2020 Mercedes Benz E Class Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Are you in the market for a classy new sedan this year? Thinking about trading in your old car for something that your friends will envy you over? The the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class might be right up your alley.

Although this sedan has limited cargo space and a standard suspension that gets too stiff on ragged road surfaces, the E Class is built to perform and should at least meet your expectations. Its cabin design is phenomenally gorgeous and looks every bit its price. All of the driver aids work well, and a lot of them come standard.

There is a lot of room for customization on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class. Regardless of whichever trim level you choose, you will be given plenty of stand-alone options and packages to equip if you so desire. MB is trying to make it all about you, the driver. But they aren't forgetting your passengers. Everyone can relax in the front and rear seats, and three adults can sit in the back without feeling terribly crowded.

Also, if you go for one of the AMG trim levels, the amount of horsepower they get makes for a downright fun driving experience.

But which trim level is the right one for you? Should you keep it simple with the E 350 (which replaces last model year's E 300 and gets a nice hp boost), up it a level to the well-equipped E 450 4MATIC, or go all-out with either the AMG E 53 or the AMG E 63 S?

In this trim level comparison review, we will go over the different trim levels and what features and specs they come with. In the end, we will let you know which trim level of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class will present the best deal to the average MB customer.

 

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class E 350 vs E 450 4MATIC. What is the difference?

Having replaced the former E 300 trim level, the E 350 is now the base trim on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class line-up. It comes as rear-wheel drive or the all-wheel drive 4MATIC variant. The E 450 4MATIC, however, only comes as an all-wheel drive. But how else do these two trim levels differ?

For starters, the E 350 is powered by a 2.0-L inline-4 turbocharged engine that gets paired up with a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Together, this powertrain produces 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. On the RWD, there is an EPA estimate of 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Those numbers do not take a huge hit on the 4MATIC variant, as that gets 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. They also make it from 0 to 60 mph in close times, with the RWD getting there in 5.8 seconds and the 4MATIC shaving .2 seconds off of that time.

Other mechanical specs and features on the E 350 include a 4-link front, 5-arm multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch 5-spoke wheels, ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, and electromechanical power steering with direct steer. If you'd like, you can opt for a comfort suspension (which comes with the Luxury Styling package), AIR BODY CONTROL, and sport brakes.

The E 450 4MATIC ups the ante on power. Its 3.0-L V6 bi-turbo engine also gets paired with the 9-speed, which helps it muster up a smooth 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. While it gets up to speed more quickly (in 5 seconds flat), the fuel economy takes a hit, coming in at 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. 18-inch twin 5-spoke wheels come standard, as do DYNAMIC SELECT, a sport braking system, and a lowered suspension that has selective damping. You can opt for the electromechanical power steering with direct steer if you prefer that, and AIR BODY CONTROL and the comfort suspension remain optional.

As far as their designs go, internally and externally these two trim levels look fairly similar. They both have a lot of advanced instrumentation and control features packed inside, and the exteriors are nothing short of chic. On the E 350, you get a roomy cabin thanks to the long wheelbase and a cool, 3D flowing effect inside of the cockpit. The outside gets treated to full LED lights, and the LED taillights have "stardust" reflector technology built into them. Also, there is a standard power tilting and sliding sunroof.

You can opt for AMG body styling, luxury body styling, or a panoramic sunroof. There are multiple choices for 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheels. Gloss black accents can be equipped on the body of the E Class, and inside, you can choose to get a wood/leather steering wheel and topstitched dash trim. The E 450 4MATIC loses the 17-inch wheel option but is otherwise equipped the same.

Their safety features are the same as well and make for a pretty lengthy list. The E Class comes with something called Car-to-X, a communication system that transmits both temporary and dynamic info between vehicles in real time. It's a totally next-gen concept that is becoming current-gen thanks to MB's emphasis on innovative technology. Other high-tech safety features include Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call, Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Crosswind Assist, a rear-view camera, Smart Key, an anti-theft system with a remote panic alarm, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Also, you can opt for more active features (like steering, emergency stop, speed limit assist, and parking assist), a surround-view camera, rear cross-traffic monitoring, PRE-SAFE Plus, and PRE-SAFE impulse side.

The E 350 and E 450 4MATIC are similar in terms of luxury features too. Both of these vehicles come with standard power-adjustable front seats with 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support and memory settings. The rear seats are 40/20/40-split folding, and dual-zone automatic climate control keeps the entire cabin at a desirable temperature. You also get Mercedes me connect Assist, KEYLESS START and KEYLESS GO, hands-free access to the trunk, 64-color LED ambient lighting throughout the cabin, the HomeLink universal transceiver, and brake HOLD.

