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Thanks: BigTimeAuto 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class First Drive Review: A Subtly Sublime Sedan The rival to the BMW 5 Series has a mild-hybrid powertrain to be even more civilized. The current generation of the E-Class, the W213, has been on the market since 2016, yet for some reason it doesn't feel that old. Perhaps that's because 2020's comprehensive facelift still looks fresh and modern. Or, maybe it's just because of how easy it is to forget about the big E and its middling status, slotting in between the C and S yet rarely receiving as much fanfare as either. To ensure you pay attention this time, Mercedes is throwing the kitchen sink at the 2024 E-Class, the W214, which will hit American dealers sometime in the first half of next year. A new platform, fresh styling, loads of cutting-edge technology, and a boatload more trunk space make the E-Class more compelling than ever before. Quick Stats: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 Engine: Turbocharged I6 Mild-Hybrid Output: 375 Horsepower / 369 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH: TBD Top Speed: 130 MPH (electronically limited) A Bigger Footprint Let's start with that new platform, which is about a half-inch longer than before, gaining half an inch in height and 0.3 inches in width as well. Wheelbase, though, grows more significantly, of an inch to be exact, and much of that new space is found in the rear passenger compartment. The rear seats still aren't exactly overflowing with legroom, but there is still at least a lofty amount of headroom. The most significant change, though, is actually in the trunk. The outgoing E-Class offers a paltry 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is smaller than the old Toyota Yaris sedan, for comparison's sake. For the 2024 E-Class, that jumps up to 19.0 cubic feet. That's the difference between telling your kids to pack light for a weekend getaway and deciding to bring all the board games for your week-long visit to the cabin. That trunk space stays the same even for the hybrid version of the car. That's because every version of the E-Class is a hybrid, whether you go with the 255 horsepower, 295 pound-foot inline four E350 4Matic or the 375 hp, 369 lb-ft E450 4Matic. For those counting, that's up 13 hp and 7 lb-ft over the outgoing E450's inline-six. Neither are plug-ins, and Mercedes-Benz isn't quoting any efficiency figures just yet, but the 48-volt mild hybrid system in the 2023 E450 4Matic does 23 mpg city, 30 highway, so expect something in that ballpark again. The Drive While I can't cite efficiency figures, I can at least tell you about how that system drives. Though turbocharged, the E450 doesn't suffer from much in the way of lag. If anything, it's a little too eager to get going. It took a few pulls away from stop lights before I got the hang of the throttle, which even in Comfort mode is surprisingly snatchy. Comfort mode is matched with the typical complement of Sport, Eco, and Individual modes, the latter of which allows you to choose your steering weight, how aggressive the nine-speed automatic transmission is, and how stiff the air suspension is – assuming you ticked that box, anyway. Go for the air suspension and Mercedes throws in rear-steering, available on the E-Class for the first time. This adds 4.5 degrees of steering to the rear, cutting a full 3 feet from the turning circle of what is an increasingly lengthy sedan. It also adds a fair bit of hustle through the corners, but even in E450 trim that's not really what the E-Class is about. (At least, not until the inevitable AMG flavor). Read More 📌 Instagram ▶ 📌 Tiktok ▶ @cartvpress
