Yahoo Autos 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-class Wagon in Depth: Elite Longroof
Overall Rating:
We think station wagons are inherently better at moving people and stuff than SUVs and crossovers are. They provide a higher level of driving satisfaction, and the Mercedes-Benz E-class wagon is one of our favorites. In addition to its proficiency in cargo hauling, the E-class wagon provides a luxurious cabin in which to pamper its occupants, complete with optional massaging seats, two giant digital display screens, and an available semi-autonomous driving mode. With its twin-turbo V-6 power and standard all-wheel drive, it’s a satisfying partner to bend down a winding country two-lane. What’s more, it’s a 10Best Cars winner for 2018. Although this superb wagon isn’t cheap, it’s worth the coin if you can spare it.
What’s New for 2018?
Only a few minor changes mark the second model year of this E-class wagon generation. The supremely comfortable massaging seats are now offered as a stand-alone option for $1320 rather than being bundled into the more expensive Premium 2 package, although they still require additional packages. Elsewhere in the interior, the center console now sports optional wood-grain trim that matches the trim on the dashboard. A three-zone automatic climate-control system is now optional ($760), as are soft-close doors ($550) and illuminated doorsills ($350). Mercedes-Benz is now offering a Rear Seat Entertainment and Comfort Adapter for $170, which is a convenient way to add a coat hook, folding table, or iPad holder to the back of each of the E-class wagon’s front seats. The $800 Night package adds gloss-black exterior trim, 18-inch wheels with black accents, and a black interior headliner.
What Was New for 2017?
The E-class wagon was all new for 2017, riding high on the success and critical acclaim of the E-class sedan that was introduced earlier that year. Unlike its sedan counterpart, which launched with a turbocharged inline-four, the E-class wagon is powered by a 329-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 and bears the E400 badge proudly on its shapely rear. It also boasts a rear-facing stowable third row of seats (suitable only for children; trust us, we tried it), which is a throwback to station wagons of yore and also a unique feature in this segment.
Trims and Options We’d Choose
We’d check the box for the E400 wagon’s Luxury Line package, which adds plenty of features that help it live up to its name. It technically carries a $0 price but requires the addition of a $500 set of 18-inch wheels, a small price to pay for the following:
• Stitched leatherette dashboard wrap
• Metallic shift paddles
• Classic Mercedes-Benz hood ornament
To that we’d add the optional air suspension for $1900; it provides a smooth ride over rough roads and allows for increased driver involvement through a range of selectable drive modes. All-wheel drive-called 4Matic in the Mercedes vernacular-is standard, so there’s no additional charge for all-season sure-footedness. As equipped, our preferred E400 4Matic wagon would set us back $66,445.
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