AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2022 MERCEDESBENZ E-CLASS

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was recently refreshed with a more dynamic and sportier exterior, redesigned headlamps and taillamps, radiator grille and bumper and even more comfort. It also packs in so much more technology that you may need to study the owner’s manual thoroughly in order to fully appreciate the car.

The E-Class and its predecessor models are the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz. Although the very first E-Class mid-sized models were technically produced starting in 1953 and are highly prized today by collectors, the first true E-Class sedans began life in 1993 as “executive cars.” Those E 320 sedans were both luxurious but could also drive comfortably and travel safely on Germany’s famous Autobahn where an enforced speed limit really doesn’t exist.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class base E-350 sedan comes with an MSRP price tag of $54,950. Under the hood, you’ll find a 255 hp, 2.0 liter four-cylinder inline turbocharged engine mated to a nine-speed transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The next step up is the E-450 with a 362 hp, 3.0 liter sixcylinder inline turbocharged engine that’s also mated to the nine-speed transmission. What makes this model special is that the powertrain is enhanced with the addition of the electric EQ Boost mild hybrid feature which results in improved performance and efficiency. Fuel economy numbers for the E-450 are 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The E-Class interior is beautifully appointed as can be expected from Mercedes-Benz. The cockpit boasts some very advanced technology engineered to allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. The MBUX infotainment system is powered by a powerful system that incorporates brilliant screens and graphics, a customizable display, learning-capable software and Voice Control with natural language recognition. It takes a bit of learning to master it, but in time the MBUX system becomes second nature.

The top-of-the-line E-Class sedan is the AMG E 63 S which really takes this car into a very different strata. Powered by the iconic handcrafted 603 hp, AMG 4.0 liter, V8 biturbo engine, this AMG sedan gets fast really fast. With a base MSRP of $107,500, the AMG E 63 S is a supercar masquerading as a family sedan.

If you’re shopping for a new luxury sedan that’s a pleasure to drive and is designed to impress, any level of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan will fit the bill.