A Week With: 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic

Electric vehicles are the future. But some key elements of the automotive culture, such as the big, powerful, luxury sedan, are too ingrained and too powerful to die even as change sweeps across the industry.

Despite SUVs taking up more space in showrooms and on dealer lots, the luxury sedan still holds a special place in the hearts of automotive buffs and Mercedes-Benz has always been one carmakers penchant for building luxury sedans as they have continuously evolved over more than a century.

Overview

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic Sedan is one of the heirs to this rich tradition and once you have taken a seat behind the wheel you realize why it is unlikely to fade away any time soon. From the sleek exterior to the well-appointed cabin, with a full array of convenience features and technology, it has an imposing presence and commanding stature.  

Part of the tradition of luxury sedans involves power and the E 450, which is equipped with a turbocharged, in-line 6-cylinder engine with a boost from the battery of mild-hybrid, has more than enough for ample performance, which is enhanced by the vehicles impressive driving dynamics and taut suspension.

Exterior

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 with its graceful exterior lines presents a cool, classic profile to the world. Its long hood sweeps up through the windshield to a long roof and tailored rear section. It also has unique grille with its transformed with a broad array of bright circles that create an impressive front. 

The three-pointed star hood ornament has been retired in favor of a bold, three-pointed star emblem that seems suspended from two silver strands on the thousand-points of light grille. There is also a crisp character line down the side of vehicle, which underscores Mercedes long tradition of bending metal into sophisticated designs.

Interior

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz E 450 is a blend of first-rate materials and excellent design, which creates a relaxed environment for the driver and for any passengers. The materials include wood veneer, which is used throughout the cabin, including the interior of the doors, which is nicely matched both on the doors and on the center console. 

There is also a judicious use of bright work as accents throughout the cabin and leather in strategic. The technology also is nicely integrated into the cabin. I am not a fan of touch pad type controls for navigation and entertainment, but the system, while it seems a bit cumbersome — dare we say over engineered — but does work. Visibility from the driver’s seat is also excellent. True to its luxury sedan heritage the E 450 has a spacious back seat and also comes with 19-inch wheels.

Powertrain

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E450 4Matic is powered by 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is matched by 9-speed automatic transmission with 4Matic All-Wheel-Drive and stop-start feature with a mild-hybrid. 

The system produces 362-horsepower and 360-foot pounds of torque. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the Mercedes-Benz 450 a combined fuel-economy rating of 25 miles per gallon, including 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Safety and Technology

For 2022, the Mercedes-Benz E 450 is equipped with advanced air bag system, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system. It also electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes and crosswind stabilization. The driver assistance features include blind-spot assistance, active lane change assistance, active emergency stopping, cross-traffic alert and an acoustic comfort package. There also is a surround-view camera system. 

There is also a 12.3-inch screen in the center stack for entertainment and navigation as well as 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster equipped with the MB user experience. The E 450 also is equipped with the voice controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth Connectivity as well as steering-wheel controls and inductive wireless charging. The model I drove also was equipped with active parking system.

Driving Impressions

For a big, traditional sedan, the E 450 possesses impressive driving dynamics with terrific ride and handling. The steering is impressive, the brakes are first rate, and the suspension is taut and well-fortified, performing well on all kinds of road surfaces. 

The E 450 also enjoys ample horsepower made all the more impressive courtesy of a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmissions shifts are tracked on the shift selector. The driver has a sensation of being in complete control at their fingertips with plenty of power and stability at his disposal when it is needed.

2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic sedan specifications

Wrap Up

For me, driving a big, powerful sedan, like the E 450, is one of the distinct pleasures of motoring. They are pleasure and also a pleasure for passengers. The E 450 did not disappoint. If you are in the market for a large, powerful sedan built for status and comfort with the latest technology, you really can’t go wrong with the E 450 if the traditional styling appeals to you. 

The Mercedes-Benz also still carries an awful lot of weight in elite and now so elite company. In addition, the $73,350 manufacturer’s suggested retail price actually seem downright affordable these days since price of the typical vehicle sold in the United States is now approaching $50,000.

2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic sedan — Frequently Asked Questions