Used car check
Mercedes E-Class – beautiful, solid, reliable
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As a new car, a Mercedes E-Class is unaffordable for many people. The situation is different with used models. And they can also impress in the TÜV main inspections.
The fifth generation E-Class (W 213) was launched between 2016 and 2023. In addition to the sedan, there was the T-model (station wagon) as well as the coupe and convertible (from 2017). Since spring 2017, the station wagon has also been offered as an “all-terrain” model with a trendy off-road look. The TÜV knows what used car buyers should look out for.
Quality
Since the E-Class is often bought by frequent drivers, the mileage is significantly higher than the average. Nevertheless, for all models of the W 213 model, the number of defect-free vehicles in the TÜV main inspections (HU) is above the average of the vehicles examined. However, the models do not pass the check without any complaints. The inspectors often criticize the axle suspension.
Body and interior
Plenty of storage space: 540 liters fit into the Mercedes E-Class.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
The E-Class looks good without being ostentatious. It appealed to those entitled to company cars as well as taxi companies and private customers. There is plenty of space for the occupants and there is no lack of comfort. The workmanship was good. The 4.92 meter long sedan offers plenty of storage space in the trunk (540 liters). The luggage compartment of the 4.95 meter long T-model swallows between 640 and 1820 liters.
In the summer of 2020, the E-Class received a facelift. It can be recognized by its revised front and rear. The interior features a modified steering wheel and other trim parts, and the MBUX infotainment system is included as standard.
Engines and drive
The diesel range started with the E 200 d and 110 kW/150 hp.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
The range of engines was huge and included four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines as well as plug-in hybrids. The entry-level petrol engine was a four-cylinder with 135 kW/184 hp (E 200) and manual transmission. As an alternative to rear-wheel drive, this unit was also available with all-wheel drive (4Matic) and nine-speed automatic. Since 2019, a small 10 kW/14 hp electric motor has supported the E 200, which has grown to 145 kW/197 hp. The E 300 has 180 kW/245 hp (since 2019: 190 kW/258 hp plus 14 hp electric motor), the E 350, available since 2018, has 220 kW/299 hp plus electric support with 14 hp. The plug-in hybrids also come as four-cylinder engines. The 350e initially offered has a system output of 210 kW/286 hp, while the 300e, available since 2018, has an output of 235 kW/320 hp.
The sedan is 4.92 meters long.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Six-cylinder models are the E 400 (245 kW/333 hp), E 450 (270 kW/367 hp, E 43 AMG (295 kW/401 hp) or E 53 AMG (320 kW/435 hp), all of which were delivered with all-wheel drive ex works. All-wheel drive is also on board the V8 AMG versions (E 63: 420 kW/571 hp, E 63 S: 450 kW/612 hp).
The diesel range started with the E 200 d and 110 kW/150 hp (since 2019: 118 kW/160 hp), followed by the 220 d and 220 d 4Matic (143 kW/194 hp) and 300 d (180 kW/245 hp). Since the beginning of 2021, only the all-wheel drive variant of the 300 d has been available, which produces 198 kW/265 hp and is supported by a 15 kW/20 hp electric motor. The diesel plug-in hybrid in the 300 de has a system output of 225 kW/306 hp. Fans of six-cylinder diesel engines will find what they are looking for in the 350 d (190 kW/258 hp, since 2018: 210 kW/286 hp) and 400 d (243 kW/330 hp, since 2018: 250 kW/340 hp). Apart from the basic petrol engine, all engines are coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission ex works.
Equipment and safety
The interior of the Mercedes E-Class is, as usual, of high quality.
(Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
Above the well-equipped basic version, there were three lines for the exterior and interior (Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG Line), which differed significantly in terms of equipment and features. The long list of optional extras also included air suspension, LED lights in the multi-beam version and an 80-litre tank. Many assistants were included as standard, but first-time buyers could also personalise their vehicle here.
Conclusion
Beautiful and solid, and reliable too. The Mercedes E-Class is also impressive as a used car. Around 7,000 used E-Classes of the W 213 type are currently available for sale at mobile.de. Unless you want to buy a decommissioned taxi model with mileage of over 400,000 kilometers (from 7,500 euros), you have to invest a little. Models with less than 200,000 kilometers on the clock are available from 15,000 euros.
