The Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Midsize Luxury for Everyone

When Lancaster County drivers are looking for a luxury vehicle that isn't too big or too small, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class will satisfy their desires. The E-Class officially debuted in 1993-with a heritage dating back to 1953-and is known as a midsize executive sedan that doesn't compromise on performance, comfort, or technology. It continues to be a frontrunner in its segment, winning the 2021 MotorTrend "Car of the Year" award and unveiling a new generation for the 2024 model year.

At Mercedes-Benz of Lancaster, we have a new or used Mercedes-Benz for sale that will be great for everyday driving or enjoying a weekend drive on Route 30. There are many ways to experience the E-Class depending on the features you're looking for and your budget. So which E-Class vehicle should you be looking for? We've examined some of the most popular past and present E-Class models to see what they offer.

The E350: An Introduction to Luxury

Introduced in 2006, the Mercedes-Benz E350 is considered one of the quintessential European-style luxury sedans. It offers smooth performance, sophisticated style, and advanced technology without overpowering your senses or your budget. Available exclusively as a four-door sedan, it's the perfect "luxury daily driver" for heading to work or doing errands around Lancaster.

Recent generations of the E350 have been powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, more than enough for some comfortable cruising. It's also the most fuel-efficient E-Class vehicle available with the 2023 model getting an EPA-estimated 31 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG in the city. Historically, the E350 has been available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD). Either way, with a four-wheel independent suspension, it has a unique handle on the road. It's also one of the most tech-friendly "base level" cars available with matching 12.3-inch infotainment and driver gauge screens, voice commands, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and other standard features.

Beginning in 2024, the E350 will receive a few changes. The powertrain is now a mild hybrid that adds 22 pound-feet of torque. The main infotainment screen has also been increased to 14.4 inches with an optional 12.3-inch passenger screen. Even so, a used Mercedes-Benz E350 still offers plenty for drivers who want every drive to be memorable.

The E450: Daily Driving Amplified

The 400-level of the E-Class is for Lancaster drivers who want a car that is solid for everyday tasks but is ready for some fun, too. Sold as the E400 for many years before being upgraded to the E450 in 2019, either vehicle is a fine choice when you crave the E350's comfort with something extra.

The biggest difference between the E450 and the E350 is the engine. In the E450, the fifth-generation 3.0L I-6 turbo mild hybrid engine produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This combination with standard 4MATIC drops the 0-60 mph time from 6.1 to 4.6 seconds while getting similar fuel mileage. The 2024 model year has almost identical power numbers with the added boost function. Either way, you can let loose when you have some open road on PA-283.

Mercedes-Benz has also given the E450 more body styles so you can express yourself. In addition to the sedan, the E450 has a wagon variant with added cargo space. In recent years, this has been dubbed the E450 All-Terrain, seating seven and taking on SUV characteristics so you can explore more far-flung areas. Model years before 2024 also include four-seater RWD coupes and convertibles, letting you enjoy executive comfort in a more compact size or with the top down.

The AMG E53: For Those Who Crave More Sportiness

If you love luxury comfort but also want to feel like a racer, your vehicle search begins with the Mercedes-Benz AMG E53. The AMG nameplate began in 1967 as an independent company that modified existing Mercedes-Benz vehicles for high-level performance. This legacy lives on in the AMG E53, shifting the E-Class from a luxury daily sedan to an executive sports car.

The same engine as the E450 is at the heart of the AMG E53. However, Mercedes Benz added an electric supercharger to more recent models, bumping it up to 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque - yet still getting an EPA-estimated 29 MPG on the highway as you're flying to Lititz, Brownstown, and beyond. It's available as a sedan, wagon, coupe, or convertible, letting you enjoy that power however you want. Other features in AMG vehicles include adjustable sport suspension for impressive traction, AMG Dynamic Select for custom tuning, five driving modes to handle different conditions, wider rear wheels to give you more grip accelerating, and ultra-comfortable leather seats that contour to the occupant.

While the AMG E53 was a mainstay of the E-Class from 2019 to 2023, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will not be part of the inaugural sixth-generation lineup in 2024, with the closest offering now being the AMG CLE 53 Coupe. Although we could potentially see a new AMG E53 down the road, a used AMG E53 is now the only way to discover its might.

The AMG E63 S: A Truly Thrilling Model

Simply put, this is the pièce de résistance of the E-Class for those who demand an elite vehicle whether it's new or used. The Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S dates to the same year as the E350-but it's on the opposite end of the performance spectrum, rivaling vehicles like the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Chevy Corvette in terms of power and drivability.

The most recent iteration of the AMG E63 boasts a twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque with standard AWD. The E63 sedan goes from 0-60 mph in three seconds flat-and it's available as a wagon, too. It gets the same suspension, chassis, and tech upgrades we mentioned for the AMG 53, plus a multi-clutch transmission for smooth, precise shifting. Look for models with optional upgrades like a wireless charging pad, a Burmester premium sound system, and a head-up display so the creature comforts rival the championship driving capabilities.

Like the AMG E53, the E63 is not part of the initial sixth-generation run for the E-Class. There are plenty of used AMG 63 vehicles for sale, though, so you don't have to wait for a new edition to see just how dynamic this performance executive car is on the roads of Lancaster County.

Visit Us Today and We'll Help You Find the Ideal E-Class Model

As you can see, there are plenty of options in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. You can go with the E350 as a luxury daily driver, the E450 as a "daily driver plus," or the AMG E53 and E63 S if you want the ultimate performance car with a more aggressive style. Whatever your needs, the E-Class will meet them-all in a design that keeps you cozy and connected even if you're stuck in Sunday afternoon traffic.

Come to Mercedes-Benz of Lancaster if you are looking for an E-Class vehicle to get you where you need to go. We have a huge selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles with an exceptional customer service team that makes car shopping easy. Keep your E-Class on the road longer by entrusting it to the certified technicians in our service center, which is open Monday through Saturday. Visit us today and experience the E-Class for yourself.