The 2022 Mercedes-benz E-class continues its reign as a top contender in the luxury car segment, offering a compelling blend of sophisticated design, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance. Following its refresh in 2021, the E-Class solidifies its position as a benchmark, delivering an exceptional driving experience that caters to discerning drivers. While it narrowly missed out on Edmunds’ top luxury sedan award due to the arrival of the redesigned S-Class, the 2022 E-Class remains an outstanding choice, deserving serious consideration from any luxury car shopper.
Whether you prefer the classic sedan, the elegant coupe, the breezy convertible, or the versatile wagon, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2022 lineup offers a body style to match your lifestyle. Each variant boasts a meticulously crafted interior, brimming with premium materials and cutting-edge technology. Drivers can further personalize their 2022 E-Class with a wide array of performance enhancements and tech features, ensuring a truly bespoke luxury experience. In a fiercely competitive market that includes rivals like the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Volvo S90, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class distinguishes itself with its unparalleled refinement and comprehensive feature set. Let’s delve deeper into what makes the 2022 E-Class a standout in its class.
Edmunds Expert Evaluation of the 2022 E-Class
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team rigorously evaluates each vehicle, combining objective track testing with real-world driving assessments across diverse conditions. Our comprehensive evaluations result in Edmunds Expert Ratings, based on over 30 criteria that encompass every facet of the automotive experience.
Great
8.4 / 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class refresh for 2021 was instrumental in maintaining its position as a class leader. While not a radical transformation, the updates enhanced the E-Class’s inherent strengths. The opulent interior, composed ride quality, and sophisticated driver assistance technologies coalesce into a refined and desirable package. The 2022 E-Class doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it perfects the formula, offering a harmonious blend of luxury and performance.
Rated by America’s best test team.
Performance Analysis of the 2022 E-Class
8/10
How does the 2022 E-Class perform on the road? The Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2022 delivers a smooth and poised driving experience, characterized by a seamless powertrain that operates with effortless grace. Acceleration is readily available, providing ample power for various driving situations. In Edmunds testing of the E 450 4Matic sedan, a 0-60 mph sprint was achieved in a brisk 4.9 seconds, positioning it among the quickest in its class. The all-wheel-drive system effectively channels power to the road, enhancing traction and imparting a sporty feel, particularly when Sport mode is engaged.
Steering feedback is light and responsive, facilitating easy maneuvering in urban environments and tight parking spaces. In cornering scenarios, the 2022 E-Class maintains composure without sacrificing ride comfort. However, braking performance is an area for potential improvement. While the brakes operate smoothly, Edmunds testing revealed longer panic 60-0 mph braking distances compared to some luxury competitors. Upgrading to performance tires could likely enhance braking performance significantly.
2022 E-Class Comfort and Refinement
9/10
The 2022 E-Class excels in delivering the quintessential luxury car experience: serene refinement. The seats offer exceptional support and adjustability, although the cushioning is notably firm. Despite the firmness, they remain comfortable even on extended journeys. The ride quality is smooth and isolating, effectively minimizing road imperfections without feeling disconnected from the driving experience. The optional air suspension system further elevates ride comfort and is a worthwhile investment for maximizing passenger enjoyment.
The cabin of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is remarkably quiet, effectively suppressing road and wind noise. Under acceleration, the six-cylinder engine emits a refined growl, subtle enough to avoid attracting unwanted attention. The mild hybrid system ensures seamless engine stop-start operation at traffic lights, with virtually imperceptible transitions. The climate control system operates quietly and efficiently, providing consistent temperature regulation throughout the cabin. Rear passengers benefit from dedicated air vents, enhancing their comfort.
Interior Design and Features of the 2022 E-Class
8/10
The 2022 E-Class interior largely retains the design introduced in 2017, with subtle updates integrated as part of the refresh. It features Mercedes-Benz’s user-friendly MBUX infotainment system, accessible via a center console touchpad or an optional touchscreen. Physical buttons are logically arranged and easily discernible. A notable change is the steering wheel, which now incorporates capacitive touch controls instead of traditional buttons. While aesthetically modern, these touch controls are less intuitive than their predecessors.
Achieving an ideal driving position is effortless, thanks to the extensive adjustability of the seats and steering column. Controls and gauges are logically positioned and easily accessible. Forward visibility is adequate, but the narrow rear window necessitates reliance on the high-resolution backup camera. Front ingress and egress are convenient, however, rear seat space is slightly less generous than some competitors, potentially limiting knee room for taller occupants.
Technology and Connectivity in the 2022 E-Class
9/10
With the integration of the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system, the 2022 E-Class ascends to the forefront of its class in terms of technology offerings. MBUX represents a significant improvement over the previous system, boasting a comprehensive suite of features, intuitive controls, and seamless device integration via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a dedicated smartphone app. Voice control functionality is remarkably effective for various commands.
