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.


  • Zipper69 "At least Lincoln finally learned to do a better job of not appearing to have raided the Ford parts bin"But they differentiate by being bland and unadventurous and lacking a clear brand image.
  • Zipper69 "The worry is that vehicles could collect and share Americans' data with the Chinese government"Presumably, via your cellphone connection? Does the average Joe in the gig economy really have "data" that will change the balance of power?
  • Zipper69 Honda seem to have a comprehensive range of sedans that sell well.
  • Oberkanone How long do I have to stay in this job before I get a golden parachute?I'd lower the price of the V-Series models. Improve the quality of interiors across the entire line. I'd add a sedan larger then CT5. I'd require a financial review of Celestiq. If it's not a profit center it's gone. Styling updates in the vision of the XLR to existing models. 2+2 sports coupe woutd be added. Performance in the class of AMG GT and Porsche 911 at a price just under $100k. EV models would NOT be subsidized by ICE revenue.
  • NJRide Let Cadillac be Cadillac, but in the context of 2024. As a new XT5 owner (the Emerald Green got me to buy an old design) I would have happy preferred a Lyriq hybrid. Some who really like the Lyriq's package but don't want an EV will buy another model. Most will go elsewhere. I love the V6 and good but easy to use infotainment. But I know my next car will probably be more electrified w more tech.I don't think anyone is confusing my car for a Blazer but i agree the XT6 is too derivative. Frankly the Enclave looks more prestigious. The Escalade still has got it, though I would love to see the ESV make a comeback. I still think GM missed the boat by not making a Colorado based mini-Blazer and Escalade. I don't get the 2 sedans. I feel a slightly larger and more distinctly Cadillac sedan would sell better. They also need to advertise beyond the Lyriq. I don't feel other luxury players are exactly hitting it out of the park right now so a strengthened Cadillac could regain share.
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