The Mercedes Benz E-class model designation represents one of the most popular Mercedes models of all time. This mid-size luxury sedan has been in continuous production since 1953, and the E-class designation was officially adopted in 1993.
Back in 2017, the entry-level E-class was named the E300, which replaced the older E350. The main difference being the powertrain. The older E350 used a V6 engine with 303 horsepower, and the 2017 E300 used a turbo 4-cylinder with 241 horsepower.
For the newest 2021 model year, Mercedes reintroduced the E350 model designation as the entry-level E-class model equipped with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine with 255hp. The E300 and the E350 always served as entry-level E-class models without much difference when compared to higher-trim models.
2021 Mercedes E350
The 2021 Mercedes E350 starts at around $54k for the rear-wheel-drive model. If you want the 4MATIC version you will have to pay about $2500 more. The E350 uses a smooth and efficient 2.0-litre 4 cylinder turbo engine with 255 horsepower.
This engine is mated to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission which enables the E350 to return a decent 22MPG US city driving and 31MPG US highway fuel economy. The E350 is able to sprint 0-60mph in around 6 seconds.
Furthermore, the E350 comes well equipped as standard with dual-zone climate controls, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Android Auto, Apple Car Play, 15-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, two USB ports, a sunroof, keyless go, and keyless entry.
The top of the line non-AMG E-class for 2021 is the E450 4MATIC sedan, equipped with a 3.0-litre inline 6 cylinder engine this luxury sedan offers an impressive 362 horsepower and a 0-60 time of sub 5 seconds. The E450 costs around $62k and offers standard features similar to the E350, the main difference is the powertrain.
2017 Mercedes E300
The last time Mercedes used the E300 model designation was when the 2017 Mercedes E-class was released. Mercedes offered two variants of the E300, the RWD model, and the 4MATIC model, both of which had a starting price of $50-55K.
The 2017 Mercedes E-class signaled a new dawn for the mid-size luxury limousine that got a huge amount of new features and upgrades. The design of the 2017 Mercedes E-class was thorough and well thought out. The interior was a far cry from the previous generation and was more akin to the full-size luxury S-class.
The 2017 E300 was also the first E-class offering a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower. This E-class generation was also the first one using the now well-known 9G TRONIC 9-speed transmission. The 0-60 time of the 2017 Mercedes E300 is fairly comparable to the new E350, at around 6 seconds.
Mercedes model designations
Mercedes model designation consists out of letters and numbers in which the letters represent the model in question, and the numbers represent the powertrain in that specific automobile. These model designations have changed countless times throughout Mercedes history and only a few aspects always remained the same.
One of which is the fact that the higher number usually represents a more powerful version. If you see a Mercedes E450 next to a Mercedes E350, the 450 is the more powerful, higher-trim model of the two. A few years back Mercedes Benz badges were associated with the displacement of the engine, and nowadays they are not.
The reason being is the fact that the current emissions regulations trends have forced many manufacturers to use forced induction, which meant that many models used the exact same powertrain in different stages of tune. So Mercedes decided that the newer designation scheme is mostly associated with higher horsepower models.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Mercedes E-class?
The Mercedes E-class was and probably will remain as one of the most popular Mercedes sedans due to several reasons. BMW and Audi have also been offering exceptional mid-size sedans to rival the E-class. But, if you want comfort and don’t mind an overly soft suspension set-up, the E-class is the best of the bunch.
If you want a sportier sedan that also offers great comfort, you should check out the BMW 5-series. If you want the best of both worlds, the Audi A6 seems like the best all-around package. The E-class is the most comfortable, the 5-series is the sportiest, and the A6 is the best all-arounder.
How much does it cost to insure a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Car insurance costs depend on many different factors including the type of insurance, the coverage level, or your deductibles. Furthermore, your gender, age, location, driving record, or credit scores can also play a huge role when it comes to car insurance.
The E-class is a fairly expensive car, which means that the premiums are not going to be cheap. But, the E-class is also awarded a 5-star safety rating across the board and is generally a fairly reliable model, which should work favorably for your premiums.
Should I consider buying the E53 AMG or the E63 AMG models?
If you think that the E450 is rather slow, underpowered and it lacks punch, you can always go through the AMG division and opt for one of the most powerful E-class sedans money can buy. These models come equipped with all the necessary features, and the optional equipment in these is mostly associated with luxury or sporty upgrades.
The 53 AMG retails for about $74k and offers a 430 horsepower mild-hybrid engine, performance brakes, sport-tuned suspension, AMG sports exhaust, AMG body style, and wheel upgrades. The E53 comes generously equipped as standard, but you can still option out a bunch of additional luxury features such as the top-tier Burmester hi-fi or the soft-close doors option.
The top-of-the-line E-class sedan is the E63 AMG that retails for $107k. This rocket ship is equipped with a 4.0-litre BiTurbo V8 engine that produces 603 horsepower. The E63 0-60 times are reported at 3.3 seconds, but many car magazines and outlets have confirmed the E63 sprints 0-60 in less than 3 seconds.
Are there any steering wheel differences?
Yes, there are steering wheel differences between the E300 and E350. The E300 comes equipped with a standard 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the E350 is fitted with a 4-spoke multi-function sports steering wheel. This means that the steering wheel in the E350 has additional buttons for audio control, cruise control, and other settings. Furthermore, the E350 has a thicker and more contoured steering wheel as standard.
E300 vs E350 – which has the most issues and problems?
When it comes to reliability, the Mercedes E-class has generally performed well. However, when it comes to comparing the E300 and E350 models, there are some differences that should be taken into consideration. The E300 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the E350 has a 3.5L V6 engine under the hood. Generally, the E300 is considered to be a more reliable engine than the V6.
Also, due to its age, some of the E-class models may suffer from issues with suspension components, brakes, and electrical systems. However, it is hard to pinpoint which model has more issues as both have similar reliability ratings.
More about Mercedes E350 issues.
