Review Date: June 2025
MSRP Range: $63,600 – $77,250
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
Key Verdict: MotorTrend’s 2025 Car of the Year winner proves that evolutionary perfection trumps revolutionary change, delivering the most refined luxury sedan experience available today.

Quick Verdict & Key Stats

Bottom Line Up Front: The 2025 E-Class represents 70 years of Mercedes-Benz refinement distilled into what might be the best midsize luxury car of the 21st century. By focusing exclusively on sedan and wagon excellence after spinning off coupe/convertible variants, Mercedes has created a luxury benchmark that competitors will chase for years to come.

Key Specifications

Specification	E350 4MATIC	E450 4MATIC	E450 All-Terrain
Engine	2.0L Turbo + Mild Hybrid	3.0L Turbo + Mild Hybrid	3.0L Turbo + Mild Hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp	375 hp	375 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft	369 lb-ft	369 lb-ft
Fuel Economy	24/33/27 mpg	TBD	TBD
Starting Price	$63,600	$72,000	$77,250
Cargo Space	19.0 cu ft	19.0 cu ft	22.0 cu ft
Seating	5 passengers	5 passengers	5 passengers
0-60 mph	5.9 seconds	TBD	TBD
Drive Type	AWD Standard	AWD Standard	AWD Standard

What’s New This Year

This tenth-generation E-Class receives focused refinements that demonstrate Mercedes’ commitment to sedan excellence. Key updates include:

• New rear-wheel-drive E350 base model with enhanced mild-hybrid technology
• AMG E53 Hybrid returns with a 577-604 horsepower plug-in hybrid system
• Standard front center airbag for enhanced passenger protection
• Improved wheelbase increased by one inch for better interior space and ride quality
• Enhanced MBUX infotainment with color-coded functions for improved usability

The strategic decision to eliminate coupe and convertible variants allows engineers to optimize the platform specifically for sedan and wagon applications, resulting in meaningful improvements across every metric.

Exterior Design & Styling

The E-Class maintains its timeless elegance while incorporating subtle modern touches that enhance its executive presence. The design philosophy emphasizes understated sophistication over flashy statements, creating a vehicle that looks equally appropriate at country clubs and corporate headquarters.

Design Highlights:

• Clean, uncluttered body surfaces with premium proportions
• Distinctive LED lighting signatures that project the three-pointed star
• Aerodynamically optimized details that contribute to efficiency
• Elegant chrome accents that enhance rather than overwhelm

The All-Terrain variant features tasteful protective cladding and increased ride height, all without compromising the elegant design language. Build quality remains exemplary, with paint finishes and panel alignment that justify the premium pricing.

Interior Quality & Comfort

The cabin represents the pinnacle of Mercedes’ luxury philosophy, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship. Every surface exudes quality, from the soft leather appointments to the precisely machined aluminum trim.

Interior Excellence:

• Premium materials throughout: Hand-selected leather, real wood, and brushed aluminum
• Spacious accommodations: Front and rear passengers enjoy generous space despite the compact exterior
• Ambient lighting: 64-color system creates the perfect atmosphere for any mood
• Executive comfort: Heated, ventilated, and massaging seats available

The optional Superscreen configuration integrates three displays seamlessly across the dashboard, creating an immersive digital environment that remains intuitive rather than overwhelming. Storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated, although some testers noted that there were fewer small-item compartments than expected.

Technology & Infotainment

Mercedes’ latest MBUX system represents a significant leap forward in luxury car technology, though it requires a learning curve to master its full capabilities.

Technology Features:

• 14.4-inch central touchscreen with crisp graphics and responsive touch controls
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable displays
• Optional 12.3-inch passenger display for enhanced entertainment options
• Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Advanced voice control with natural language processing
• Fingerprint sensor for personalized settings and security

The color-coded interface helps organize functions logically, though some drivers still find certain tasks require too many menu layers. The system’s responsiveness and visual quality set new standards for the luxury segment.

Performance & Driving Experience

Both powertrains benefit from Mercedes’ sophisticated mild-hybrid technology, delivering seamless power delivery and enhanced efficiency.

