I recently went to my Mercedes dealer to test drive the top-dog E450 4Matic and it was not what I was expecting. This will be a quick review.
This time around at the dealership, unlike my Auto Show visit (which was a little rushed, especially on the second day) I spent some time with the new E-Class, as both a passenger and driver over a two-day visit.
I will start with the interior and conclude, that for a modern-day Mercedes, it takes the crown as having the best quality in the Mercedes sedan range. In my Auto Show experience, I said that the 5er was better, but after spending some quality time with the new E-Class, like I did test driving the new 5-Series, it is close IMO. Some small details are budget quality like the new 5er but it will not spoil the experience IMO.
The doors are a little heavy, sturdy feeling, and very well insulated. They also sound solid when closing. The dashboard and door storage area feel premium grade by today's luxury car standards.
This particular car had the wood panel without the super-screen- screen which I wanted to experience first hand and in real life it looks so much better than the super-screen IMO. Playing with the MBux is rather complex but once one gets the learning curve, everything falls into place quite easily. The 4D Burmester audio system is detailed and sounds great with the subs built into the seats. **
@klier my friend, I turned the Ambient lighting blue specifically for you since you did not like the pink in the AutoShow image**
In pictures and videos, this dashboard looks a little on the bulky side IMO. This is not the case IRL. I did not like this interior design at first but after spending time with it, I like it a lot, especially in this configuration. I like it better than the 5-Series, but that is just my personal opinion. It is oozing with personality, luxury, and overall detail characteristics that an opulent, detail-oriented individual would appreciate.
Driving impressions:
My first pull-off from the parking garage was surprising, to say the least!
In comfort mode, this car has a level of confidence and diving composure that simply wants you to drive it.
The steering has good feedback and feeling to it . The ride quality in comfort mode is supple and complaint to the road surfaces, even over railroad tracks and large bumps, it is tight as a drum and well controlled on damping inputs without being floaty.
I finally put it in sports mode after a while. The steering and suspension tighten up and the throttle becomes more responsive. (The differences in Sport vs Comfort in these newer Mercedes models is perceptible.) You can put all those thoughts about the new E450 being an “old man's luxury boat” aside. This car loves to be driven. I had it out for a long time, around town and on the freeway. In sport mode, the E450 shrinks around you and becomes BMW-like in its telepathic communication. This is a big, heavy car but the weight management is excellent, even at hi-speeds and passing situations, the E450 lets you know exactly what is going on with it. The communication factor is probably one element missing in the previous model and most likely any other E-Class. It is an amazing experience and a bit sporty feeling in composure. It reminds me of the previous generation 540I xDrive Sport Package.
The E450 is fast as well with great throttle inputs. The transmission shifts are smooth with good kick-down times.
The M256 is a strong work-horse of an engine and pulls quite hard when you need it to with zero turbo lag. With its 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, you don`t need a V8 at all. At normal freeway cruising speeds you could take this car on a road trip with the greatest ease. One could drive this car for hrs on the motorway. There is nothing busy or fussy about its driving characteristics. My only small complaint was the brake pedal feel. There seemed to be a tiny delay on the initial brake bite to slow the car down. This particular vehicle only had like 7 miles on it so it is still very young.
I walked away impressed at the driving experience of this new E450. Mercedes has added an element of, dare I say, driver dynamics. If you are in for trading up on an older model E-Class, or S-Class I believe you are going to be impressed taking the E450 for a spin. I would recommend it for sure.
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My first day was a ride-along, I just happened to spot a pre-owned 2019 E63 sitting in the background.
This is my first time experiencing the AMG M177 V8 in its most edgy form in real life as a passenger. goddamn!! Is this thing mad-angry, loud, and just raw feeling. In race mode taking off on the freeway, it just roars like a lion and pins you in the seat with a massive amount of g-force with all the pops and bangs on the overrun.
Mercedes AMG needs to come up with G-force reduction seat technology. This thing pulls so damn hard, it's insane!
Several journalists were complaining about the ride quality. Sure it’s a bit on the firm side but it didn`t feel that bad in comfort mode, even over the same railroad tracks I experienced in the E450.
I can see why AMG customers want the V8 back. As good as the new E53 might be, it is not going to be a replacement for the V8 in an E63. The M177 is a jewel of an engine in the E63 package.
