2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class isn't cheap, but you have to pay to play at this level. The most affordable of the lot is the base E350 which has an MSRP of $54,950. The E350 4MATIC is slightly dearer at $57,450, and the more powerful E450 4MATIC will set you back $62,750. With a ton of options on offer, it is easy to push the E450 to over $80k. These Mercedes E-Class prices exclude tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,050

The E-Class is an executive sedan first, which means comfort is prioritized over performance, and in a world where lap times and figures are all important, this could seem like a bad thing, but those who buy the E-Class know precisely what they're doing. This German luxury sedan loves to gobble up the miles and does so in supreme comfort. Low-speed bumps and road imperfections are soaked up by the perfectly tuned suspension, and on the highway, this car feels like a magic carpet ride, especially with the optional air suspension fitted. On its standard suspension, the ride is firmer over rough surfaces, although the sedan never entirely loses its composure. When pushed hard, the E-Class will show its weight and likes to show a bit of body roll in tight corners.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been the go-to option for executives for decades and continues to deliver a premium luxury and tech-rich driving experience. Under the hood, the base engine in the E350 is powerful enough for a quiet suburban life, but we would recommend going with the more powerful E450 and its turbocharged inline-six engine, which delivers a serious kick and uses no more fuel than the 2.0-liter engine. The E-Class interior is stunning and can definitely be ranked with the best of them, but the smaller-than-average trunk might be an issue for some. There's a lot of standard tech as well, and this is possibly one of the safest sedans on the road today. On the road, this exec is super comfortable, but don't expect razor-sharp sports car handling. It's competitively priced, capable, and it has the three-pointed star on the hood. What are you waiting for?

Those looking to buy in this segment tend to have a reasonable amount of expendable income, and for that reason alone, we'd recommend skipping out on the lower E350 options and heading straight for the E450 4Matic. Not only do you get the benefit of permanent AWD, but you also get a meaty 362 hp from that turbocharged inline-six engine and the same gas mileage as the base car thanks to the mild-hybrid system. Sure, the features list remains unchanged, but all that extra power is worth the price increase, and the best part is that you'll barely be able to tell the difference at the gas station if you drive like a sensible adult. The E450 4MATIC starts at $62,750 - while it feels suitably luxurious straight out of the box, we would opt for the Driver Assistance Package ($1,950) as well, which automatically adds the Premium Package ($2,400).

The C-Class is the E-Class's smaller sibling and also competes in the luxury sedan market, but at a significantly lower price point. The 2021 C-Class is powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the E-Class but is quicker off the line thanks to its lighter curb weight. The difference between these two cars becomes apparent once you step inside: The E-Class offers more space, a more luxurious interior, and more standard features. The turbocharged inline-six engine in the E450 4Matic is also a big drawcard for the E-Class. Then again, for less money than the E450, you could drive off in the AMG C43 which has 385 hp. But the 2021 C-Class is now part of an aging generation, which doesn't have the latest in infotainment or features. A new C-Class is arriving for 2022 which will be a better option, but from the perspective of a 2021 review of the two, the E-Class is the vastly superior machine.

The S-Class has traditionally been considered the king of the German luxury sedan market and is more refined, more intelligent, and even nicer to drive than ever before following the arrival of an all-new generation. The S-Class is the largest sedan Mercedes-Benz offers and is significantly larger than the E-Class. This is reflected in its price as it costs almost twice as much with an entry-level price of $109,800. You get quite a lot for the money, however. Under the hood of the entry-level S500 4Matic sits a turbocharged inline-six that belts out 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque, but an available twin-turbo V8 produces 496 hp and 516 lb-ft. Inside, the cabin of the S-Class is vast and decked out in the finest materials and tech the motoring industry has to offer. This car is all about passenger comfort, so the driving experience is geared towards refinement. Simply put, the S-Class offers more in every category, but at a cost. If your bank balance is looking healthy enough and you enjoy being chauffeured around, we'd recommend one in a heartbeat, but if you like driving, the E-Class is a great way to save a whole lot of money.