2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

As an executive sedan that's designed by a renowned German brand, the 2022 Mercedes E-Class meets high standards for luxury, engineering, reliability and safety. This high-end model has a driver-centric cabin with multiple ways for managing the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system. The optional Driver Assistance Package adds an abundance of active safety technologies to the base trim.

What's New for 2022?

Having a fifth-generation design, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now equipped with the standard Adaptive High Beam Assist. Linked to a forward-facing camera, this advanced technology automatically turns on the high beams at night when no oncoming vehicles are spotted. Taking strong inspirations from the sea and ocean, the Nautical Blue Metallic color is an all-new option for the car's sporty exterior.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – The Pros

1. Robust Engineering

Standard on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 350, the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine block kicks out 255 net horsepower. Arranged into an inline-four configuration, the turbo powertrain pumps out 273 pound-feet of peak torque. Also boosted by a turbocharger, the E 450's 3.0-L engine whips out 362 hp. Having an I-6 design for optimum balance under the hood, this upgraded powerhouse twists out 369 lb-ft of maximum torque. A mild-hybrid system with a 48-V Li-ion battery supplements the six-cylinder propulsion system for better performance.

2. Sporty Handling

Cycling through nine different gear ratios, an automatic transmission system propels the 2022 E-Class. Electronic selectors and paddle shifters make it easy for the driver to engage the signature 9G-TRONIC gearbox. An electronic switch on the center console also activates four different settings from the DYNAMIC SELECT interface, including the Sport+ Mode. This unique mode increases the response from the throttle for maximum output on the road. As the name suggests, the Individual Mode provides a fifth setting for even more enhanced control of the gearbox and other mechanical components.

3. Balanced Driving

Fine-tuned for all-season driving, the 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive is available on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This patented AWD system works in concert with the Electronic Stability Program for enhanced balance and stability on slippery or rough pavement. Every wheel is also managed by the Electronic Traction Control System, which detects any slipping and other abnormal rotational motion. With instant leverage from the Cornering Assist, this luxurious sedan carves through corners with incredible poise. An electromechanical power steering system provides enhanced leverage for making sharp turns and other sudden movements on the road.

4. Adaptive Suspension System

Riding on a fully independent suspension system, the 2022 E-Class offers a well-cushioned trip for all occupants. This high-end sedan sits on a four-link front axle that quickly recovers from harsh beatings from the road. Adopting a multilink configuration, the five-arm rear suspension system is also extremely resilient and adaptive. Featuring the Selective Damping System, the suspension system may be manually lowered for enhanced stability and improved aerodynamics. This upscale MB model is available with the patented AIR BODY CONTROL technology that varies the stiffness of the suspension system in real time.

5. Alluring Exterior Design

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a streamlined roofline and sculpted hood for truly distinctive appeal. This executive sedan comes in a wide assortment of gorgeous exterior colors, including Cardinal Red, Nautical Blue, Obsidian Black and Diamond White. Standard on the base trim, the 18-inch alloy wheels have a twin five-spoke design for luxurious aesthetics. The AMG five-spoke design is available for the 18-inch and 19-inch wheels on this upscale MB car. Gloss Black covers the vehicle's front air dam, rear valance, mirror housing and side window surrounds.

6. Lavish Interior Materials

Featuring a smooth-grain design with perforations, genuine Nappa leather is hand-fitted over the front seats inside the 2022 E-Class. Featuring the distinctive MANUFAKTUR design, such a material is available in the beautiful Beige and Saddle Brown colors. Macchiato Beige microfiber headliners certainly add a touch of fine craftsmanship to the cabin of this executive MB sedan. The console and door panels are available in Natural Grain Black Ash Wood trim. Some other stunning trimming options for the cabin include Burl Walnut, Natural Grey Ash Wood and Black Piano Lacquer with the unique Flowing Lines.

7. High Level of Comfort

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is furnished with a power-adjustable driver's seat that has four different positions for the lumbar section. Shaped like a seat, the electronic memory system module stores the desired settings for three different drivers. With the press of a button, the memory system also adjusts the four-way power steering system. Three levels of heating are integrated into the front seats inside this upscale MB sedan. Featuring a high-capacity pollen filter, a dual-zone automatic climate control system regulates the temperatures on the right and left sides of the cabin.

8. Intuitive Infotainment System

Centrally positioned inside the dashboard, a 12.3-inch touch screen is standard inside the 2022 MB E-Class. The driver could use a touch pad on the center console and the steering wheel-mounted Touch Control to access the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Showing analog-style gauges and other information, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster keeps the driver focused and informed during a trip. Recognizing natural language, the MBUX platform quickly responds to the driver's commands. Additional guidance is provided by the optional MBUX Interior Assistant, which responds to the driver's hand movements and other gestures.

