Mercedes-Benz E 450 First Drive Review: Luxury Meets Performance

When the opportunity to spend a week with the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E 450 landed in my inbox, I couldn’t hit reply fast enough. As someone who’s driven countless luxury sedans over the years, I was eager to see how Mercedes’ mid-size luxury offering would stack up against the competition and whether it would live up to the brand’s storied reputation. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 combines luxury and performance in a way few competitors can match. It sits in that sweet spot in the Mercedes lineup – more substantial than the C-Class but not quite as imposing as the flagship S-Class. It’s the Goldilocks of luxury sedans: just right for those who want presence without excess.

As I approached the car for the first time, key fob in hand, I was struck by its elegant proportions. The 2025 model has evolved from its predecessors with a cleaner, more sophisticated design language.

But looks are just the beginning of this story. Over the next seven days, this German masterpiece would reveal layer after layer of engineering excellence, technological innovation, and thoughtful design.

First Impressions: Exterior Design and Styling

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 features a design that manages to be both timeless and contemporary. Standing in my driveway, the Obsidian Black metallic paint caught the morning light, highlighting the subtle curves and character lines that run along its 194.9-inch length. It’s not a small car by any means, but it wears its size well.

What struck me immediately was how Mercedes has evolved the E-Class design. It’s less fussy than previous generations, with cleaner lines and more purposeful styling.

The front fascia features the brand’s signature grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the car an intelligent, almost sentient appearance. I found myself repeatedly glancing back at it after parking – always a good sign.

The profile reveals a classic sedan silhouette with just the right amount of modern flair. The 19-inch multi-spoke wheels on my test car filled the arches perfectly, and the subtle chrome accents around the windows added a touch of class without veering into ostentation.

“Is it trying too hard?” I asked myself as I walked around it. The answer was a definitive no. Unlike some competitors that seem desperate to announce their presence with oversized grilles or excessive styling elements, the Mercedes-Benz E 450 exudes confidence through restraint. It’s a mature design for discerning buyers.

Stepping Inside: The Mercedes-Benz E 450 Interior Experience

If the exterior whispers luxury, the Mercedes-Benz E 450 interior shouts it – albeit in the most refined way possible. Sitting in the Mercedes-Benz E 450 interior for the first time, I was struck by the attention to detail. The cabin is a masterclass in how to blend technology with traditional luxury.

The first thing that caught my eye was the sweeping digital display that combines the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with the 14.4-inch central touchscreen. It’s visually impressive without feeling overwhelming, and the graphics are crisp and responsive.

But what I appreciated most was how Mercedes hasn’t abandoned physical controls entirely. Climate functions and key features still get dedicated buttons, making them easier to adjust while driving.

The seats deserve special mention. Upholstered in Nappa leather, they offer the perfect balance of support and comfort. During a four-hour highway stint, I emerged without the slightest hint of fatigue or discomfort.

The 64-color ambient lighting might seem gimmicky on paper, but in practice, it transforms the cabin atmosphere. I found myself switching between calming blue for night driving and energizing red for more spirited jaunts.

Rear passengers aren’t treated as second-class citizens either. The back seats offer generous legroom (a benefit of that 116.6-inch wheelbase), and the materials are just as premium as those up front. I had a couple of friends join me for dinner one evening, and their unsolicited compliments about the rear accommodations spoke volumes.

Storage space is thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, and the 12.7 cubic feet of trunk space easily swallowed my weekend luggage with room to spare. It’s not class-leading in terms of cargo capacity, but it’s more than adequate for most needs.

Technology That Serves, Not Overwhelms

Among the standout Mercedes-Benz E 450 features is the latest MBUX system with its intuitive interface. Having experienced earlier versions of MBUX, I was pleased to find that Mercedes has continued refining the system. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant is more capable than ever, understanding natural language commands with impressive accuracy.

The augmented reality navigation deserves special praise. When approaching complex intersections, the central screen displays a live camera feed with animated directional arrows superimposed on the actual road. It’s genuinely useful rather than just technologically flashy.

Smartphone integration is seamless with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Burmester surround sound system delivered crisp, detailed audio that made my daily podcast listening a treat. The system’s ability to create a convincing soundstage throughout the cabin impressed even my audiophile friend who joined me for a drive.

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 features an impressive array of technology that makes every drive more enjoyable. The driver assistance systems are comprehensive without being intrusive. The adaptive cruise control maintained perfect distances in varying traffic conditions, and the lane-keeping assist provided gentle corrections rather than fighting with my inputs.

During a particularly heavy rainstorm, I was grateful for the attention assist feature that suggested I take a break after detecting subtle changes in my driving behavior.

What impressed me most about the technology suite wasn’t any single feature but how well everything worked together as a cohesive system. Nothing felt tacked on or included merely to pad the spec sheet.

The Heart of the Matter: Mercedes-Benz E 450 Performance

Numbers on a page rarely tell the whole story, but they’re a good place to start. The Mercedes-Benz E 450 performance credentials are impressive, with a 0-60 time of just 4.4 seconds. That’s quick by any standard, especially for a luxury sedan that weighs over 4,300 pounds.

The 3.0-liter inline-six turbo engine with hybrid assist is the star of the show here. Producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, it delivers power with a smoothness that’s becoming increasingly rare in the age of downsized, turbocharged engines.

The mild hybrid system (Mercedes calls it EQ Boost) fills in any potential turbo lag, resulting in immediate response regardless of where you are in the rev range.

