2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class priced and released

Pricing for the new sixth-generation 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been set at $131,500 plus on-road costs just days before first Australian deliveries commence.

However, for now there’s just one sedan-only version of the new W214-series E-Class available Down Under – the E 300, which is about the same price as the E 350 it replaces but much more expensive than the old entry-level E 200 that was last priced from around $100,000.

First revealed in Europe 12 months ago, the new E 300 packs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine outputting 190kW/400Nm and supported by a 48V integrated starter generator that can temporarily supply up to 17kW/205Nm – though not regularly enough to contribute to its official performance outputs.

A nine-speed automatic transmission sends drive to the rear wheels as standard, as per the smaller C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has already made it clear it’s done with traditional passenger wagons (not SUVs), which means its all-new large car is sedan-only and that Aussies will miss out on the latest five-door E-Class Estate and its slightly higher-riding sibling, the E-Class All-Terrain crossover.

Australia is one of the leading AMG markets, however, so there’s a healthy chance we will get the formidable six-cylinder Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ sports sedan further down the line – likely sometime in 2025 – followed by a new E 63 super-sedan.

Until then, the E 300 offers the aforementioned 2.0-litre powertrain along with lowered (-15mm) ‘Agility Control’ suspension, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting, AMG Line exterior package and nine exterior paint finishes.

Inside, you’ll find climatised, leather-upholstered and power-adjustable sports front seats (with memory function), the MBUX Superscreen housing digital infotainment and instrument cluster displays, plus 5G connectivity and augmented reality navigation with AI-based routine learning.

Other standard cabin features include voice control, wireless smartphone mirroring, dual-zone climate control, open-pore wood and piano-black trim, a 17-speaker Burmester sound system and active ambient lighting.

Boot space is rated at a decent 540 litres.

Those wanting to bolster their new E-Class up towards S-Class specification can opt for a variety of different options packs including the Plus Package and Energizing Plus Package.

Headline individual extras comprise rear-axle steering, adaptive air suspension, an illuminated grille, MBUX Interior Assistant, Comfort front seats and four-zone climate control.

Driver aids and active safety highlights include active steering assist, adaptive cruise control, active lane change assist, autonomous emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert and braking, active lane keep assist, evasive steering assist, blind spot monitoring, pre-safe plus and traffic sign assist.

“The E-Class and its predecessors are the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz,” said the German car-maker, which has sold more than 16 million examples since 1946.

“The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class bridges tradition and innovation by combining superior and comfortable driving with new dimensions of personalisation and interaction.”

First deliveries of the new BMW 5 Series rival are due to start later this week.

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