The 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class combines style and class with great powertrain options. We take a look at interior options, trim levels, and more.
For the most part, the E-Class is unchanged for 2023 before a large update comes in 2024. The only changes are that additional paint colors are included as standard and some models like the E 53 cabriolet get leather as standard equipment.
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG E53 Cabriolet – mbusa.com | Shop 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class on Carsforsale.com
An E-Class for everyone
Great available V6
Smooth ride
Dull base engine
Over-zealous voice assistant
Uncompetitive warranty coverage
A worthy bearer of the E-Class name
To put it mildly, the E-Class is a driver’s car. At the same time, it’s about as comfortable and relaxing as a vehicle in this space can be. That comes down mostly to the dual nature imbued in each trim level.
The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine nets 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It is the only drab option in the bunch and it’s still great around the bends despite lacking the oomph needed to really hustle the E-Class off of the line with any sort of gusto.
Get into the 450 and this automatically becomes one of the most well-rounded cars for the money. The 362 hp V6 under the hood is plenty potent enough and really gives the E-Class a balance of performance, practicality, and poshness that we enjoy. Still, those that love a good Sunday drive will prefer the AMG siblings.
The E 53 is the more measured of the two with a more highly-strung version of the V6 found in the E 450. In the AMG it makes 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. That kind of power is liberating in what’s already a great car and makes every day driving all the more enjoyable thanks to linear power delivery and exceptional balance.
At the very top of the mountain is the very last year of the E 63 S, a V8-powered monster. 2023 is the very last year of its existence due to tightening regulations but it’s going out with a bang. That includes 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
With that sort of power on board the ES 63 S will do 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds and rocket on to a top speed of 186 mph. Did we mention that you can get it in wagon form? We imagine it’ll be one you see in a celebrity car collection in the future.
In terms of fuel economy, the E-Class is pretty average in the mid-size sedan segment. With no hardcore hybrid option, the best EPA estimates lie with the E 350 sedan which can get up to 23 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. The 450 can match those figures and the E 53 sedan still gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. Only the E63 dips below 20 mpg combined with scores of 16 in the city and 24 on the highway.
We’ll begin with our only gripe about the inside of the E-Class and that’s that save for the Coupe and Cabriolet, faux leather upholstery is the standard. That feels like a bit of a cost cutting measure to us but in today’s eco-vegan-friendly climate we can understand the appeal.
Beyond that, the cabin of the E-Class is impressive in just about every way. Headroom and legroom is beyond ample, the seating itself is very comfortable, and the quality is excellent. Think of it as a much more comfortable C-Class.
The dash, center control stack, steering wheel, and door cards feel fantastic to touch and look at. The panel gaps are tight and buyers can add numerous layers of luxury on top of all this. That includes massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a fragrance diffuser, and an array of trim colors and textures. The climate control is quiet yet powerful and the visibility is at least average if not a step above that for the segment.
As we have three very different body styles to choose from, cargo space is largely determined by which of the three we’re talking about. The coupe and cabriolet are noticeably devoid of large cargo areas but the sedan offers a solid 13.1 cu-ft in the trunk and the ability to drop the 60/40 split-bench seat for added storage space. The wagon provides 35 cu-ft of storage that can expand to over 60 with the rear seats folded down.
Sure, every Mercedes handles well and of course, the interior is comfortable, but you might be shocked at just how technologically advanced this mid-size sedan is. Karl Benz could’ve never imagined what his car company would become.
A pair of 12.3-inch screens stare back at occupants as they make up both the infotainment screen and the driver information display. Each is controllable to an extent through capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel along with simple touch controls on the infotainment screen itself. In practice, the features are deep, extensive, and helpful.
At the same time, we’d love to see physical buttons and knobs in the place of some of the touch-sensitive sliders for things like volume. Despite that tiny drawback, the technology suite in the E-Class is downright impressive. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard and work seamlessly.
The navigation system is quick and easy to follow and those that get the augmented reality version are in for a treat. Not only will it give great directions but it’ll display street crossings, directions, and more layered on top of a live view of the road ahead.
The E-Class is a standout when it comes to safety too. While not every version is tested by the IIHS, the sedan is a Top Safety Pick+, the firm’s highest award. In addition, the E-Class scored five stars in crash testing with the NHTSA.
On top of that, the generous safety aid suite included in every E-Class adds another layer of protection. Those who go for the optional Driver Assistance package will enjoy some of the smoothest and most impressive autonomous driving features that we’ve ever tested.
Mercedes sells three main trims of the E-Class but among them are eight different variants. On top of all that is a special edition for 2023, the E 63 S. The E 350 is available as a sedan only but both the E 450 and the AMG E 53 can be had as sedans, coupes, or cabriolets.
On top of that, the E 450 is also available as a wagon. For the most part, features are identical among each trim level though we’ll spell out the changes below.
The E 350 comes with the four-cylinder engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and with the buyers choice of either rear or all-wheel drive. On top of that, it comes with 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, faux leather upholstery.
Interior appointments include remote start, a power-sliding sunroof, power-folding mirrors, voice controls, a digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, integrated navigation, and a wireless device charger. Safety features include active brake assist, attention assist, and blind-spot warning.
Step up to the 450 and you’ll get a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 362 hp. Sedan and wagon buyers also get AWD as standard while coupe and cabriolet buyers still get to pick between rear or AWD but they also get leather upholstery as standard instead of the faux stuff. Wagon buyers get 19-inch wheels.
AMG buyers start out with a more potent 429 hp version of the V6 but they also get a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior design cues, better brakes, and quad tail pipes. 19-inch wheels are standard across the AMG E 53 lineup as is faux leather mixed with microfiber upholstery.
This bonkers beast comes in two types, sedan or wagon and each houses a twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood. To go with the big engine the E 63 S gets sport seats, carbon fiber trim, Nappa leather upholstery, and yellow contrast stitching.
Every E-Class comes with the same four-year or 50,000-mile bumper to bumper warranty. The powertrain warranty covers the same time and mileage. Mercedes doesn’t offer any sort of complimentary maintenance either.
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For our money, it’s the one we’d get when compared to rivals from BMW and Audi. Just avoid that four-cylinder engine if you can. Unless it’s in the C-Class which we really like.
Sure, the top end models are a bit pricey but there are very few cars in this class that handle as well, feel as good to drive, and offer the same serene driving experience that the E-Class does.
The E-Class is an all-encompassing welcome to the Mercedes-Benz family for those in the market for one. It can be had in so many different ways that there really is an E-Class for just about everyone’s needs.