Mercedes-Benz E-Class upgraded

New straight-six engines, more standard technology and modest price rises headline the upgraded 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, coupe and cabriolet range.

While the entry-level petrol E 200 and diesel E 220d sedans are now $800 dearer at a respective $91,900 and $94,900 plus on-road costs, the hybrid E 350 and diesel E 350d are both up $900 to $132,500 and $135,800 plus ORCs.

And while the E 450 4MATIC ($143,829 — up $4580) replaces the E 400 and the AMG E 53 4MATIC+ ($167,129 — up $7889) replaces the E 43, the range-topping AMG E 63 4MATIC+ ($210,128) and AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ ($239,529) super sedans are just $888 and $289 pricier than before.

The only wagon (Estate) version of the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class available in Australia remains the E 220d All-Terrain, which is $500 more expensive at $110,400 plus ORCs.

The E-Class Coupe continues at base level with the $97,00 E 220d and the $111,229 E 300 (both up about $1000), while the $149,228 E 450 4MATIC is almost $4000 dearer than the E 400 it replaces and the new AMG E 53 4MATIC+ costs $172,529.

In E-Class Cabriolet form the new E 53 costs $181,329, while the base E 300 is $1200 more expensive at $124,329, and the E 450 4MATIC is $3698 pricier than the E 400 it replaces.

Under the bonnet, the E 350d gets a new 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel making 210kW (up from 190kW), while E 450 models get an uprated version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 making 270kW/500Nm (up 25kW/20Nm).

The new AMG E 53s score a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six matched to all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system dubbed EQ Boost, it delivers 320kW and 520Nm, while an integrated starter motor generator can add up to 16kW and 250Nm for short periods.

E 53 models come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, nappa leather trim, a Burmester surround sound system, front sports seats, sports steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof. The latter is obviously not for the soft-top cabrio, which instead gets Aircap draught prevention and Airscarf neck-level heating for the front seats.

All models now come with a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons and wheel-mounted cruise controls from the S-Class and C-Class ranges, plus Driver Assistance Package PLUS, which adds features like enhanced traffic sign assist for the adaptive cruise control system.

Adaptive high-beam assist is now standard on the entry-level E 200 and E 200d, which are now available with a limited-run Sport Edition package that, for $10,500, adds a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, Burmester sound system, AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, natural leather upholstery, heated front seats and metallic paint.

How much does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class cost?
E 200 sedan — $91,900
E 220d sedan — $94,900
E 350e sedan — $132,500
E 350d sedan — $135,800
E 450 sedan 4MATIC — $143,829
E 53 4MATIC+ sedan — $167,129
E 63 4MATIC+ sedan — $210,128
E 63 S 4MATIC+ sedan — $239,529
E 220d Coupe — $97,000
E 300 Coupe — $111,229
E 450 4MATIC Coupe — $149,228
E 53 4MATIC+ Coupe — $172,529
E 300 Cabriolet — $124,329
E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet — $160,828
E 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet — $181,329
E 220d All-Terrain Wagon — $110,400
* Prices exclude on-road costs