Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale: everything you need to know
Mercedes-Benz launched an all-new E-Class in 2023, but the model that preceded it makes a fantastic used buy, lacking very little in terms of performance, refinement, equipment or comfort to the model that replaced it, yet depreciating enough to put it within closer reach than you might have expected for a car with the three-pointed star up front.
Aside from the larger and even more luxurious S-Class, the E-Class pretty much defines Mercedes, with a lineage stretching back to the 1950s and a reputation across much of the intervening period for unburstable quality and reliability. We don’t know how many decades the latest models will last, but in the here and now they’re some of the best executive saloons available - and the Mercedes image is hard to beat.
Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The Mercedes E-Class is almost the default choice in the executive car class, and for good reason. It’s often described as being like a scaled-down S-Class - the implication being that while BMW’s core model might be the 3 Series, and larger models take their cues from its sporty driving characteristics, all Mercedes, and the E-Class especially, are inspired by the all-conquering luxury S-Class.
So E-Class strong points include technology, equipment, space, and comfort, and the general ambience of the car is very much like its larger sibling. Exterior styling is similar, and when you step inside, you’re presented with an expansive dashboard with flash-looking instrument and infotainment screens, and a real sense of quality.
The cabin is definitely built to accommodate taller people - to the extent that shorter drivers might even feel a little like a kid driving their parents’ car. The driving position is excellent though, and in terms of luggage space the boot is also a good size, especially in estate versions - though plug-in models get less volume, with a battery taking up some of the space underneath.
Engine choice is as expansive as the cabin. Four, six, and eight-cylinder powerplants are available (the latter only in the AMG E 63 range-topper), and easy-going performance and excellent refinement are both two more of the E’s strengths. As is fuel economy, especially in the diesels, while all engines seem to stand the test of time - we can’t promise the E-Class will go on for as long as some of its legendarily reliable predecessors, but it shouldn’t cause too many issues either if the car has been looked after. An Audi A6 feels even better built, and a BMW 5 Series offers a sportier drive, but the E-Class remains one of the best executive cars, new or used, that you can buy.
What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz E-Class model to buy?
As has long been the case with the E-Class, it’s the diesel models that make the most sense for used buyers who want to keep running costs at a reasonable level. They perform well, don’t use much fuel, and are very smooth and refined - even the four-cylinder engines, though for real pace and even better refinement, the E 300 d with its inline-six engine is hard to beat. All versions are well equipped, so trim line choices come down to personal preference and how much you’re prepared to pay. If you have real money to burn, then the draw of the AMGs is strong - the E 53 is a fast, refined cruiser, while the E 63 is a proper German muscle car.
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class fuel economy and performance
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 220 d: The E-Class range starts with a 2-litre, four-cylinder diesel with 200PS, attached to a 20PS mild-hybrid motor. 0-62mph comes up in 7.4 seconds and combined economy is up to 57.7mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 d 4Matic: Mercedes turns the same 2-litre diesel up to 265PS for the all-wheel drive E 300 d, for a 6.3-second 0-62mph time and 48.7mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 de: Models with ‘e’ in the name are plug-in hybrids, with the 300 de getting 306PS of combined power, and 34 miles of electric range. 0-62mph arrives in 5.9 seconds, and plug-in assisted economy is 217.3mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 400 d 4Matic: The first here with six cylinders, the 3-litre diesel gets 330PS, and 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds. Combined economy is 42.2mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 200: The petrol E 200 gets a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder for 197PS and 7.4 seconds over the 0-62mph run. Mercedes quotes 39.2mpg combined.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 e: Much like its diesel counterpart, the E 300 e uses another 2-litre engine and gets plug-in electric assistance, for 320PS, and 35 miles of EV range. 0-62mph drops to 5.8 seconds, while combined consumption is 188.3mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 450 4Matic: With a 3-litre turbocharged inline six petrol engine, the E450 produces 367PS, for a brisk 0-62mph time of five seconds flat. Economy is reasonable for the power, at 31.4mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 53 4Matic+: The first of two AMGs pairs the 3-litre six-cylinder with mild hybrid tech, for 435PS. 0-62mph arrives in only 4.5 seconds, while economy just lags the E 450, at 30.4mpg.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 63 S 4Matic+: The only V8 model in the range, the E 63 PS uses a twin-turbo 4-litre V8, making 612PS. The 0-62mph sprint takes only 3.4 seconds, and with a light foot Mercedes claims 23.3mpg combined economy.
What used Mercedes-Benz E-Class trim levels are available?
We’re focusing on pre-2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Classes here as they’re most plentiful on the used market, so the trim levels below are a selection of what you’ll find when shopping. As the previous generation model was launched in 2016, the list below is by no means comprehensive, and earlier models may also have a different level of specification (not to mention any option boxes the original buyer ticked) - but this should give you an idea of what to expect.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line starts the range with 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and AMG body styling, an AMG-style grille, LED headlights, privacy glass, heated front seats, and a pair of 10.25-inch displays.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line Premium adds just a few more features, with keyless go, a different alloy wheel option, and a 360-degree parking camera.
- Mercedes-Benz E-class AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus is largely a styling package for the AMG Line Premium, with hybrid models getting an 18-inch wheel design and non-hybrids a 20-inch option. Both get gloss black exterior detailing, a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester sound system, and grey rather than black open-pore ash wood trim.
- Mercedes-AMG E 53 Night Edition Premium Plus packs AMG Ride Control air suspension, 20-inch wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, AMG interior and exterior fittings, carbonfibre trim, and a Burmester sound system.
- Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Night Edition Premium Plus builds on the E 53’s AMG-themed trim with an electronically-controlled limited slip differential, 20-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels, and Nappa leather dash trim.
- Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Final Edition upgrades to polished 20-inch cross-spoke wheels, an exterior carbonfibre package, AMG performance seats, and Final Edition badges matched with yellow contrast trim.
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class dimensions and boot size
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s dimensions are:
- Length: 4940mm (saloon), 4952mm (estate)
- AMG 53 length: 4953mm (saloon), 4965mm (estate)
- AMG 63 length: 4984mm (saloon), 4996mm (estate)
- Width: 1907mm (without mirrors), 2065mm (with mirrors)
- AMG 63 width: 1852mm (without mirrors), 2065mm (with mirrors)
- Height: 1460mm (saloon), 1463mm (estate)
- AMG 53 height: 1447mm (saloon), 1461mm (estate)
- AMG 63 height: 1460mm (saloon), 1474mm (estate)
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s boot space is:
- 540 litres (saloon, 370 litres plug-in models)
- 640 litres (estate, 480 litres plug-in models)
- 1820 litres (estate seats folded, 1660 litres plug-in models)
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class road tax
As you’d probably expect from an executive car from Mercedes, the E-Class wasn’t especially cheap when it was new, and this has an impact on VED rates, thanks to the government’s tax surcharge for vehicles that cost over £40,000. For models registered between April 2017 and today, you’ll currently pay £600 per year in tax, or £590 for hybrid versions. When the car reaches its seventh birthday, the tax rate drops down to a lower level, with no surcharge.
How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
At the bottom of the E-Class range, an E 200 or E 220 d in AMG Line trim starts in group 36 as a saloon. The E 200 Estate comes in at group 35, though the E 220 d Estate rises to group 41. The rest of the range gets higher still, with an E 53 starting at group 43, and the E 63 from group 49.
