Mercedes E-Class Review: A Small S-Class for the Real World

The sun had just begun to spill golden light across the eastern slopes of the Melibokus, that serene hill towering over the Bergstraße. As the mist curled lazily above the treetops, we pointed the nose of the brand-new Mercedes E-Class up the winding country road. This wasn’t just a scenic cruise,it was a test, a real-world experience to get under the skin of what Mercedes claims is a digital and dynamic reinvention of its most important model.

Welcome to the W 214 E-Class, a sedan that promises to bring S-Class luxury and intelligence to the business class. But marketing claims are one thing, how does it behave when the road narrows, bends tighten, and the horizon vanishes behind thick forest canopies? We took it up the Melibokus to find out.

The E-Class is a Small S-Class

It’s impossible not to acknowledge the silhouette first. From certain angles, especially the rear, the E-Class could easily pass for its luxurious sibling, the S-Class. Our grey test car shimmered under the morning light, its retractable door handles flush until summoned. But while they add aesthetic value, they can be fussy. On more than one occasion, we had to press them with force before they responded.

Slide inside, and the small-S-Class comparison holds up even more. The dashboard is dominated by massive screens, the materials are high-grade throughout, and the ambient lighting, pulsing subtly to our jazz playlist, turns the cabin into a lounge.

But the real treat is not in the look; it’s in how this car learns. Drive regularly to a barrier gate? It remembers and lowers the window. Prefer news on Monday and jazz on Friday? Just program a routine. This is more than luxury, it’s predictive intelligence.

Video Conference in the Car

We stopped near the viewpoint on the Melibokus, coffee mugs steaming, and fired up Zoom. Yes, really. Above the air vents sits a camera that makes video conferencing possible, stationary, of course. Whether for a business meeting or a family check-in, it worked impressively well. The resolution was sharp, voice capture was clean, and we could even send selfies with a tap.

It’s part of the third-gen MBUX system, which can also link to Microsoft Teams and more in the future. The screens respond quickly, icons are huge, and even the passenger gets a display. If the driver glances over? The screen dims instantly.

This car isn’t just connected. It’s aware.

Big Step Towards Autonomous Driving

Descending the Melibokus on a three-lane highway gave us a perfect chance to test the E-Class’s Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving. We activated adaptive cruise, and the car followed the lead vehicle. But then came the magic, it decided to overtake.

Ping! Signal on, mirror check, smooth lane change. Then another ping as it slipped back into the right lane. The system is so competent that after just a few maneuvers, we found ourselves trusting it. But Mercedes isn’t pushing fully autonomous yet, your hand must stay on the wheel.

Still, the E-Class anticipates navigation data. Know an exit’s near? It’ll avoid overtaking. It’s like driving with an assistant who’s already memorized your route.

Engines: Mild and Plug-in Hybrids

Despite all the digital brilliance, Mercedes hasn’t neglected what’s under the hood. The W 214 offers four- and six-cylinder units, all electrified. Mild hybrids come with 48V systems for a torque boost, while plug-in hybrids offer over 100 km of electric range.

We briefly sampled the E 300 e, which quietly wafts around town, then flexes with 313 hp when needed. Electric-only driving is serene, and transition to combustion is almost imperceptible. For most use cases, it’s all the E-Class you’ll ever need.

In the Test: The Entry-Level Petrol Engine

Our main companion on the Melibokus roads was the E 200,the entry-level petrol engine. On paper: 204 hp from a two-liter four-cylinder, assisted by a 23 hp boost. Modest? Perhaps. But once moving, the sedan feels brisk. 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds is more than acceptable for a nearly two-ton car.

What surprised us more was its composure. Whether passing slow cyclists or accelerating out of tight bends, the throttle responded quickly. The nine-speed auto was buttery smooth, save for the occasional low-speed jerk. Fuel use? We averaged 6.5 liters per 100 km, impressive, considering our hilly route.

Estate E-Class T-Model: Test 220 d

The next day, we brought along the E 220 d Estate for a family picnic, and luggage test. The diesel pulls with authority, offering 197 hp and low-end torque perfect for hauling kids, groceries, and gear.

Load space? With seats down, the Estate swallows 1570 liters. Even with seats up, it manages over 600 liters, enough for a full weekend trip. Despite its size, the estate never felt unwieldy. Rear-axle steering helped immensely in tight corners and parking spots around Zwingenberg.

Mercedes E-Class: Prices from 62,000 Euros

You’ll need a healthy budget. The E 200 starts at around €62,000 in Germany. Our test car, with the AMG Line and a few choice options (including Driving Assistance Plus), nudged €80,000. Add plug-in hybrid tech or 4Matic all-wheel drive, and the price rises fast.

But it feels justified. This isn’t just a car; it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

All-Terrain, Coupé and Convertible

Mercedes continues to diversify the E-Class lineup. The All-Terrain version offers SUV-like clearance and cladding for light off-road adventures. Coupe and Convertible variants are expected soon, blending the business appeal of the sedan with added glamour and driving pleasure.

Those seeking individuality will be well served.

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Technical Specifications

For accuracy and reliability, all technical info is sourced instantly from the official websites of Mercedes.

Conclusion

After two days of climbing and descending the Melibokus, twisting through vineyards and slipping silently through old towns, we left with admiration. The W 214 E-Class feels like a small S-Class not just in look and feel, but in how it integrates itself into your life. It’s brilliant, intuitive, and deeply satisfying.

Yes, it’s expensive. But for what it offers, in comfort, intelligence, and presence, it’s hard to match. Whether you pick the base petrol, a long-range plug-in, or a cavernous estate, the E-Class doesn’t just move people. It elevates them.