The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been synonymous with sophisticated luxury and refined driving dynamics. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues this legacy, offering a compelling blend of opulent comfort, cutting-edge technology, and engaging performance. Following its refresh in 2021, the E-Class remains a top contender in the competitive midsize luxury sedan segment, and while it narrowly missed out on Edmunds’ top award this year due to the arrival of the new S-Class, it’s still an exceptional vehicle deserving of serious consideration for discerning buyers.
The 2022 E-Class presents a diverse range of options to suit various preferences. The sedan remains the most popular choice, but Mercedes-Benz also offers the E-Class in coupe, convertible, and even wagon body styles, each providing a unique take on the E-Class formula. Regardless of the chosen configuration, every 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class model boasts a meticulously crafted interior, advanced technology features, and the distinguished driving experience that Mercedes-Benz is renowned for. Let’s delve deeper into what makes the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a standout choice in the luxury car market.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Deep Dive into the 2022 E-Class
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team, known for their rigorous evaluations combining track tests and real-world driving assessments, has given the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class a resounding “Great” rating of 8.4 out of 10. This score reflects the vehicle’s comprehensive strengths across numerous categories, cementing its position as a benchmark in the luxury class. The refresh in 2021 has successfully maintained the E-Class’s competitive edge, preserving its core appeal while introducing subtle yet meaningful enhancements. It’s not a radical departure from its predecessor, but that’s precisely the point – the E-Class formula was already exceptionally strong. The emphasis remains on delivering a premium experience through a harmonious blend of a luxurious cabin, a smooth and composed ride, and seamlessly integrated driver assistance systems.
Performance: Effortless Power and Balanced Dynamics
Rating: 8/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers a driving experience characterized by effortless power and refined composure. The powertrain operates with seamless fluidity, providing ample acceleration without any undue drama. During Edmunds’ testing of the E 450 4Matic sedan, a 0-60 mph sprint of just 4.9 seconds was recorded, placing it among the quickest in its class. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system effectively translates power to the road, enhancing both traction and a sense of sporty agility, particularly when engaging the Sport driving mode.
While the steering prioritizes ease of use over outright feedback, it remains precise and light, making the 2022 E-Class remarkably maneuverable in urban environments and tight parking spaces. Cornering is handled with poise and stability, avoiding excessive stiffness while maintaining control. However, braking performance was noted as an area for potential improvement. Edmunds’ testing revealed longer panic 60-0 mph braking distances compared to some rivals in the luxury segment. It’s suggested that upgrading to higher-performance tires could significantly enhance braking capabilities.
Comfort: A Sanctuary of Refinement
Rating: 9/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class truly excels in delivering exceptional comfort, arguably the most crucial aspect of a luxury vehicle. The cabin is a haven of tranquility, effectively isolating occupants from the external environment. The seats offer a remarkable balance of support and adjustability, catering to a wide range of body types. While the cushioning is described as firm, it remains comfortable even on extended journeys. The optional air suspension, as equipped in Edmunds’ test vehicle, is highly recommended for its ability to further enhance ride smoothness and isolation, absorbing road imperfections with remarkable ease.
Noise levels within the 2022 E-Class are impressively low, with minimal intrusion from road or wind noise. The six-cylinder engine emits a refined growl under acceleration, a subtle reminder of the power on tap, without becoming intrusive. The mild hybrid system contributes to seamless engine stop-start functionality, eliminating vibrations or disruptions during engine restarts at traffic lights. The climate control system operates quietly and efficiently, distributing air evenly throughout the cabin, and rear passengers benefit from dedicated air vents.
Interior: Modern Luxury and Intuitive Design
Rating: 8/10
The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class represents a harmonious blend of modern design and traditional luxury craftsmanship. While largely carried over from the 2017 iteration with minor updates, it remains a sophisticated and inviting space. The integration of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system is a significant upgrade, controlled via a touchpad on the center console, with touchscreen functionality also available. The majority of physical buttons are logically arranged and easily accessible.
A notable change is the new steering wheel design, which replaces traditional buttons with capacitive touch controls. While aesthetically modern, these touch controls are reported to be less intuitive than their physical predecessors. Finding an optimal driving position is easily achieved thanks to the extensive adjustability of the seat and steering column. Visibility is generally good, although the narrow rear window necessitates reliance on the crisp backup camera. Front ingress and egress are effortless, however, rear seat space is somewhat less generous compared to some competitors, potentially impacting knee room for taller passengers.
Technology: Leading-Edge Innovation
Rating: 9/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class stands at the forefront of automotive technology, largely due to the inclusion of the MBUX infotainment system. This system marks a significant improvement over previous iterations, offering a comprehensive suite of features, user-friendly controls, and seamless device integration via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a dedicated smartphone app. The voice control system is particularly noteworthy for its natural language understanding and genuine utility.
The navigation system is intuitive and feature-rich, with an augmented reality overlay option that projects directional cues onto a live video feed from the front camera, enhancing turn-by-turn guidance. The optional Burmester audio system is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality. Furthermore, the 2022 E-Class incorporates Mercedes-Benz’s latest driver-assistance technologies. Adaptive cruise control maintains consistent following distances in traffic, adjusting speed smoothly and proactively. The system can even anticipate speed limit changes and upcoming curves, automatically adjusting vehicle speed accordingly. The primary critique in this area is the somewhat cumbersome nature of the steering wheel touch controls for managing these advanced features.