9. Advanced Electronics

Floating on the driver's side of the windshield, an 8.0-inch head-up display is available on the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This colored HUD shows information from the cruise control system, navigation platform and some safety systems. Anyone with a smartphone will appreciate the vehicle's Bluetooth, Near Field Communication and Wi-Fi connections. This executive MB sedan has dual USB-C ports in the second row for charging mobile devices. Additionally, the MBUX infotainment suite offers full support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

10. Superb Active Safety

Linked to a forward-facing radar device, the Active Brake Assist helps the 2022 E-Class stop in an emergency situation. This luxury Mercedes-Benz sedan comes standard with other accident-mitigation technologies, including the Crosswind Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Checking 70 unique driving parameters in real time, the patented ATTENTION ASSIST encourages enhanced alertness behind the steering wheel. More than 10 other driver-assistance technologies are available for this executive sedan, such as the Active Speed Limit Assist and Evasive Steering Assist. Urban drivers will heavily favor the signature PARKTRONIC technology that provides automatic steering, shifting and braking.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – The Cons

1. Limited Interior Space

For its luxurious status, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class doesn't meet the highest standards for interior spaciousness. This high-end sedan offers just 37.3 inches of headroom in the first row. Some much more affordable compact sedans and midsize sedans easily beat this dimension. Tall-than-average passengers won't be satisfied with the mere 36.2 inches of legroom in the second row. Having a cargo volume of 13.1 cubic feet, the E-Class' trunk provides acceptable storage space for light travel. Again, some compact and midsize sedans on the American market have much larger trunks for enhanced utility.

2. Overwhelming Electronic Technologies

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience technology is mostly built for loyal customers who are quite familiar with the brand. However, anyone who hasn't driven a Mercedes-Benz before might be confused and overwhelmed by the signature MBUX technology inside the cockpit. Navigating the main menus, submenus and other widgets on the touch screen may be too difficult for newbies. The distinctive Touchpad Controller also requires lots of practice for proper engagement on the road. Additionally, some newbies might struggle to master the touch pads that are mounted on the steering wheel.

3. Unimpressive Fuel Economy

As a luxurious sedan, the 2022 E-Class base trim doesn't exactly boast the most impressive fuel economy ratings in the class. This executive-style car gets a maximum of 21 mpg in the city as suggested by the EPA. When cruising at highway speeds, this upscale MB model offers up to 29 mpg. Even when boosted by a mild-hybrid system, the E 450 edition only gains 2 mpg in the city and 1 mpg on the highway. Urban drivers are encouraged to manually turn on the Eco Start/Stop System when driving in heavy traffic congestion.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Mercedes E-Class vs 2022 BMW 5 Series

As a German-designed executive sedan, the 2022 BMW 5 Series enjoys a strong rivalry against the 2022 E-Class. Standard on the BMW 530i edition, the 2.0-L TwinPower engine can't produce more than 248 hp and 257 lb-ft. This entry-level turbo engine is slightly less capable than the default turbo powertrain on the Mercedes-Benz model. However, the 5 Series includes a 12.3-inch multimedia display, which is the same size as the E-Class' touch screen. The Live Cockpit Professional and iDrive 7.0 platforms don't offer as many services and applications as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience.

2022 Mercedes E-Class vs 2022 Audi S4

Made by one of Germany's top auto brands, the 2022 Audi S4 is another domestic foe that challenges the 2022 MB E-Class. Under the hood, the Audi model has a 3.0-L turbo engine that delivers up to 349 hp. The E-Class' six-cylinder powertrain beats such a rating by up to 13 hp. However, both luxury sedans are tied for a peak torque output of 369 lb-ft. Creating eight gear speeds, the Audi S4's automatic transmission system offers less driving options than the standard 9G-TRONIC gearbox on the MB model.

2022 Mercedes E-Class vs 2022 Cadillac CT-5 V

Made by General Motors, the 2022 Cadillac CT-5 V proves that American sedans could still compete against European luxury cars. This sporty model packs a 3.0-L, V-6 engine that whips out a total of 360 net hp. Having two turbochargers, this six-cylinder powerhouse barely matches the peak horsepower output of the 2022 MB E 450's 3.0-L, I-6 powerplant. Cadillac's Magnetic Ride Control isn't quite as adaptive and advanced as the exclusive AIR BODY CONTROL technology from Mercedes-Benz.

Conclusion

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class appeals to American drivers seeking respectable status on the road. This executive sedan is packed with performance-enhancing technologies for a pleasant ride in urban areas. From the 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system to a color head-up display, this iconic nameplate is loaded with sophisticated electronic features for today's tech-savvy drivers and passengers.