2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC embodies the luxury, precision engineering, and cutting-edge technology Mercedes-Benz has become known for. While the E-Class has long served as the benchmark for mid-sized luxury sedans, the latest iteration raises the bar even higher, bordering on the realm of its larger sibling, the S-Class.

A model steeped in Mercedes-Benz’s history

The E-Class has been a mainstay in the Mercedes-Benz lineup for more than seven decades. First introduced in the 1950s, in more recent years, this mid-sized luxury sedan has served as a bridge between the more affordable C-Class and the top-of-the-line S-Class, offering a mix of elegance, advanced technology, and performance.

The E-Class has also often been a leader in automotive innovation, often debuting new technology, safety and comfort features that later trickle down to other models.

Historically, the E-Class is where Mercedes pushes its technological boundaries while maintaining a sense of practicality and comfort. All over the world, this model has been a favorite for professionals and business leaders who appreciate the blend of performance, safety, and luxury it provides, without stepping into the more extravagant and expensive S-Class.

From its iconic W124 version in the 1980s, which introduced Mercedes’ clean and angular design language, to the tech-heavy models of the 2000s, the E-Class has continuously evolved, reflecting the demands of its discerning buyers

Coming from a Mercedes-Benz family myself, I have fond memories of riding in various E-classes through my childhood, starting from the W123 model in the 1980’s.

Today, the E-Class stands as one of the brand’s most versatile models, available in various body styles including sedan, coupe, wagon, and convertible.

Significantly updated for 2024, the 2024 E450 4MATIC is a standout, designed to elevate the driving experience with its advanced technology, luxurious cabin, and smooth yet powerful performance.

What's New for 2024?

Mercedes-Benz has taken a “if it ain’t broke, enhance it” approach with the 2024 E450. Visually, the sleek design has subtle changes, including a more streamlined front grille and new LED light signature, which give it a modern yet recognizable look. It retains its executive demeanor while adding a bit of flair to stand out in traffic.

The most significant changes for 2024, however, are under the skin. Mercedes has introduced mild hybrid technology into the E450, making it not only more efficient but also more responsive. The integration of a 48-volt electrical system and a starter-generator adds smoothness to the power delivery, particularly noticeable in start-stop situations.

Inside, the most talked-about feature continues to be the availability of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Interface) Supercreen package, a vast, curved display that spans nearly the entire width of the dashboard and adds a third screen in front of the front passenger. More on that below.

Cabin Technology and Interior

The 2024 E450’s interior continues Mercedes’ tradition of delivering a premium and technologically advanced environment. The design ethos is clear: luxury meets innovation. Every detail, from the high-quality materials to the cutting-edge technology, reinforces this narrative. Leather seating, multi-colour ambient lighting, and open-pore wood trim give the cabin a sophisticated yet contemporary feel.

Also optionally available is the Burmester 4D Surround Sound teams with Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio for a truly dimensional listening experience. Visualization with the cabin’s ambient lighting and in-seat resonators let you see and feel the sound as well, similar to the 4D D-box system at a Cineplex theatre.

Tech lovers and audiophiles out there, particularly those who grew up in this day and age of RGB gaming systems, will probably feel right at home. The setup is truly one of the best sound systems I’ve experience in a vehicle, rivaling the Bespoke audio system in a Rolls Royce Ghost.

Another striking feature in the E-Class’ cabin is the optional Superscreen package, which extends across the dashboard and offers an immersive digital experience. The screen isn't just about visual appeal—it provides functionality and convenience at a level that feels both futuristic and intuitive. With its three segments (one for the driver, one in the center, and a passenger-side display), it merges the infotainment system with driver-assistance controls and climate settings.

This system, originally shown in Mercedes-Benz’s EQE and EQS electric vehicles, blends the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system into one continuous, futuristic interface. It’s an absolute showstopper, though one a pricey one.

Central to the screen is a 14.4-inch touchscreen as part of the intuitive digital cockpit. The addition of an interior camera for video conferencing and Zoom calls is also new for 2024, showing Mercedes' keen awareness of modern work-from-anywhere lifestyles.

