Road Test: 2020 Mercedes-Benz E 450
Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Specifications:
Price: $72,300
Engine: 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6
Trans: 9G-Tronic Automatic
Power: 362 hp@ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,134 lbs./ 1,875 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 11.8/8.4
New for 2020: The Mercedes-Benz E 450 remains unchanged from 2019, however the E300 has been replaced by the E350 and gets a bump in power.
Segment Competitors: BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Genesis G80, Cadillac CT6, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF
The Skinny: The Mercedes-Benz E 450 is one of if not the premier midsize luxury sedans, which is not small feat when your competition is among the likes of Audi and BMW. It is modeled after the flagship S-Class sedan, taking many of the design cues and technologies that make the S one of the most well- known sedans ever built.
The exterior looks are sharp with an aggressive stance and all around refined look that screams both performance and luxury while the inside is fitted with high-quality materials and all of the newest technology you could ever want. The seating position is extremely comfortable and provides great sightlines, while all controls including climate, navigation and entertainment are well laid out. The backseat just as luxurious as the front and provides ample headspace and legroom for long drives while the trunk is quite large as well.
Some cars in this class can feel a bit boaty at times, but the E 450 certainly does not. The twin-turbocharged V6 provides great acceleration with a nice exhaust note and smooth shifting through a 9-speed auto gearbox while the suspension system and chassis do a very nice job of keeping everything controlled and in line during any sort of high speed cornering, which is not always easy with a car of this size.
Pros: Though I really liked other parts about it, the E 450 offers one of my favourite interiors with a great mix of luxury and functionality, highlighted by some very clearly expensive materials.
Cons: This is extremely knit-picky, but it always takes me at least a day or 2 before I’m fully used to the steering column mounted shifter lever.
The Verdict: The Mercedes E 450 is exactly what you think of what you picture a luxurious sedan. Big, long, comfortable, technologically advanced and smooth. It clearly borrows many of its design cues and technologies from the incredible S-Class, but in an actually affordable package.
