportive, and our test car included an optional massage feature. But alas, rear-seat room has become less generous and so did trunk space.
For some inexplicable reason, Mercedes-Benz engineers feel compelled to further complicate the controls every time they redesign a car. The Comand infotainment system has grown more cumbersome, overwrought, and bewildering. Finding the right function requires navigating an extremely distracting electronic maze. Even simple functions like adjusting the front seat lumbar support require a six-step process done through the screen via a central control knob that you twist, jog, and nudge. Stuttgart, you've got to be kidding. By comparison, Audi's MMI and BMW's iDrive systems have consistently improved over time and are much more approachable. The electronic shifter can also be fussy and unintuitive to use, and the car lacks some desired safeguards to prevent it from rolling away when parked, should the driver accidentally not select Park.
A wide variety of advanced driver systems can help avoid crashes and assist the driver. Clearly, such capability does not exonerate Mercedes for its distracting controls, but we commend Mercedes-Benz for making forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking standard, in advance of the year 2022 government mandate. Many luxury brands, including BMW, Cadillac, and Lexus, still merchandise these important features as expensive options.
Even more advanced, the optional driver assistance systems can help steer the car to keep it within its lane. This Benz can do anything Tesla's much hyped Autopilot can do -- but with more precautions to make sure drivers stay attentive. These convenience features can help ease stress, but drivers must remain fully engaged with the driving process to remain safe.
The E-Class is among the first cars to include vehicle-to-vehicle communication capability. Since this benefit depends on other cars communicating with yours, it is of limited use for now. But it helps future-proof the car as more vehicles with this safety equipment becomes available.
While the midsized E-Class has improved in terms of handling prowess, frugality, interior ambience, and advanced technology for the autonomous future, we can't help but lament the loss of ride comfort and rear-seat room. And for some of us, the unintuitive controls alone are sufficient grounds to consider a different car.