The E450’s MBUX system is now in its third generation, with more advanced AI. There are quick responses to natural voice commands, and my test car’s optional Heads-Up Display’s augmented reality can project navigation arrows onto live terms.

One of the most intriguing additions for 2024 is the interior camera, which allows occupants to participate in Zoom calls directly from the vehicle. This is a feature aimed squarely at the modern professional, someone who might need to conduct a virtual meeting during a long commute or while waiting for an appointment.

The camera quality is impressive, providing a clear and professional appearance, and the integration of Zoom directly into the vehicle’s MBUX system makes it easy to schedule and join meetings. For Canadian professionals often on the move, this capability represents a significant convenience. At the very least you can also take fun selfies (including video) with your passengers.

Under the Hood: Mild Hybrid Technology

The heart of the E450 is a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which produces a substantial 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Now integrated with Mercedes' EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, the 48-volt architecture includes a starter-generator that delivers up to 20 horsepower of extra power and 148 lb-ft of torque during specific driving conditions.

This mild-hybrid setup does more than just boost power, it smoothens out the driving experience. The system allows for nearly imperceptible transitions between engine start-stop phases, particularly in urban traffic. Additionally, the mild-hybrid technology improves efficiency by enabling features such as engine-off coasting and more aggressive energy recuperation during braking.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 performs well for a vehicle of its size and power. I averaged a very impressive combined fuel economy of about 10.5 L/100 km, which makes this mid-sized luxury sedan an attractive option for long-distance driving in our country’s diverse climates.

How Does It Drive?

Mercedes-Benz has always been synonymous with refined driving dynamics, and the E450 4MATIC continues that legacy. The combination of the inline-six engine and the mild-hybrid system provides effortless acceleration, while the standard 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system ensures the car remains planted in all weather conditions—a critical feature for Canadian buyers who face a range of seasonal challenges.

On the road, the E450 feels composed and confident. Steering is precise, and there’s a good amount of feedback for a luxury car of this size. The Agility Control suspension, which adjusts dampening based on individual wheel movements and driving conditions, delivers a supple ride on highways but firms up when you push the car through corners, striking a balance between comfort and agility. Despite the optional 21-inch wheels, there’s never any sort of harshness that penetrates the cabin, even on washboard surfaces.

The car feels equally at home cruising on the highway or navigating tight city streets. The all-wheel-drive system delivers excellent traction, making the E450 feel stable even in inclement weather, whether it's navigating icy streets or wet pavement.

Set the Dynamic Select drive mode to ECO, and the E450 is the perfect commuter car. I saw average fuel consumption numbers as low as 9.0 L/100 kms with heavy use of the coasting function.

For those who want even more comfort and agility, an available AIRMATIC multimode air suspension package also adds up to 4.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering along with adaptive dampening and level control. Personally, I’d skip this option package in favour of the fantastic Burmester 4D sound system as the stock suspension was already excellent.

Final Thoughts: Nearing S-Class Refinement at a Lower Price?

In many ways, the 2024 E450 4MATIC is encroaching on S-Class territory. The level of technology, particularly with the optional Superscreen, Burmester 4D sound system with ambient lighting, is approaching what we’ve traditionally only seen in the flagship S-Class.

When you add in the mild-hybrid technology and the quality of the materials used inside the cabin, you get a sense that the E-Class is trying to offer a near-S-Class experience for a lower price.

That brings us to value for money. While the E450 is not inexpensive, especially with desirable options as equipped on my test vehicle, it offers tremendous value for those looking for luxury, technology, and performance in a single package.

Compared to the S-Class, this latest refreshed E-Class, optioned out as it is, provides nearly the same level of refinement but at a more attainable price point, making it an appealing option for those who want the best without stepping into the ultra-luxury segment, whether for optics or just wanting a smaller sized vehicle.

For me, the 2024 Mercedes E450 4MATIC continues to stand out as a sophisticated, versatile, and future-forward luxury sedan, offering a perfect balance of innovation and tradition that makes it a strong contender in the mid-sized luxury market.

It’s one that my current self and inner child would be proud to have in my garage.