What's New
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues the brand’s mission to shore up power figures for the model. Last year saw a bump for the V6-powered E 400, which was renamed the E 450 after it gained 33 horsepower.
For 2020, the E 300 follows suit. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine now makes an extra 14 hp over the outgoing model, and it's rebadged as the E 350.
Elsewhere, changes are minor but helpful. The base model gets several new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring and a power operated trunk. Packages gain a few new features as well, and the interior can be outfitted in new trim.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The E-Class sedan is available in four trims: E 350, E 450, AMG E 53, and AMG E 63 S. Pricing starts at $55,045 including destination for the E 350 and climbs to $108,345 for the AMG E 63 S.
The E-Class is also available as a coupe, cabriolet, and a wagon. The wagon can be had in E 450 or AMG E 63 S guise, while the coupe and cabriolet are available in E 450 and AMG E 53 trims.
Engine Choices
The four Mercedes-Benz E-Class trims are divided according to engine size and power.
Engine Type | Trim Level | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | E 350 | 255 hp | 273 lb-ft | 26 mpg |
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | E 450 | 362 hp | 369 lb-ft | 23 mpg |
3.0L Turbo 6-Cylinder | AMG E 53 | 429 hp | 384 lb-ft | 24 mpg |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | AMG E 63 S | 603 hp | 627 lb-ft | 19 mpg |
All use a nine-speed automatic transmission, although some AMG trims get a beefed up version. E 350 and E 450 engines are available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive ("4MATIC") for $2,500 more.
The E-Class is frugal in general, although the base model still loses out to the BMW 530i’s 27 miles per gallon combined. The AMG E 53 uses a 48-volt mild hybrid system to complement its formidable engine, which helps the car to an impressive figure given its performance.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Space in the E-Class forms a spectrum from the compact coupe to the spacious wagon. The coupe and cabriolet seat just four riders, and their rear seats are more cramped than the five-seat sedan and hatchback.
The convertible is the worst off for cargo, too, with just 9.5 cubic feet behind the seats (and that’s with the roof up). The coupe isn’t much better at 10 cubes, the sedan’s trunk is a little disappointing at 13.1 cubic feet, while the wagon is excellent with 35 cubes, or 64 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
Safety Features
The Mercedes E-Class is close to as good as it gets in the safety department. For 2020, all models come with standard blind-spot monitoring. This feature joins automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, and cloud communication with other Mercedes vehicles about upcoming hazards.
The Driver Assistance Package ($2,250) adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Parking Assistance Package ($1,290) brings rear cross-traffic alert, a surround-view camera system, and an automated parking system.
The E-Class has a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Connectivity
It’s not hard to mistake the E-Class dashboard for a laptop, given the 12.3-inch infotainment screen that sits front and center. The E-Class doesn’t have the latest MBUX system, but it does come with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
A head-up display is a $1,100 option.
The base E-Class comes with keyless entry, push button start, and a power operated trunk. These features join synthetic leather upholstery and memory settings for the driver's seat for a reasonable entry point into a Mercedes.
The Premium Package ($2,000) adds a 12.3-inch driver information display, heated front seats, wireless charging, a Burmester audio system, and satellite radio. Notable standalone options include a panoramic roof ($1,000), three-zone automatic climate control ($760), and massage-capable front seats ($1,320).
The E 450’s only advantage over the base trim is the V6 engine. In terms of other equipment, the E 450 is identical to the E 350. All base features, options, and packages are the same.
The E 53 marks the first step into AMG territory, with the power boost to match from its mild-hybrid powertrain. The AMG E 53 includes a few more standard features as well.
The 12.3-inch instrument display is included, as are heated front seats. As usual, AMG models get their own look, with an AMG steering wheel, AMG badging, and aggressive exterior accents.
It also opens some exclusive AMG options, like a performance exhaust system ($1,250), a performance data app for track days ($250), and AMG sport bucket seats ($2,500).
As the king of the E-Class lineup, the AMG E 63 S gets the impressive twin-turbo V8 under its hood. The AMG sport buckets are included, along with wheel-mounted performance controls, Nappa leather, and the Burmester sound system.
The AMG E 63 S also gets some tech upgrades, with wireless charging and the automated parking system among the standard features.
Compare E-Class Trims Side-By-Side
Of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineup, the E 450 is a relatively good value. If you’re a performance enthusiast, the AMG E 53 offers strong performance without a heavy penalty at the gas pump.