Options are pretty expansive here too. You can choose to get active contoured front seats with a relaxing massage function, tri-zone automatic climate control, and the ENERGIZING Comfort bundle, which optimizes settings for maximum cabin comfort. It even controls the vehicle's fragrance! There are also heated armrests, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, a 115-volt power outlet, Nappa leather, and soft close doors.

When it comes to infotainment features, MB stocks you up on all kinds of standard functions. Both trim levels come with a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has COMAND with a touchpad controller and COMAND navigation. There are analog gauges along with a high-resolution screen for the instrument panel. Smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as are Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, HD Radio, and an SD card reader.

You can opt for the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster if analog isn't your thing. Other options include a head-up display, a Burmester Surround Sound system, TuneIn Radio, inactive wireless charging with NFC paring, and a 6-month all-access trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

Also, on the E 450 4MATIC, you get standard enhanced voice control and three years of Live Traffic thanks to Tom Tom.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class E 450 4MATIC vs AMG E 53. What is the difference?

Here's where things really get switched up. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class has two AMG trims, the first of which is the AMG E 53. The AMG E 53 is extremely powerful thanks to its AMG-enhanced 3.0-L inline-6 cylinder turbocharged engine with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor. It also has an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission that helps it get 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is actually decent, coming in at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. And to think, this vehicle gets from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds!

Other standard mechanical features on the AMG E 53 include the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive drivetrain, AMG sport suspension that is based on AIR BODY CONTROL, 19-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels, AMG performance brakes, an AMG sport exhaust, and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT. There are only a few options you can tack on, which includes AMG DRIVE UNIT and an AMG performance exhaust.

As you can probably imagine, the design elements get the AMG treatment, making this vehicle look a bit different from the two lower trim levels. On the outside, it gets a chrome diamond-block grille, a power dome hood, AMG body styling elements, and gloss black accents. Inside of the vehicle, you will find that the formerly optional topstitched dash trim is standard, as are red seat belts, shift paddles that are galvanized, aluminum trim, and an AMG performance steering wheel clad in Nappa leather.

There are still a ton of options for customizing the AMG E 53. You can delete the decklid badges if you'd like, and you can swap in one of a variety of 20-inch wheel designs. The AMG Night Package, AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, the AMG Trace Package, AMG matte silver fiberglass trim, black seat belts, and metal weave trim are also options.

Although the standard safety features are all the same, the AMG E 53 gets the option of swapping in an intelligent LED lighting system for the front headlights. Also, in terms of luxury features, the only change is that you get the option of adding AMG performance front seats.

Infotainment features see the standardization of the 12.3-inch digital instrumentation cluster, the awesome Burmester Surround Sound system, and the addition of a third USB audio port. New to the options list are an AMG head-up display and the Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound system.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class AMG E 53 vs AMG E 63 S. What is the difference?

Want to really kick things up a notch (or ten)? Give the AMG E 63 S a try. This is the line's top trim level, and even though it is an AMG, it is vastly different than the E 53. The AMG E 63 S is powered by a handcrafted AMG 4.0-L V8 bi-turbo engine with "Hot Inside V" twin-scroll turbochargers for extra efficiency. The engine is matched up with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed automatic transmission, which helps the powertrain deliver a massive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the fuel efficiency drops quite a bit here, going down to 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The trade-off? Getting from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds.

Mechanical features on this line-topper also include 20-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels with high-performance summer tires equipped, race and drift modes, a race start function, unique axles and a wider track, and AMG high-performance composite brakes. An AMG electronic limited slip differential and AMG sport speed-sensitive steering function also come standard on the AMG E 63 S. The one option you do get is the AMG high-performance ceramic composite brakes.

Now, in terms of its design, you will find some exclusive elements, like the AMG body styling, which gets snazzed up from the AMG E 53. Inside of the cabin, you will find an AMG Nappa/DINAMICA steering wheel and an AMG menu. A lot of design options exist, including the AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package 1 and 2 (the latter of which includes genuine carbon fiber on the rear spoilers and side mirror housings), silver seat belts, an AMG carbon fiber engine cover, and an AMG carbon fiber/DINAMICA performance steering wheel.

A few other things are different as well. The surround-view camera becomes standard, as do heated and ventilated front seats, AMG illumination on the front door sills, and exclusive Nappa upholstery.

2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class: Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E Class is one of those line-ups where it is hard to make a bad choice. All of its trim levels have a lot to offer. But, for the average consumer, there is one trim level that presents the best deal. That trim level is the E 450 4MATIC. It combines a decent amount of power with excellent fuel efficiency for its segment. It also gives you a lot of standard features while leaving room to customize. For the price, you will get a lot out of the E 450 4MATIC, and your friends will definitely be jealous.