E350 Performance:

• 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with integrated starter-generator
• 255 horsepower with an additional 20 hp electric boost available
• Smooth nine-speed automatic transmission
• Balanced handling with comfort-oriented tuning

E450 Performance:

• 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance
• 375 horsepower with silky power delivery
• Advanced air suspension standard (optional on E350)
• Four-wheel steering reduces the turning radius by 3 feet

The driving experience emphasizes refinement over excitement, with both models delivering the effortless power delivery and whisper-quiet operation that defines modern luxury sedans. The All-Terrain variant adds genuine off-road capability with increased ground clearance and specialized drive modes.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

The mild-hybrid systems deliver meaningful efficiency improvements while maintaining the smooth operation Mercedes customers expect.

Efficiency Highlights:

• E350 4MATIC achieves 24/33/27 mpg city/highway/combined
• Integrated starter-generator enables smooth engine stop/start operation
• Electric boost reduces fuel consumption during acceleration
• Aerodynamic improvements contribute to highway efficiency

Real-world fuel economy typically matches EPA estimates, with highway cruising often exceeding rated figures when driving conservatively.

Safety & Reliability

Mercedes leads the luxury segment in safety innovation, and the E-Class benefits from the company’s most advanced systems.

Safety Excellence:

• Standard safety suite: Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring
• Advanced driver assistance: Available adaptive cruise control with steering assistance
• Structural improvements: Enhanced body construction with additional airbags
• Car-to-X communication: Vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity for traffic optimization

Mercedes’ reputation for reliability has improved significantly in recent years, and the E-Class benefits from proven powertrains and extensive testing. The four-year/50,000-mile warranty provides confidence, though it trails some luxury competitors in coverage length.

Cargo & Practicality

Interior space maximization remains a Mercedes strength, with intelligent packaging that creates surprising roominess within the elegant exterior dimensions.

Space & Storage:

• Sedan cargo capacity: 19.0 cubic feet with a wide opening for easy loading
• All-Terrain capacity: 22.0 cubic feet expanding to 65.0 cubic feet with seats folded
• Rear passenger space: Adult-friendly legroom despite compact exterior footprint
• Interior storage: Multiple compartments, though fewer than some competitors

The 60/40 split-folding rear seats enhance versatility, while the power trunk lid adds convenience for daily use.

Value & Pricing Analysis

At $63,600 for the E350, the E-Class commands a premium over competitors but justifies the pricing through superior execution and standard equipment levels.

Value Proposition:

• Comprehensive standard equipment: Advanced safety, premium audio, leather seating
• Strong resale values: Mercedes badge and E-Class reputation maintain value well
• Competitive positioning: Priced between volume luxury and ultra-premium segments
• Long-term ownership: Proven reliability and extensive dealer network

The E450 All-Terrain at $77,250 represents exceptional value for buyers wanting SUV capability with sedan refinement, offering unique positioning in the luxury market.

Competitors Comparison

Direct Competitors:

• BMW 5 Series: More sporting character but less refined overall experience
• Audi A6: Sharp driving dynamics but clunkier infotainment and lower resale values
• Genesis G80: Impressive value and features, but lacking brand prestige
• Volvo S90: Distinctive Scandinavian design but less engaging driving experience

The E-Class strikes the optimal balance between performance, luxury, and refinement that its German rivals struggle to match consistently.

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Pros:

• MotorTrend Car of the Year winner demonstrates objective excellence
• Unmatched refinement and build quality in the luxury segment
• Advanced technology integration with traditional luxury values
• Strong resale value and Mercedes-Benz dealer network
• Available All-Terrain variant offers a unique SUV alternative

Cons:

• MBUX infotainment system requires a learning curve for full functionality
• Higher pricing than some competitors may challenge budget-conscious buyers
• Rear seat space is good, but not class-leading for tall passengers
• Limited interior storage compartments compared to some rivals

Best For: Executive buyers prioritizing refinement over sportiness, luxury car enthusiasts wanting cutting-edge technology with traditional values, families needing a prestige sedan with an SUV alternative (All-Terrain).

Skip If: You prioritize sporting dynamics over comfort, want maximum interior space for the money, prefer simpler technology interfaces, or need the absolute lowest luxury car pricing.

Overall Rating Breakdown:

• Performance: 8.5/10
• Interior: 9.5/10
• Technology: 8.5/10
• Value: 8.5/10
• Overall: 8.8/10

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class proves that focused evolution can achieve near-perfection. MotorTrend’s recognition as Car of the Year validates what luxury sedan buyers have long understood: when you want the finest midsize luxury experience available, the E-Class remains the gold standard that all others aspire to match.