2024 Mercedes-Benz 450 AWD: The Luxury Brand’s Sixth-Generation Midsize Sedan

 

Highlight: A driver-facing selfie app is available to take photos.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $ 87,920 (Base Model E 350: $63,450)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a 360-degree camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; adaptive high beam assist headlights; an adaptive lane keep assist system; an electronic blindspot system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and rain-sensing wipers

Standard Equipment E 350: 18-inch wheels; a 2.0-liter turbo mild hybrid engine, 4-cylinder engine; 255-horsepower; a 9-speed automatic transmission; power front seats with memory features; heated front seats; split folding rear seats; panorama roof; leather-like seats; power folding side mirrors; brake hold feature; a keyless entry system; an electronic trunk closer; a navigation system; and a dual zone automatic climate control system

Standard Equipment E 450 4Matic: 18-inch wheels; 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder mild hybrid turbo engine; 375-hp; chrome star patten grille; ash wood trim; power heated front seats with three position memory; illuminated front door sills; a panoramic sliding sunroof; and an active park assist system

Test Model Options: Nappa leather seats; 20-inch wheels; a diver’s display system with HUD (heads up display; active blind spot; active braking system; active emergency stop assist; active lane changing assist system; automatic lane changing system; an active lane keep assist system; an active speed limit assist system; an evasive steering assist system; extended restart stop-and-go traffic system; a rout based speed adaption system); a winter package (eg. A heated steering wheel, heated windshield washers)’; a leather package; an airmatic package (eg. Suspension, adaptive dampening system; pinnacle trim; and rear axle steering); a 12-inch infotainment screen; a selfie and video camera; digital light package; and pinnacle trim (eg. an illuminated grille; a heads up display system, a Burmester 4D surround system, active ambient lighting)

 

Other Trims:

AMG E 53 Hybrid

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 402-hp (550)

Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-city/33-hwy

What’s: The German’s brand popular sixth-generation midsized vehicle has been redesigned inside and out.  Unlike previous models, the E-class will be available as a sedan only.

Why: 

All-wheel drive or rear wheel drive availability

Over 500 miles on a tank of gas on the E 450

Precision driving characteristics

Roomy

Comfortable seating

Massaging front seats

Augmented reality navigation system

Ability to take selfies

Two larger 14-inch touchscreens

Ability to view youtube from the infotainment screen, when the vehicle is parked

Power front seats with memory

Power tilt and telescopic steering wheel

A power panorama sunroof

Heat from the electric drive can be used during winter months to warm the interior

A 4-zone automatic climate control system

A new lane change system allows the vehicle to pass a slower vehicle without driver intervention

Voice commands eliminate one from scrolling through the infotainment screens for most features

Optional rear wheel steering helps to improve turning radius

Heated windshield washers available

A variety of driving modes

A great sound system

An audio reminder to remove smartphone

19, 20 and 21-inch wheels available

 

But: 

E 450 is only available in an AWD configuration

Takes a moment to master all of the features on the vehicle

Many optional features should be standard

No coupe or convertible will be available

Verdict: In a market where crossovers, SUVs and trucks have literally taken over the road, Mercedes-Benz along with a few of its luxury competitors have decided to stay in the sedan game.

Mercedes-Benz has updated its luxurious sixth-generation sedan with a stylish design. This year’s high-tech Mercedes-Benz is loaded with a host of features that literally pushes this sedan closer to being self-automated.

The luxurious road absorbing German engineered sedan, which is available in a rear wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration, with a host of powertrains competes head-to-head with models from Audi, BMW and Genesis. While Jaguar, Lexus and Lincoln are out of the midsize sedan game, Cadillac smaller sized CT5 offers up a vehicle in this segment.

While some consumers might be seeking a fully electrified version of the all-new E -Class sedan, Mercedes-Benz offers such under a different platform and styling direction. Ironically, both BMW and Genesis offer a fully electrified model using the same styling cues and platform as their gasoline counterparts. 

Competition:  Audi A6; BMW 5-Series; Cadillac CT5; and Genesis G80