The navigation system is user-friendly, featuring an augmented reality overlay that projects turn-by-turn directions onto a live video feed, enhancing guidance. The optional Burmester audio system delivers exceptional sound quality. The 2022 E-Class also incorporates the latest driver assistance technologies from Mercedes-Benz. Adaptive cruise control maintains consistent following distances in traffic, adjusting speed smoothly and proactively. The system can even anticipate speed limit changes and gentle curves, automatically adjusting vehicle speed. The primary drawback remains the somewhat fiddly capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel.
Storage Capacity and Practicality of the 2022 E-Class
7.5/10
The 2022 E-Class sedan offers 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is comparatively smaller than some rivals in the luxury segment, particularly the BMW 5 Series. However, the trunk area is wide and tall, facilitating easy loading and accommodating various items. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats enhance cargo versatility.
Small-item storage within the cabin is well-considered, with a generously sized center console, door pockets, and glovebox. The inclusion of a wireless charging pad provides a dedicated space for smartphone charging. Installing car seats in the rear should generally be straightforward, although larger car seats might present a tighter fit. Car seat anchors are conveniently concealed behind easily accessible plastic covers.
Fuel Efficiency of the 2022 E-Class
8/10
The E 450 sedan achieves an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined, demonstrating improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor’s turbocharged V6 engine. Impressively, it matches the fuel economy of the four-cylinder E 350 with all-wheel drive, offering enhanced power without compromising efficiency. Edmunds’ real-world mixed-driving evaluation yielded 27.1 mpg, suggesting that the EPA estimates are accurate and achievable.
Value Proposition of the 2022 E-Class
8/10
The 2022 E-Class exudes quality and craftsmanship, justifying its price point. The paint finish and overall build quality are exemplary. The interior is a testament to luxury, featuring premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. Every element, from the tactile feedback of buttons to the smooth operation of air vents, conveys a sense of premium quality.
However, the warranty coverage is somewhat less generous compared to some competitors. Mercedes-Benz provides a four-year/50,000-mile basic, powertrain, and rust warranty. While the basic and powertrain warranties are competitive, the rust warranty falls short of class leaders. Furthermore, unlike many luxury automakers, Mercedes-Benz does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.
The Wildcard Factor of the 2022 E-Class
9/10
The 2022 E-Class embodies understated luxury. Its exterior design is elegant without being ostentatious, and the interior is visually stunning. It radiates sophistication and reinforces its position as the benchmark in its class. The driving experience is engaging, striking a balance between sporty handling and refined comfort. The potent engine delivers effortless power, while the comfortable ride makes it ideal for both daily commutes and long-distance journeys. For drivers seeking spirited driving on winding roads, the 2022 E-Class is equally capable and rewarding.
Edmunds Recommendation for the 2022 E-Class
The E 450 emerges as the most compelling choice within the 2022 E-Class lineup. Its 362-horsepower engine provides a more appropriate power output for a vehicle of this size compared to the E 350’s 255 horsepower. Additionally, the E 450 comes standard with all-wheel drive, enhancing all-weather capability and performance. Among the available options, the Driver Assistance package is highly recommended, adding essential luxury car features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, further enhancing safety and convenience.
Compare 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class trim levels Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Model Lineup
The 2022 E-Class is offered in four distinct body styles: sedan, coupe, convertible, and wagon, and three primary trim levels. The sedan accommodates five passengers, while the coupe and convertible seat four. Notably, the wagon variant, based on the sedan, includes rear-facing third-row seats, expanding seating capacity to seven, although these seats are best suited for children. The trim levels include the E 350, E 450, and AMG E 53. The model designation number generally correlates with the engine type, while standard features are largely consistent across trims.
E 350
The entry-level E 350 sedan includes:
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 273 lb-ft of torque)
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive optional)
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Standard technology features:
- Digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Onboard navigation system
- Wireless phone charger
Standard safety and driver-assistance features:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot warning
E 450
The E 450 builds upon the E 350, adding:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine (362 hp, 369 lb-ft)
- Rear-wheel drive (coupe and convertible; all-wheel drive optional)
- All-wheel drive standard (sedan and wagon)
AMG E 53
The AMG E 53 elevates performance and styling with:
- Upgraded six-cylinder engine (429 hp, 384 lb-ft)
- AMG-tuned all-wheel drive system
- Sport-tuned air suspension
- AMG-specific exterior styling enhancements
- 19-inch wheels
- Surround-view camera system
- Heated steering wheel (coupe only)
- Burmester premium sound system
Optional features and packages available across the 2022 E-Class range include:
- Air suspension
- Head-up display
- Augmented reality navigation
- Leather or premium leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Multi-contour front seats with massage function
- Sport steering wheel (AMG models only)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Soft-close doors
- Burmester 3D surround-sound system
- Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane keeping assist, lane keeping system, blind-spot intervention)