I was blown away by the Mercedes-Benz E 450 performance during my mountain road test drive. On a winding stretch of asphalt in the hills outside the city, the car revealed a playful side I hadn’t expected. The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission is a willing partner, holding gears when needed and executing shifts with imperceptible smoothness.

The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides tremendous confidence, especially when the roads are damp after a morning shower. Power delivery is primarily to the rear wheels during normal driving, giving the car a balanced feel, but when needed, the system can send torque to the front axle with no discernible delay.

What about efficiency? Despite my occasionally enthusiastic driving style, I averaged 26 mpg over my week with the car, splitting the difference between the EPA ratings of 22 city and 31 highway. For a vehicle with this level of performance, that’s impressive.

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 performance is enhanced by its mild hybrid system, providing instant torque when needed. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about delivering a more refined driving experience. The start-stop system, often a jarring feature in many cars, operates with such smoothness in the E 450 that I never felt the need to disable it.

Handling and Ride Quality: The Perfect Balance

The true test of a luxury sport sedan isn’t how fast it goes in a straight line but how it handles the transitions between acceleration, braking, and cornering. Here, the Mercedes-Benz E 450 reveals its dual personality.

With the drive mode selector in Comfort, the car glides over imperfections with the kind of isolation you’d expect from a luxury sedan. Road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, and the suspension absorbs bumps without floating or wallowing. It’s composed in a way that makes long journeys a pleasure rather than a chore.

Switch to Sport or Sport+, however, and the character transforms. The optional AIRMATIC air suspension (fitted to my test car) firms up noticeably, the steering gains weight and precision, and the throttle response sharpens. Body roll is well-controlled, and the car feels much more agile than its size would suggest.

The rear-axle steering (another option on my test vehicle) deserves special mention. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts, virtually shortening the wheelbase and making the car feel much more maneuverable in tight spaces. At higher speeds, they turn in the same direction, enhancing stability during lane changes and sweeping corners.

Braking performance is equally impressive. The pedal offers progressive resistance and excellent modulation, making it easy to execute smooth stops in traffic while providing the confidence needed for more spirited driving.

How Does It Compare? Mercedes-Benz E 450 vs Competitors

When comparing the Mercedes-Benz E 450 vs BMW 5 Series, the Mercedes offers a more comfortable ride. The BMW has traditionally been the more driver-focused option in this segment, and while the gap has narrowed considerably, that character difference remains. The 5 Series feels more eager to attack corners, while the E 450 prioritizes refinement without sacrificing capability.

The Audi A6 presents another interesting comparison. The Audi’s interior is a technological showcase, but I found the Mercedes MBUX system more intuitive to use. The A6’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system is legendary, but the 4MATIC setup in the E 450 never left me wanting for more traction or confidence.

Against the Lexus ES, the Mercedes-Benz E 450 justifies its higher price point with superior performance, more advanced technology, and a more engaging driving experience. The Lexus counters with legendary reliability and a lower entry price, but it doesn’t offer the same level of driver involvement or performance capability.

In the Mercedes-Benz E 450 vs BMW 5 Series debate, the Mercedes wins for interior luxury while the BMW edges ahead in sportiness. It’s a close contest, and personal preference will likely be the deciding factor for most buyers.

Value Proposition: Is It Worth the Price?

With a starting MSRP of $70,850, the Mercedes-Benz E 450 isn’t an impulse purchase. My test car, equipped with several option packages, pushed the price tag north of $80,000. That’s serious money, but after a week behind the wheel, I believe it delivers value commensurate with its cost.

The standard equipment list is comprehensive, including features that would be costly options on some competitors. The build quality is exceptional, with materials and assembly that feel like they’ll stand the test of time. The warranty coverage is on par with segment standards, and the Mercedes-Benz dealer experience typically ranks among the best in the luxury segment.

Resale value is another consideration. Mercedes-Benz vehicles, particularly the E-Class, tend to hold their value well compared to some competitors. This reduces the total cost of ownership for those who plan to sell or trade in after a few years.

For those concerned about ongoing costs, the Mercedes me connect services provide remote monitoring of vehicle status and can help schedule maintenance when needed. The 24/7 roadside assistance program offers additional peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Mercedes-Benz E 450?

After seven days and hundreds of miles, I found myself reluctant to return the keys to the Mercedes-Benz E 450. It had become not just transportation but a partner in my daily adventures – comfortable when I needed relaxation, capable when I wanted excitement, and always exuding an air of special occasion.

Is it perfect? No car is. The price of entry is steep, especially when optioned with some of the more desirable features. The learning curve for the MBUX system, while not steep, does require some initial patience.

And while fuel economy is good for the performance level, those prioritizing efficiency above all else might look to the plug-in hybrid variants in the lineup.

But for those seeking a luxury sedan that excels across virtually every metric – performance, comfort, technology, design, and prestige – the Mercedes-Benz E 450 makes a compelling case.

It’s a car for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, who value craftsmanship and engineering excellence, and who want a vehicle that can handle the daily commute as adeptly as the weekend getaway.

During my week with the Mercedes-Benz E 450, I was consistently impressed by its refined driving dynamics. It’s a car that doesn’t demand compromises but instead offers a breadth of capability that few competitors can match.

Whether you’re a driving enthusiast who occasionally needs to transport clients in comfort or a luxury buyer who still enjoys taking the long way home, the E 450 deserves serious consideration.

If you’re considering a luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Benz E 450 deserves to be at the top of your list. It represents the current state of the art in the midsize luxury segment a harmonious blend of traditional Mercedes-Benz values with cutting-edge technology and performance. It’s not just a great E-Class; it’s a great car, period.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mercedes-Benz E 450