2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan

When the base-level E350 is equipped with standard RWD, the MSRP begins at $54,050 and increases to $56,550 when equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive. Moving up to the E450 4MATIC hikes the price up quite substantially to $61,550, which is still more affordable than the 540i xDrive, but is more expensive than the top of the range Audi A6. All three trim levels can easily run the bill up high when loaded with additional extras.

For a passenger-focused luxury sedan, the E-Class range performs well, albeit a little less exciting than certain rivals. Sufficient power is provided by the E350 and it isn't likely to run out of breath when you need it most, but it isn't particularly exciting. Both the E350 and the E450 provide lush ride comfort and the Merc soaks up undulations like a seasoned professional. The comfort levels are further improved when the air suspension is opted for, and the ride sees even easier sailing when you switch your E-Class to Comfort mode. That being said, with all the focus aimed at comfort, the handling isn't exactly sporty, though it will manage corners just fine.

Steering in Comfort mode is nicely weighted and responsive, and although you'd think switching to Sport mode would assist - all it actually does is add spurious weight to the steering and unnecessary stiffness to the suspension and not much else. The real fun comes into play with the E450, with the V6's extra power output and all-wheel drive, it's bound to provide a more engaging experience than its less powerful sibling. Perhaps the E450 is slightly more enjoyable when chucked around corners, thanks to its tempting extra power, but comfort is still a priority and it gives a stellar performance whether you're popping out for milk, or trying to flee the country.

The E-Class is a well-rounded midsize luxury sedan and deserves to be on your shortlist. An easy-on-the-eyes exterior and a superb interior drive the E-Class a step further and both engine options perform well, though our pick would definitely be the E450 4MATIC. For either powertrain, the nine-speed automatic transmission performs expertly with seamless navigation of the gears. An adequate number of standard features are present in the E-Class, but this is a category where rivals have the possibility of outshining the Merc - many of the prime features are locked behind pricey optional packages. A few additional negatives include a low-reliability rating, lower fuel-efficiency than rivals, a less generous warranty in comparison to competitors, as well as restricted trunk space. Other than those niggly bits, the luxury sedan is superb and comfortable, performs well in most categories, and is similarly priced to rivals. It is a great choice if you're in the market for a passenger-focused luxury vehicle and you're willing to overlook the small flaws.

The E350 4MATIC is a great buy if you're trying to keep to a budget; it offers pretty much the same features that the E450 has, except for the bigger engine and higher power output. A higher price also comes with the E450, so if you aren't particularly fussy about how quickly you're getting from A to B and you just want to get there comfortably, the E350 4MATIC is the one for you.

If you are more concerned with power and performance, then the E450 4MATIC it shall be. The V6 brings a driving experience that is unmatched by the four-pot found in the lower trim levels, and if you're after a more driver-focused approach to a non-AMG E-Class, this is the one for you. It must be said, regardless of the trim choice, a must-spec is definitely the Driver Assistance Package as some may find the standard driver-assist features a bit scant.

The biggest difference between the two members of Mercedes' family is their size. The E-Class is considerably larger than the C-Class, and so is its price tag. But with $13,000 separating the two closely related sedans, choosing one must be about more than just size. Both cars share the exact same 2.0-liter four-pot and transmission at the base level, and put out the same amount of power, though the C300 will get from 0-60 about half a second quicker than the E350 due to its lighter weight. A far more luxurious interior is found in the E-Class and this is probably the most prominent factor behind the price hike, also, the E-Class is noticeably more spacious and passenger-focused than its cheaper cousin. If you're after a practical and comfortable drive that dons the three-pointed star, the C-Class is the better choice. But if luxury is a prerequisite and you have no problem reaching for your wallet, the E-Class is superlative. We'd pick the E-Class.

Arguably one of the biggest rivals of the E-Class, the BMW 5 Series is a well-respected luxury sedan and comes in at a slightly cheaper base-level price than the E350. While we're crunching numbers, both vehicles boast turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinders on higher trim levels, though the E450 produces more power than the 540i by just under 30 hp. This comes with a downside, however, and the BMW is more fuel efficient than its Merc-badged rival with EPA-estimated figures of 24/31/27 mpg for its 2.0-liter turbo in comparison to the Merc's 23/32/26 mpg. Both offer luxurious interiors, as the Germans do, but the BMW offers a larger amount of interior space including the trunk. That being said, Merc simply knows their stuff when it comes to setting up stellar interiors and we're going to have to side with them on this one. The competition is tight, but all things considered, the E-Class exudes a charm that the 5 Series just misses out on, but if you prioritize driver enjoyment, the keen chassis of the 5 Series might just win you over.