Mercedes E-Class - elegant, dignified, reliable
A Mercedes E-Class car is often considered unaffordable as a new vehicle. However, used examples can impress during TÜV main inspections.
The E-Class (W 213) of the fifth generation was available from 2016 to 2023. In addition to the sedan, there was also the T-Model (station wagon), Coupe, and Cabrio (available from 2017). The station wagon was also offered as the "All-Terrain" model in trendy off-road look since the spring of 2017. Used car buyers should pay attention to this at the TÜV.
Quality
Since the E-Class is popular among frequent buyers, mileage exceeds the average significantly. However, all generations of the W 213 type have a higher number of defect-free vehicles at TÜV inspections (HU) than the average of the inspected vehicles. Nevertheless, they do not all pass the check without remarks. The testers often criticize the suspension.
Body and Interior
The E-Class makes a statement without being ostentatious. It appealed to business customers as well as taxi companies and private buyers. Space is plentiful for passengers, and comfort is not lacking. The workmanship was satisfactory. The 4.92-meter-long sedan offers ample storage space (540 liters) in the trunk. The cargo space of the 4.95-meter-long T-Model ranges from 640 to 1820 liters.
In the summer of 2020, the E-Class received a facelift. It can be recognized by the redesigned front and rear. In the interior, a revised steering wheel and other decorative elements were used, as well as the MBUX infotainment system, which was part of the standard equipment.
Engines and Drive
The engine range was extensive and included four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines as well as plug-in hybrids. The entry-level Benziner was a four-cylinder with 135 kW/184 PS (E 200) and a manual transmission. This engine was also available with all-wheel drive (4Matic) and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Since 2019, a small 10 kW/14 PS strong E-Motor has supported the increased power of the E 200 to 145 kW/197 PS. The E 300 delivers 180 kW/245 PS (since 2019: 190 kW/258 PS plus 14 PS-E-Motor), the E 350 offers 220 kW/299 PS plus supporting E-Assistance with 14 PS since 2018. Both are available as four-cylinder engines.
Six-cylinder engines include the E 400 (245 kW/333 PS), E 450 (270 kW/367 PS, E 43 AMG (295 kW/401 PS), or E 53 AMG (320 kW/435 PS), all of which came with all-wheel drive ex factory. All-wheel drive is also available in the V8-AMG versions (E 63: 420 kW/571 PS, E 63 S: 450 kW/612 PS).
The diesel offering started with the E 200 d and 110 kW/150 PS (since 2019: 118 kW/160 PS), followed by the 220 d and 220 d 4Matic (143 kW/194 PS) and 300 d (180 kW/245 PS). Since early 2021, only the all-wheel drive variant of the 300 d was available, which delivers 198 kW/265 PS and is supported by a 15 kW/20 PS strong E-Motor. The diesel plug-in hybrid in the 300 de comes with a system power of 225 kW/306 PS. Fans of six-cylinder diesels will find satisfaction in the 350 d (190 kW/258 PS, since: 2018: 210 kW/286 PS) and 400 d (243 kW/330 PS, since 2018: 250 kW/340 PS). All engines except the base Benziner come standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
For Exterior and Interior, above the well-equipped basic version, there were three lines (Avantgarde, Exclusive, and AMG Line), which clearly differed in equipment and expression. In the long price list, there were still approximately air suspension, LED lights in the Multi-Beam version, or a 80-liter tank. Many assistants were part of the standard equipment, but buyers could also individualize their vehicle here.
Conclusion
Elegant and refined, not to mention reliable. The Mercedes E-Class can also convince as a used car. Currently, approximately 7000 used E-Classes of the W 213 model are offered for sale on mobile.de. If one does not want to buy a used taxi model with mileage over 400,000 kilometers (from 7500 Euro), one has to invest a little. From 15,000 Euro, examples with less than 200,000 kilometers on the odometer are available.
When searching for used Mercedes-Benz E-Class models, potential buyers should ensure that the cars have passed their TÜV inspections reliably. Various Mercedes-Models of the E-Class, such as the used E-Class station wagons, can be found with TÜV certifications among used car listings.
