Performance and Driving Impressions

From Car and Driver

Performance and Driving Impressions Rating:

The E-class wagon offers effortless power and speed that belies its practical, family-oriented appearance. Ride and handling prioritize comfort and luxury over playfulness, but the Benz never feels unsettled by aggressive driving.

What’s New for 2018?

For 2018, the E400 wagon will continue to blend comfort and confidence in a way that few cars can. There are no changes to its suspension, brakes, or powertrain, so buyers of 2018 models can count on performance that matches that of the 2017 model we tested in the illustrations below.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E-class Wagon

Acceleration

Longtime readers know that we here at Car and Driver love station wagons. We especially love hot wagons, and the E400 4Matic we tested laid down a spicy 5.1-second zero-to-60-mph time on our test track, beating all comers in this matchup. Mercedes also offers a high-performance AMG variant, the E63, that makes up to 603 horsepower (reviewed separately); its performance-oriented character and six-figure price won’t appeal to everyone, but if you’re an enthusiast like us, it’s worth a look.

Test Results: Acceleration

Ride, Handling, and Steering

Whether tackling crumbling side streets or eating up highway miles, the E-class wagon delivers an agreeable ride and allows very few impacts to disturb occupants. If you opt for the adjustable air suspension, the ride becomes even more placid, particularly when set in the luxurious Comfort mode. In normal driving, the E-class wagon drifts along but never feels sloppy or nautical in its body motions. More fun can be dialed in with the use of the Sport and Sport+ drive modes, but handling never reaches the athletic levels of its AMG E63 counterpart.

Test Results: Maximum Cornering Capability

Braking

The E-class wagon’s firm brake pedal and robust brakes provide confident stopping power. The big Benz provided the second-shortest stopping distance in our testing, being beaten by the smaller and lighter Audi A4 Allroad by a mere four feet.

Test Results: Maximum Braking Capability

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