The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been a benchmark in the luxury car market, and the 2022 model year continues this tradition with subtle yet significant enhancements. As a midsize luxury car, the E-Class appeals to discerning buyers seeking a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. Following its 2021 refresh, the 2022 E-Class solidified its position, even earning accolades such as the Edmunds Top Rated Luxury Sedan award. While it narrowly missed repeating the win due to the arrival of the new S-Class, the 2022 E-Class remains a highly desirable vehicle in its segment, competing strongly with rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Volvo S90 in the UK market.
Available in various body styles, including the popular sedan, a sleek coupe, an elegant convertible, and the practical yet stylish wagon, the E-Class caters to diverse preferences. Each variant boasts a meticulously crafted interior, embodying luxury and refinement. For those desiring more, a range of performance upgrades and advanced technological features are available, allowing for extensive personalization. This review delves into the specifics of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential buyers in the UK.
Cost to Drive the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in the UK
Understanding the running costs is crucial when considering a luxury vehicle. While fuel prices fluctuate, we can provide estimated monthly costs to give you an idea of what to expect with the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 sedan. These estimates are based on driving approximately 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and motorway driving, and using premium unleaded fuel, with estimated fuel costs relevant to the UK market.
Estimated Monthly Fuel Cost for E-Class E 350 in the UK:
£150/month (Estimated – based on fuel prices and conversions, actual costs may vary)
This figure is an approximation and will vary based on your driving habits, fuel prices in your region, and specific model. Compared to other large cars in the luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class aims to offer competitive running costs, balancing performance with reasonable fuel consumption. For precise fuel cost calculations tailored to your needs, you can use online fuel cost calculators, inputting your estimated mileage and current fuel prices in the UK.
Edmunds Expert Rating: A Benchmark of Excellence
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team rigorously evaluates vehicles, combining track testing with real-world driving assessments. Their expert rating provides a comprehensive overview based on over 30 criteria, covering all aspects of the automotive experience. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class achieved an impressive 8.4 out of 10, a testament to its overall quality and appeal.
Great
8.4 out of 10
edmunds TESTED
This rating underscores the E-Class’s status as a class benchmark. The 2021 refresh ensured it remains at the forefront of the luxury segment, maintaining its core strengths: a premium interior, a composed and comfortable ride, and advanced driver assistance systems, all integrated into a sophisticated and well-built package. The E-Class doesn’t represent a radical departure, but rather a refined evolution of an already exceptional luxury sedan.
Performance: Smooth Power and Balanced Handling
8/10
The driving experience of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is characterized by smoothness and balance. The powertrain operates seamlessly, delivering effortless acceleration without unnecessary drama. In Edmunds testing of the E 450 4Matic sedan, a 0-60 mph sprint was achieved in just 4.9 seconds, placing it among the quickest in its class. The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction, enhancing the sporty feel, particularly in Sport drive mode.
While the steering prioritizes ease of use over outright feedback, it is quick and light, making maneuvering in urban environments and tight parking spaces straightforward. In corners, the E-Class maintains composure without sacrificing ride comfort. One area for potential improvement noted in testing was braking performance, with longer panic 60-0 mph braking distances observed. It’s suggested that upgrading to higher-performance tyres could significantly enhance braking capabilities. Overall, the performance of the 2022 E-Class is well-rounded, offering a blend of brisk acceleration and confident handling suitable for various driving conditions in the UK.
Comfort: A Sanctuary of Refinement
9/10
Comfort is paramount in a luxury car, and the E-Class excels in providing a serene and refined cabin environment. The seats offer substantial support and a wide range of adjustments to accommodate different body types, although the padding is noted as being on the firmer side. Despite this firmness, long journeys remain comfortable. The ride quality is smooth and isolating, effectively filtering out road imperfections without feeling disconnected from the driving experience. The optional air suspension further elevates the comfort level, making it a worthwhile upgrade for UK roads, which can vary in quality.
