Silke Mayr When selecting the 2025 MotorTrend Car of the Year, we didn’t focus on the flashiest new electric vehicles or highly anticipated sports cars. Instead, we chose a car that represents a perfect balance of technology, luxury, and everyday practicality. The 2025 Car of the Year is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a midsize luxury sedan that continues to elevate the standards of what a modern luxury vehicle can achieve.
A Refined Evolution
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always stood as the ideal middle ground between the flagship S-Class and the more compact C-Class, blending comfort, sophistication, and performance. But for 2024, Mercedes has taken a bold step forward with the E-Class, redefining its style and technology. Available in sedan, wagon, and rugged E450 All-Terrain models, the new E-Class offers a streamlined and refreshed design that perfectly balances elegance with modern innovation.
The exterior design of the 2024 E-Class is more cohesive than ever. Its smooth, flowing profile is unmistakably Mercedes, with classic lines that maintain a sense of luxury while offering a more contemporary and refined look. The sedan’s understated elegance contrasts nicely with the sportier, dynamic presence of the All-Terrain model, which adds a more adventurous flair with its higher stance and off-road features.
Inside, the E-Class continues to impress with its forward-thinking cabin. Mercedes has embraced a minimalist approach, replacing cluttered controls with large, intuitive digital displays. The 3D digital instrument cluster and an optional passenger-facing Superscreen add an extra touch of sophistication, while the elegant design elements, such as the tactile door pulls and premium materials, create a cabin that’s both functional and luxurious.
Comfort and Convenience
The 2024 E-Class has been designed for everyday luxury. It offers an inviting and comfortable space, with thoughtful touches like a larger center console that hides wireless charging pads and extra storage space. The rear seats now offer more legroom, while the sedan and wagon’s trunks are both spacious and practical, making it a great choice for family trips or long drives.
The longer wheelbase of the E-Class enhances stability, while the updated suspension system—available with the AirMatic air suspension or the optional four-wheel steering—ensures that the car rides smoothly, whether on highways or winding roads. The All-Terrain version adds a bit more ruggedness with its increased ride height and off-road capabilities, without sacrificing the luxurious feel that the E-Class is known for.
With its focus on comfort and usability, Mercedes has made sure that the E-Class is as easy to live with as it is enjoyable to drive. The decision to shift the coupe and convertible versions to the new CLE-Class has allowed the E-Class to focus more on its core identity as a top-tier midsize sedan.
Powertrain Options for Every Driver
The 2024 E-Class offers a range of powertrains that cater to different driving preferences. The base E350 sedan comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, enhanced by a mild-hybrid system that boosts performance and efficiency. With 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the E350 offers a well-rounded and responsive driving experience.
For those seeking more power, the E450 model, which is available in sedan and All-Terrain configurations, boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. With 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, this engine delivers a more refined and engaging driving experience, whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling a winding backroad. All E450 models come standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring solid traction and handling.
Both engines feature mild-hybrid technology, allowing the E-Class to operate in electric-only mode for short distances, which boosts fuel efficiency. The E350 achieves impressive fuel economy, with up to 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while the E450 is slightly less efficient but still commendable, with 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.
Advanced Technology for the Modern Driver
The 2024 E-Class comes with Mercedes’ cutting-edge MBUX infotainment system, which features faster processors, a more intuitive interface, and the ability to receive over-the-air updates. The system can integrate third-party apps like Zoom and TikTok, while also offering AI-driven features that adapt to the driver’s preferences over time. For example, the system can suggest seat adjustments or climate control settings based on your previous trips.
While the large touchscreens and haptic controls can take some getting used to, they create a sleek, modern cabin. The voice assistant is also improved, but still less conversational than some users may prefer. The interface, though, is incredibly user-friendly, with easy-to-navigate menus and features designed to keep you connected and informed while on the road.
Performance and Safety in Harmony
On the road, the 2024 E-Class offers a remarkable blend of comfort and performance. The E450’s turbocharged inline-six engine provides ample power and smooth acceleration, making highway driving and overtaking effortless. The mild-hybrid system smooths out power delivery, creating a seamless and refined driving experience.
The E-Class offers exceptional handling for its size, with precise steering and a well-tuned suspension system that ensures a smooth ride without sacrificing performance. The E450 All-Terrain adds an extra level of versatility with its off-road capabilities, allowing you to tackle uneven terrain while still enjoying the luxury features that Mercedes is known for.
Safety is another key focus, with the 2024 E-Class offering a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic lane changes, making long drives and traffic easier to manage. Active safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring also help protect both the driver and passengers.
Final Thoughts: A Benchmark in Luxury Sedans
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class exemplifies the luxury sedan of today—beautifully designed, packed with cutting-edge technology, and delivering a driving experience that’s both thrilling and comfortable. Starting at $63,600 for the E350, $72,000 for the E450, and $77,250 for the E450 All-Terrain, it stands as a competitive offering in the luxury midsize sedan market.
While it may not have the flashiness of a sports car or the cutting-edge tech of some electric models, the E-Class impresses with its all-around excellence. It offers luxury, innovation, and practicality in a way that few others can match, making it an easy choice for MotorTrend’s 2025 Car of the Year.