2021 Mercedes Benz E450

Mercedes’ E-Class underwent a midcycle refresh for 2021 and the result is one of the best midsize cars—nay, vehicles—on sale today.

By Isaac Bouchard

We’ve talked about the new E450 All-Terrain already; here we look at the classic “three-box” sedan. Outside, changes are most noticeable at the front, where the fascia (what we used to call a bumper) is redesigned, with new intakes, lighting units and a grill that apes that of the 1950’s 300SL. Other changes include the rear fascia, trunk lid, taillights and wheel designs. During my week with the test vehicle, I received an unusual number of unsolicited, positive comments on how much people liked the looks of the E450. In contrast, no one mentioned the brand-new Genesis G70 I had a week later, nor the BMW 540i I’d had prior. This suggests to me that Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener really has a handle on how to blend the styling tropes of classic Mercedes with a modern vibe that appeals to a large demographic.

The interior was very familiar, as my personal car is a 2018 E63 S; updates include snazzier graphics for the two, 12.3in screens, which share a single, horizontal plinth of glass, a trackpad-like interface in front of the center armrest, and new steering wheel designs. Updated software is very obvious; the biggest positive change is that the center screen is now touch-sensitive. This offsets to some degree that many, commonly used functions are now buried one to two layers deep in the menu system, meaning more time with eyes off the road. The capacitive touch panels for things like volume adjust on the steering wheel spokes also seem a retrograde step compared to the rocker buttons mine has—or the even better barrel-shaped adjusters that were present on the model years between—since they respond differently each time you touch them. Also, I am not sure why Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now display over a smaller footprint than in my older car, but the older layout seems better. How to have humans safely interface with the increasingly complex systems onboard modern automobiles is a real challenge for car companies, and while time spent with this system, dubbed “MBUX,” does help, I still think it is a work in progress. Other things I noted about the Benz were that the front seats were extremely comfortable, while still being supportive in corners. This is down in large part to the Active Multicontour option, which pumps up the side bolsters to keep you in place during hard cornering, and both massage functions and one that adjusts the seat every few minutes to change its kinematics and reduce fatigue. I also note that the rear seat is (like mine) set a bit too low for longterm comfort, since it lacks under-thigh support—but it does therefore offer more headroom for taller folk. Build and material quality seem above reproach, a pleasant thing to see in an era where it seems like almost all car companies are cutting costs by downgrading the plastic moldings or stripping out equipment.

While the surroundings were quite familiar, what I didn’t expect was to so enjoy the way the E450 drove. I’m very spoiled in that mine has an insane 603hp, making it one of the fastest vehicles you can buy that is not a half-million dollar hypercar or EV like a Tesla Model S Plaid. Even this midlevel model is really quick; hitting 4.6 seconds in 60mph means it is faster than many sports cars of just a decade or two ago. The way this new, mild-hybrid powertrain operates is very compelling. Dubbed M256, this 3-liter, inline six cylinder engine has a single turbo and an integrated starter-generator motor hooked to a small battery. “EQ Boost” means the motor boosts the car off the line, until the turbo can come on song. Lag is virtually nonexistent, and the 48-volt electrical architecture not only eliminates belts for the air conditioning compressor and alternator, but allows the sedan to “sail” at highway speeds with the gas engine off. It also means auto stop-start isn’t the annoying affair it can be in other cars; the A/C doesn’t whimp out at a stop light, and restarts are almost impossible to feel. Mid-20s fuel economy is remarkable for an AWD car that’s so big and fast, and it is possible to get 30mpg on the highway.

The 9-speed automatic’s programming is vastly improved over that of the 2018 E450, too, and the Mercedes’ chassis is significantly better as well. When originally released, it didn’t blend athleticism and comfort as well as it could have; body control was a bit inconsistent, and it washed into understeer sooner than expected. All that has now been sorted, and Mercedes now sets the standard, at least when equipped with the adjustable, Air Body Control suspension. The helm is responsive and the blend of ride and handling exemplary. Arch-rival BMW’s steering isn’t as intuitive, nor does it give as much feedback as to what the front tires are doing, and while the 540i rides as well as this E450, it doesn’t have the reflexes to encourage enthusiastic driving like the Benz does. About the one area where the Bavarian (and the Genesis) are ahead is in terms of suppression of road noise. All E-Class sedans are louder than they should be in this regard, even this model, which was equipped with the Acoustic Comfort Package. Mine, not having that $1,100 option and running on basically race-spec tires inflated to the factory-recommend 50psi, can be a howling resonance chamber. The number of people shopping for an executive express like the E450 is shrinking, and that is a sad state of affairs; no matter how many great features a midsize SUV offers, almost none can combine the athletic verve and silky smooth ride of a low-slung machine like this. The upside is that a well-designed car like this Mercedes stands out even more in a sea of high riding machines, and for those of us who want to make a statement, without being shouty about it, owning a car like the E-Class is a great way to do it.

 

EPA Ratings: 23/30/26mpg

0-60mph: 4.6sec

Price as tested: $79,170

Here is what Mercedes has to say.

4.5 Stars

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Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

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