The E-Class cabin is exceptionally quiet, minimizing intrusion from road and wind noise. Under acceleration, the six-cylinder engine emits a refined growl, present but not intrusive. The mild hybrid system contributes to seamless engine stop-start functionality at traffic lights, eliminating vibrations during engine shutdown and restart. The climate control system is also remarkably quiet and efficient, providing consistent temperature regulation throughout the cabin, with rear air vents enhancing passenger comfort. The focus on minimizing noise and maximizing ride comfort makes the 2022 E-Class a genuinely relaxing car for both driver and passengers.
Interior: Modern Luxury and Intuitive Design
8/10
The interior of the refreshed E-Class retains the sophisticated design introduced in 2017, incorporating subtle updates and Mercedes’ advanced MBUX infotainment system. Control of the system is via a centre console touchpad, with a touchscreen option also available for those who prefer direct interaction. Most physical buttons are logically placed and easy to operate. A notable change is the new steering wheel, which replaces traditional buttons with capacitive touch controls. While aesthetically modern, these touch controls are considered less intuitive than the previous physical buttons, potentially requiring a learning curve for drivers.
Achieving an optimal driving position is easy due to the extensive adjustability of the seat and steering wheel. All instruments and controls are clearly visible and within easy reach. Forward visibility is good, but the narrow rear window emphasizes the utility of the crisp reversing camera. Front cabin access is excellent, however, rear seat space is not as generous as some competitors, potentially making knee room tight for taller rear occupants. The interior balances modern technology with user-friendly design, although the new steering wheel controls represent a minor step back in terms of intuitiveness.
Technology: Leading-Edge Innovation
9/10
With the integration of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, the 2022 E-Class positions itself at the forefront of in-car technology. MBUX represents a significant advancement over previous systems, offering a comprehensive suite of features, intuitive controls, and seamless device integration through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a dedicated smartphone app. The system also includes effective voice control, enhancing ease of use while driving.
The navigation system is user-friendly and features an augmented reality overlay, projecting turn-by-turn directions onto a front-facing camera view, a particularly helpful feature in unfamiliar UK towns and cities. The optional Burmester audio system is highly regarded, delivering exceptional sound quality. The E-Class also benefits from Mercedes’ latest driver assistance technologies. Adaptive cruise control maintains consistent spacing in traffic and adjusts speed smoothly, even proactively slowing for speed limit changes and gentle curves. The primary criticism in this area concerns the steering wheel controls for these systems, which, like other steering wheel functions, could be more user-friendly. Despite this minor ergonomic issue, the technological offerings in the 2022 E-Class are class-leading.
Storage: Practicality and Space Considerations
7.5/10
The E-Class sedan’s boot capacity of 13.1 cubic feet is somewhat modest for the luxury class, especially when compared to the more capacious BMW 5 Series. However, the boot space is well-shaped, being wide and tall, making loading and unloading luggage relatively easy. The split-folding rear seats (40/20/40 configuration) enhance practicality, allowing for flexible cargo and passenger arrangements.
In-cabin small item storage is more generous. Unlike some luxury cars that compromise on interior storage, the E-Class provides a reasonably sized centre console, door pockets, and glovebox. A wireless charging pad offers a dedicated space for phone charging. Installing child car seats in the rear should generally be straightforward, although larger car seats may present a tighter fit. Car seat access points are conveniently located behind easily removable plastic covers. While not class-leading in boot space, the 2022 E-Class offers adequate and well-designed storage solutions for everyday use.
Fuel Economy: Efficiency and Performance Balance
8/10
The Mercedes-Benz E 450 sedan achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 25 mpg. Notably, this is more fuel-efficient than the previous model’s turbocharged V6 engine and matches the fuel efficiency of the E 350 equipped with a four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. This means drivers benefit from increased power without sacrificing fuel economy. In Edmunds’ real-world mixed-driving evaluation, a fuel economy of 27.1 mpg was recorded, suggesting that the EPA estimates are accurate and achievable in typical driving conditions. For UK drivers concerned about fuel costs, the E-Class provides a good balance of performance and efficiency within the luxury sedan segment.
