Mercedes Introduces 2024 E-Class, Proves SUVs Haven’t Totally Taken Over

Matthew Guy
by Matthew Guy

Looking at most dealer lots, there’s a fair argument to be made that crossovers and SUVs have rudely – and perhaps permanently – shoved sedans into the bin. But the venerable body style is still kicking at some brands, selling in solid numbers and providing an option for smart customers who’d rather not copy their neighbors.


Enter the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Its proportions are arguably anti-SUV, using a classic three-box sedan design incorporating a long hood with a greenhouse set well back on the overall silhouette. Merc is proud of this, actually using the words “cab-backward” in reference to its appearance. Given the history between Stuttgart and the company which coined the phrase “cab-forward”, it is fascinating to see it in the bumf.

Arcane automotive chronicles notwithstanding, the new E-Class plays the role of a large-and-in-charge sedan exceedingly well. Up front, a black panel-like surface links the grille and headlamps, hewn in high-gloss black which is visually suggestive of the all-electric Mercedes-EQ models. This is surely intentional. Some trims will have a traditional hood ornament, others will have a loud Merc star in the grille. Flush-fitting door handles pop out at the ready, while the rear is home to two-section LED lights with a new contour and special star design.

Mercedes has been making a big deal of its infotainment, showing up here as a Superscreen which can be paired with a passenger display in case no one wants to talk with anyone else in the car. Few companies do interior ambient lighting like Mercedes, with the E-Class hosting ribbons of the stuff in a wide arc from the windscreen, past the A-pillars, and into the doors. No, it’s not as distracting in use as you may think it is. Rear leg- and knee-room benefit from the slightly longer new wheelbase, and trunk space sits at 19 cubic feet.

Many markets will get to choose from an E 350 or E 450, models whose combustion engines now tag team an integrated starter-generator to create a mild hybrid system. The E 350 gets a 2.0L engine with a rated output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, whilst the more powerful E 450 has a 3.0L mill good for 375 ponies and roughly a like amount of twist. The hybrid gubbins are said to add 20 hp/148 lb-ft of ‘boost’ but it would be unwise to simply add those numbers to the engine output for a total number. Realistically, that power fills in gaps at lower engine speeds before the gasoline mills are fully up to speed. There will surely be AMG variants in short order. Air suspension is on tap, as is a rear-axle steering system that can crank 4.5 degrees of angle in the aft rollers.

Look for the new E in dealers later this year.


[Images: Mercedes-Benz]


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Matthew Guy
Matthew Guy

Matthew buys, sells, fixes, & races cars. As a human index of auto & auction knowledge, he is fond of making money and offering loud opinions.

More by Matthew Guy

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  • Stuki Moi Stuki Moi on Apr 25, 2023

    As long as the home market retains sensible speed limits on many stretches, there will always be sensibly designed cars from Germany.

  • Analoggrotto Analoggrotto on Apr 25, 2023

    mercedes has officially lost their grasp on style entirely and likely forever


    BMW can at least design something noticeable, however grotesque

    • Dave M. Dave M. on Apr 26, 2023

      Sorry, but to me this E-class looks much more the "luxury cruiser" part than the 5-series.


  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
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