If you’re looking for a high-end Mercedes sedan, it’s easier to get confused between picking the Mercedes S-Class and E-Class. The Mercedes E-Class is the middle-tier Mercedes sedan, while the S-Class is the high-tier Mercedes sedan. But which car is better than the other?
Both the Mercedes E-Class and S-Class are beautifully designed, spacious, advanced, and luxurious. Nevertheless, the Mercedes E-Class is more reliable, performs better, is fuel-efficient, and has more legroom than the S-Class. On the contrary, the S-Class is more luxurious, more advanced, and more refined than the E-Class.
About the features we have mentioned above, the final choice depends on what the buyer desires. What’s more, the Mercedes S-Class is more expensive than the E-Class. Overall, the S-Class offers more features, but the E-Class is the more reliable and cheaper car.
Differences between the Mercedes S-Class and E-Class
To find out which car is better than the other, it is important to compare different factors to know which car stands out. Here’s how the Mercedes S-Class and E-Class compare to one another in different categories:
Range of models
The Mercedes S-Class is a full-size sedan, while the Mercedes E-Class is a midsize sedan. However, they both come with a variety of cars in their class, which include sedan, cabriolet, and coupe. Nonetheless, even though both of these cars have a variety of cars to offer, the E-Class comes out on top as it has a wagon, which the S-Class doesn’t offer.
So, the E-Class allows you to select a sedan, coupe, cabriolet, and wagon. On the other hand, the S-Class only provides a sedan, coupe, and cabriolet.
Performance
In terms of performance, these cars are neck to neck, but the E-Class also has an edge over the S-Class. This is because the E-Class offers outstanding power and acceleration, while the S-Class provides maximum speed. So, if you want a faster car, go for the S-Class, but if you desire performance, the E-Class is the best option.
Nonetheless, both of these cars have a variety of trims to offer depending on your budget and needs. For instance, the E-Class offers four powertrains and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive. Its base engine is a 2.0-liter inline 4-turbo engine, which delivers up to 255-hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
On the other hand, the Mercedes S-Class comes with four engines as well as a plug-in hybrid variant. The base Mercedes S-Class engine is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 429-hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
Advanced Features
In terms of features, both of these cars are highly advanced and luxurious, but the S-Class has an edge. Aside from having most features found on the E-Class, the S-Class also comes with special features such as AIRMATIC Air Suspension, toll gate transponder, soft close doors, magic vision control, and much more.
Safety
There is a difference between safety and reliability. When it comes to reliability, the E-Class is the better car. But when it comes to safety, the S-Class comes with some additional safety features that make it slightly safer. However, both cars are safe as they come with key safety features like active brake assist, PRE-SAFE technology, and much more.
Price
As expected, the S-Class is slightly costlier than the E-Class. Nevertheless, the price is worth it as it comes with more advanced features like active multi-contour front seats with 4-position memory, massage, lumbar support, and front comfort headrests. On top of that, it has a large cargo area than the E-Class.
FAQ
What is the best Mercedes class?
This is a rhetorical question as different people have different needs. Depending on the needs of people, some may find the S-Class to be the best, while others may prefer the G-Class. However, when we talk about Mercedes sedans, the S-Class is the best, but if it comes to Mercedes SUVs, the G-Class is the best.
Which car is more expensive to maintain – the S-Class or E-Class?
Of course, it is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Yes, the Mercedes E-Class and S-Class are both high-end Mercedes models, but the parts on the Mercedes S-Class are much costlier than parts on the Mercedes S-Class. Besides, the E-Class is more reliable than the S-Class, so you will face fewer problems during ownership.
Why does the Mercedes S-Class depreciate so fast?
First and foremost, most new Mercedes-Benz S-Class are leased. So, after three years, they flood the market, making their prices fall drastically. While a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class costs about $100,000, a leased model will cost 20% less after the three-year lease period.
Another reason why the Mercedes S-Class depreciates so fast is because of the high cost of repair and maintenance. Aside from the scheduled service maintenance, replacing parts on a Mercedes S-Class is very expensive. On top of that, the Mercedes engineers charge a lot to repair and maintain your car.
How reliable is a Mercedes E-Class?
The reliability of the Mercedes E-Class depends on the model year. Mercedes-Benz E-Class models built up to 1995 were very reliable, while those built between 1995 and 2008 were unreliable. Additionally, Mercedes E-Class models built between 2008 to date are also very reliable.
Overall, Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the most reliable Mercedes model on the market. Most reliability agencies rate it average or slightly above average. The E-Class is solidly built and has fewer issues per hundred vehicles than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class or S-Class.
What does it feel like to own a Mercedes S-Class?
It feels special and out of this world. This is because the Mercedes S-Class offers all the best features you can desire in a Mercedes. From the luxurious seats that change shape as you take a corner to the heated seats that give you warmth when the weather is cold, this is a ride a few people can dream of having.
Besides, you will enjoy other notable features like cruise control that enables you to relax and ambient lighting that creates an entertaining environment as you get a massage from the quality leather seats. Even though this car is not built for speed, it still performs exceptionally well and has a ton of high-tech features.
Conclusion
If you want a high-performing, reliable, and fuel-efficient Mercedes class, the E-Class is the best option. But if you’re looking for a highly advanced sedan, safe, and luxurious, then the S-Class takes the day. However, both of these cars are luxurious and powerful. It’s a matter of budget and preference.