Value: Premium Experience Justifies the Cost
8/10
The value proposition of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class becomes apparent upon closer inspection. The paint quality and overall finish are exemplary. Stepping inside reveals a cabin that is among the most aesthetically pleasing and meticulously crafted in its class. Every surface and control point exudes a premium feel. Mercedes pays attention to detail, evident in the tactile feedback of buttons and the smooth operation of air vent controls.
However, the standard warranty is somewhat less comprehensive than some competitors. Mercedes offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic, powertrain, and rust warranty. While the basic and powertrain coverage is standard, the rust warranty is shorter than class leaders. Furthermore, unlike some luxury automakers, Mercedes does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance. Despite the standard warranty, the overall quality, features, and driving experience of the E-Class largely justify its price point, delivering a genuine luxury experience.
Wildcard: Understated Luxury and Versatile Capability
9/10
The E-Class embodies subtlety and understated luxury. Its exterior design is elegant without being ostentatious, while the interior is genuinely stunning, creating an ambiance of refined luxury. It maintains its position as a benchmark in the luxury class. The driving experience is enjoyable, though not overtly sporty in the vein of dedicated sports sedans. Instead, it offers a “Q-ship” character, delivering potent performance with effortless power and a comfortable ride ideal for relaxed cruising. Yet, when desired, the E-Class is capable and willing to engage on more demanding roads, offering a versatile driving character that suits various preferences and driving styles in the UK.
Which E-Class Model Does Edmunds Recommend?
For most buyers, the E 450 represents the most sensible choice within the E-Class lineup. Its 362 horsepower engine provides a more appropriate level of performance for a car of this size compared to the E 350’s 255 hp. Additionally, the E 450 comes standard with all-wheel drive (4Matic) in the sedan and wagon body styles, enhancing traction and all-weather capability, particularly beneficial in the UK climate.
Among the available optional extras, the Driver Assistance package is highly recommended. It incorporates essential luxury car features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, significantly enhancing both convenience and safety.
Compare 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class trim levels
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Models: Body Styles and Trims
The 2022 E-Class range offers four distinct body styles and three primary trim levels, catering to a spectrum of needs and preferences. Body styles include:
- Sedan: The most popular and traditional E-Class, seating five passengers.
- Coupe: A stylish two-door variant with seating for four.
- Convertible (Cabriolet): An open-top version of the coupe, also seating four.
- Wagon (Estate): Combining sedan-like luxury with increased cargo space, also featuring optional rear-facing third-row seats for up to seven passengers (suitable for children).
Trim levels available are:
- E 350: The entry point to the E-Class range, available exclusively as a sedan.
- E 450: Offering enhanced performance and available in sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon body styles.
- AMG E 53: The performance-oriented trim, available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible.
The model designation (E 350, E 450, AMG E 53) primarily indicates the engine type, while standard features are broadly consistent across trims.
E 350
The base E 350 trim includes:
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (RWD), with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex)
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Standard technology features:
- Digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Onboard navigation system
- Wireless phone charging
Standard safety and driver assistance features:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot warning
E 450
The E 450 trim builds upon the E 350, adding:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (362 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque)
- Rear-wheel drive on coupe and convertible models, AWD optional
- All-wheel drive standard on sedan and wagon models
AMG E 53
The AMG E 53 trim enhances performance and styling with:
- More powerful version of the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (429 hp, 384 lb-ft)
- AMG-tuned all-wheel drive system
- AMG sport-tuned air suspension
- AMG-specific exterior styling elements
- 19-inch AMG alloy wheels
- Surround-view camera system
- Heated steering wheel (coupe only)
- Burmester premium sound system
Many of the luxury and performance features standard on the AMG E 53 are available as options on the E 350 and E 450 trims. Key optional packages and stand-alone features include:
- Air suspension
- Head-up display
- Augmented reality navigation
- Leather or premium Nappa leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Multi-contour front seats with massage function
- AMG sport steering wheel (for AMG models)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Soft-close doors
- Burmester 3D surround-sound system
The Driver Assistance package, optional across all trims, includes:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
- Lane keeping assist
- Lane centering assist
- Blind-spot intervention
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