Storage: Practicality and Space Considerations
Rating: 7.5/10
With a trunk capacity of 13.1 cubic feet, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan’s cargo space is somewhat limited compared to class leaders like the BMW 5 Series. However, the trunk’s wide and tall dimensions make it practically usable for everyday items. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats enhance versatility for carrying longer items.
In-cabin small item storage is a strength of the 2022 E-Class. Unlike some luxury vehicles that compromise on storage, the E-Class provides a reasonably sized center console, door pockets, and glovebox. A wireless charging pad offers a dedicated space for smartphones. Installing child car seats in the rear is generally straightforward, although larger car seats may present a tighter fit. Car seat anchor points are easily accessible behind plastic covers.
Fuel Economy: Efficient Performance
Rating: 8/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 sedan achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 25 mpg, demonstrating impressive efficiency for its power output. This figure surpasses the fuel economy of the previous generation’s turbocharged V6 engine while matching the efficiency of the E 350 with all-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine. Edmunds’ real-world testing on a mixed-driving evaluation route yielded 27.1 mpg, exceeding EPA estimates and suggesting accurate fuel economy ratings. This balance of power and efficiency makes the 2022 E-Class a compelling choice for daily driving and long journeys alike.
Value: Premium Experience Justified
Rating: 8/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class justifies its premium price point with an undeniable sense of quality and craftsmanship. The exterior paint and finish are exemplary, and the interior exudes luxury in every detail. High-quality materials are evident throughout the cabin, and even tactile elements like button clicks and air vent adjustments convey a sense of premium engineering.
However, the warranty coverage is somewhat standard for the luxury segment, offering a four-year/50,000-mile basic, powertrain, and rust warranty. While the basic and powertrain warranties are competitive, the rust warranty is less generous compared to some rivals. Notably, Mercedes-Benz does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike some other luxury automakers. Despite this, the overall value proposition of the 2022 E-Class remains strong, delivering a truly premium and refined ownership experience.
Wildcard: The Epitome of Understated Luxury
Rating: 9/10
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class embodies understated luxury. Its exterior design is elegant and refined without being ostentatious, while the interior is undeniably stunning in its execution. It exudes an aura of sophistication and confidently maintains its position as a class benchmark. The driving experience is engaging yet relaxed, striking a balance between sporty responsiveness and comfortable cruising. The potent engine delivers effortless power, and the comfortable ride makes it a pleasure to drive in various conditions. While not an outright sports sedan, the 2022 E-Class is certainly capable and willing to engage on winding roads when desired, embodying the spirit of a refined “Q-ship.”
Edmunds Recommendation: The E 450 – The Sweet Spot in the Lineup
For most buyers, Edmunds recommends the E 450 variant of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The more powerful 362-horsepower six-cylinder engine provides a more fitting level of performance for a vehicle of this size and caliber compared to the base E 350’s 255 horsepower. Furthermore, the E 450 comes standard with all-wheel drive (4Matic) on the sedan and wagon models, enhancing all-weather capability and driving confidence.
Among the available options, the Driver Assistance package is considered a near-essential addition, incorporating crucial luxury car features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, further enhancing safety and convenience.
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Model Lineup and Trims
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers a diverse model range, encompassing four body styles: sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon. The sedan accommodates five passengers, while the coupe and convertible seat four. The wagon variant, based on the sedan, uniquely offers optional rear-facing third-row seats, expanding seating capacity to seven, albeit best suited for children.
The 2022 E-Class is available in three primary trim levels: E 350, E 450, and AMG E 53. The trim designation largely correlates with the engine under the hood, while standard features are generally consistent across the range.
E 350: The Entry Point to E-Class Luxury (Sedan Only)
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
- Nine-speed automatic transmission.
- Rear-wheel drive (4Matic all-wheel drive optional).
- 18-inch wheels.
- LED headlights.
- Simulated leather upholstery.
- Heated front seats.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Digital instrument cluster.
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Onboard navigation system.
- Wireless phone charger.
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Blind-spot warning.
E 450: Enhanced Power and Standard All-Wheel Drive (Select Models)
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
- Rear-wheel drive (coupe and convertible; 4Matic optional).
- 4Matic all-wheel drive standard on sedan and wagon.
- (Features largely mirror the E 350, with powertrain and drivetrain differences).
AMG E 53: Performance-Oriented Luxury
- Upgraded six-cylinder engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.
- AMG-tuned 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
- Sport-tuned air suspension.
- AMG-specific exterior styling elements.
- 19-inch wheels.
- Surround-view camera system.
- Heated steering wheel (coupe only).
- Burmester sound system.
- (Builds upon E 450 features with performance and luxury enhancements).
Optional Packages and Standalone Features (Available Across Trims):
- Air suspension.
- Head-up display.
- Augmented reality navigation.
- Leather or premium leather upholstery.
- Heated and ventilated front seats.
- Multi-contour front seats with massage function.
- Sport steering wheel (AMG models only).
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Soft-close doors.
- Burmester 3D surround-sound system.
- Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane keeping assist, lane keeping system, blind-spot intervention).
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues to exemplify the qualities of a quintessential luxury sedan. With its refined driving dynamics, opulent interior, and advanced technology, it remains a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated and rewarding automotive experience.
