With the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the German automaker is pushing the envelope for how technologically advanced a luxury vehicle can be. Usually a job that Mercedes saves for the range-topping S-Class, the new E-Class leads the way into the future. With a couple of all-new models, the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, the 2018 E-Class is a leader in its segment.
The E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet are all-new vehicles for the mid-size family. Both vehicles follow in the footsteps of the sedan and wagon variants that arrived on the scene as all-new vehicles last year, although they're only available as E400 models. Powered by a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 engine that’s matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the E400 twins have a neat multi-chamber air suspension as an optional extra. You can also find this powertrain in the new-for-2018 E400 4Matic Sedan.
The E-Class Cabriolet also gets a special goody from the S-Class Cabriolet in the form of the multi-layer fabric acoustic soft top that comes in Black, Dark Brown, Dark Blue, or Red. The Cabriolet also gets an Aircap wind deflector and Airscarf neck-level heating, just like on the S-Class Cabriolet.
Also new for 2018 is the E63 S AMG version of the E-Class. Available as either a sedan or wagon, the high-performance variant uses the same 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 as the S63 AMG to produce 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. It's a very, very quick way to move you and your four closest friends.
With the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet now coming with all of the same high-tech features as the Sedan and Wagon that debuted last year, choosing a body style becomes a huge part of the E-Class buying experience.
Sharing a harmonious look with the S-Class and smaller C-Class, the E-Class is a handsome vehicle in any body style, especially the long, muscular lines on the wagon. But the greatest benefits of the E-Class are beneath the skin, with high-tech safety features, semi-autonomous driving capability, 64 colors on the ambient lighting system, high-end Burmester sound systems, and much, much more.
Mercedes also offers Designo leather upholstery, trim, and interior color schemes for an opulent interior, which helps combine all of the new technology into a comfortable, cohesive package.
Only available on the E-Class Sedan, the E300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine that makes 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission that helps send power down to the rear wheels. Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is an optional extra. The E300 starts at $54,945 (all prices include a $995 destination and handling fee).
Standard features on the E300 includes Dynamic Select, which is a multimode drive program, all-LED exterior lighting, power tilt/sliding sunroof, a 12.3-inch high-resolution infotainment screen, car-to-X communication, automatic emergency braking, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, a rearview camera, adaptive braking technology, SmartKey with Keyless-Start, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, and a voice control system.
Optional packages on the E300 include a Warmth and Comfort Package ($1,050) that adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated front armrests and upper door panels (which are as decadent as they sound), and galvanized shift paddles. The Premium 1 Package ($3,700) adds an automatic parking assistant, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, hands-free access, a powered trunk, a Burmester surround audio system, and wireless charging.
The Premium 2 Package ($6,600) adds all of the features from the Premium 1 Package plus LED headlights that move in response to turns, automatic high beams, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an Air Balance cabin-air purification system, and a power rear-window sunshade, as well.
Lastly, the Premium 3 Package ($10,200) has everything from the lower packages, but adds all of Mercedes' active safety and semi-autonomous systems. Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Congestion Emergency Braking, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, Surround View System, Pre-Safe Impulse Side, Pre-Safe Plus, and a head-up display make the E-Class one of the most advanced vehicles on the planet.
Available on all four body styles are available in both E400 and E400 4Matic trims (the E400 Sedan is only available with 4Matic). The E400 Coupe starts at $59,895, the Wagon rings up at $64,045, and the E400 Cabriolet is priced at $66,000 – Mercedes hasn't announced pricing for the E400 Sedan. All E400 models are equipped with a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine that produces 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Standard features include a sport brake system, a selective damping system, ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, 18-inch wheels, panorama sunroof, power-folding side mirrors, and leather upholstery.
The E400 has many of the same packages as the E300, but adds an AMG Line Package ($2,500) that adds AMG body styling, a black headliner, 18-inch AMG five-spoke wheels, AMG interior styling, a sport steering wheel, and brushed aluminum pedals.
Blending performance and luxury in an (relatively) affordable package, the Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG is only available as a sedan for 2018. Powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine that cranks out 396 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, the E43 AMG is capable of getting to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds thanks to standard all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz E43 AMG starts at $72,595.
Standard features on the E43 AMG include: an AMG Sport Exhaust System, galvanized shift paddles, an AMG sport steering wheel, 19-inch AMG wheels, aluminum trim, chrome diamond-block grille, AMG body styling, HomeLink garage door opener, electronic trunk closer, MB-Tex/Dinamica upholstery, Burmester Surround Sound system, and more. Its optional extras broadly mirror the E300 and E400.
The E63 S AMG is the quickest E-Class on sale today. Available in both a sedan and wagon body styles, the trim has supercar-besting performance with high-end luxury features that Mercedes is known for. Packing a handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, the E63 S AMG Sedan only takes 3.3 seconds to get to 60 mph. The car's incredible performance comes at a price, though, as the E63 S AMG Sedan costs at least $105,395.
Standard features include dynamic engine mounts, Race and Drift modes, a more performance-oriented all-wheel drive system, AMG Sport Suspension, an AMG electronic limited-slip differential, AMG high-performance Composite Braking System, AMG Sport speed-sensitive steering, an AMG Nappa/Dinamica performance steering wheel, a Burmester audio system, and more.
E63 S AMG models have the same available packages as the rest of the lineup, but an AMG Premium Package (pricing hasn’t been announced yet for AMG packages) adds a suite of safety systems and an AMG Advanced Lighting Package includes LED Intelligent Light System headlamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.
The Premium 3 Package is very expensive, but genuinely turns any E-Class into a technological masterpiece. We recommend the E400 Wagon – it's a reasonably priced alternative to the ubiquitous crossover SUV that's still quick and fun to drive.
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