Mercedes-Benz E 450 (2024) Review

The current E-Class is what Mercedes does when it is trying. The inline six is the star, making 375 horsepower with a starter generator smoothing every transition, and it delivers thrust in a single seamless surge with no turbo lag worth naming and a noise that is deep rather than loud. Ride quality on the air suspension is close to untouchable at the price. The cabin is a genuinely special place, and the optional screen that stretches across the whole dashboard is either the most impressive thing in the class or too much, depending on your patience for menus.

Rear seat comfort is limousine grade. The costs are the story. Air suspension struts, the forty eight volt electrical system and the sheer count of modules mean out of warranty repairs run into thousands, dealer labour rates are the highest in this file, and residuals on large German sedans are famously unkind. Add a selfie camera nobody asked for and a control layout that hides simple functions, and the picture is clear. Lease it, love it, hand it back. Buy it at four years old only with a warranty in hand.