A week with the new W214 E‑Class, including 500 miles of city commuting and interstate travel, to see whether Mercedes’ latest midsize sedan still sets the standard for cabin quality, in‑car tech, and long‑haul comfort.
Our test car was a 2024 Mercedes‑Benz E350 4MATIC on 19‑inch wheels with the Superscreen package, multicontour front seats, and Airmatic air suspension. Power comes from a 2.0‑liter turbo four with 48‑volt mild‑hybrid assist (255 hp, 295 lb‑ft) through a 9‑speed automatic and all‑wheel drive. Temperatures ranged from 52–78°F; we ran on all‑season tires at factory pressures. Noise was measured with a calibrated meter at ear level; we also logged fuel‑saving coasts to assess rolling refinement.
Fit and finish are textbook Mercedes. Seams align cleanly, the metal switchgear feels dense, and the open‑pore wood trim is free of clouding. The soft‑touch dash and door uppers are genuine, with stitched coverings in high‑contact areas. Over rough concrete, the cabin stayed rattle‑free, and the optional acoustic glass muted wind rush effectively.
The only demerit is gloss black in the console, which smudges quickly; choose the textured trim if you can. Technology is abundant but mostly cohesive. The Superscreen joins a 12.3‑inch instrument display with a 14.4‑inch central touchscreen and an optional 12.3‑inch passenger screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connected instantly and remained stable; the wireless charger held phones securely.
MBUX responds quickly and its “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant handled common tasks (temps, nav, seat massage) with minimal repeats. Augmented‑reality navigation is a genuine aid in unfamiliar cities. Available apps and video streaming on the passenger display work only when the seat sensor detects an occupant, and the anti‑glare filter prevents driver distraction as advertised. Over‑the‑air updates and user‑defined “routines” add useful automation.
Seat comfort is a highlight. The multicontour fronts offer long thigh support, ample lumbar range, and effective ventilation; massage hits the right zones without feeling gimmicky. After three consecutive 90‑minute stints, no hot spots or numbness. Rear space is generous for two adults, with good toe room under the front seats and a comfortable backrest angle; the middle perch is firm.
Cabin storage is thoughtfully sized, with deep door bins and a configurable center console. Ride isolation impressed. In Comfort, Airmatic rounds off sharp edges and suppresses head toss, yet the body remains calm over undulations; Sport merely tightens without turning brittle. On a smooth 70‑mph cruise, we recorded 66–67 dBA, rising to 69 dBA on coarse asphalt—quiet for the class.
The optional Burmester system delivers clean, wide imaging and strong midbass; Dolby Atmos content gains depth without sounding artificial. Climate control reacts quickly and maintains even temperatures; the optional Air Balance fragrance/filtration keeps outside odors at bay. Overall, the new E‑Class feels genuinely premium where it matters: touchpoints, acoustics, and fatigue reduction. The tech stack is rich yet approachable, though buyers wary of fingerprints should skip piano black and consider the non‑Superscreen layout.
For maximum comfort, pair 18‑ or 19‑inch wheels with Airmatic and multicontour seats; highway commuters and frequent travelers will notice the difference. If you want more drama than the segment norm without sacrificing usability, this specification earns an easy recommendation.