If some reports are to be believed, the newest entries on the endangered species list are the two-door coupe and four-door sedan. However, Mercedes-Benz appears to be among the automakers ignoring the report, revealing that pricing for its full portfolio of E-Class passenger cars starts at $54K.
Not only is the car not an endangered species within the German luxury vehicle maker’s ranks, the E-Class line-up still features the rarest of the low-to-the-ground vehicles: the station wagon!
Mercedes gave the 2021 version a good polishing for the 2021 model year with new and more efficient engines with 48-volt technology, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system and the latest available safety systems. And all of this starts with the 2021 E-Class Sedan for $54,250.
(Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon gets update for 2021.)
The rest of the portfolio includes: E-Class Coupe from $64,950; E-Class Cabriolet from $71,950; and the E-Class All-Terrain (i.e. wagon) is priced from $67,600.
The brand offers AMG variants for all four segments, which start with the AMG E 53 sedan at $73,900 and rise up to $112,450 for the AMG E 63 S wagon.
Mercedes isn’t alone in continuing to offer cars as BMW, Audi and most other luxury makers have them at least sprinkled across their produce range. Some companies, such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Kia, have espoused their commitment to the “car,” in quotes because it almost seems like a four-letter word to some these days.
That said, trucks and sport-utilities comprise about two-thirds of all new vehicle sales with utes accounting for more than half in the U.S. And while coupes and sedans aren’t quite as rare as manual transmissions, the public has spoken loudly enough that the Detroit Three automakers – General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler – have basically ejected them from their product plans, save sport and muscle car offerings from each of the three.
The segment still accounts for more than 4 million vehicles annually in the U.S. so investing in updated sedans, and selling them here is still a sound business case for many vehicle makers.
(Mercedes pulls the wraps off 2021 E-Class coupe and cabriolet.)
Mercedes offers a substantive refresh for the 2021 E-Class including a revised exterior with redesigned headlamps and taillamps, radiator grille and bumper, and even more comfort and technology.
On the inside, it gets a 12.3-inch dual widescreen display and newly developed steering wheel with capacitive sensor technology and hands-off detection that eases the operation of semi-autonomous driving when equipped with the available driver assistance systems. The redesign also boasts new upholstery, trim, paint and wheel options, according to Mercedes.
While the luxury appointments on the E-Class are critical, what’s under the hood is equally important. The powertrain in the E 450 and E 450 4Matic models has also been electrified with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG), EQ Boost, and a 48-volt onboard electrical system, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.
The inline 6 puts out 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the electrical boost adding up to 21 hp and as much as 184 lb-ft of torque reinforces the sporty character of the E 450 models, ensuring the driving enjoyment is even more pronounced, Mercedes officials say.
On the AMG front, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S sedan and wagon get a new design, improved aerodynamics and updated interior. The restyled front section features a larger central air-cooling inlet, while also newly incorporating the distinctive AMG-specific radiator grille, with vertical slats and a larger central star. Newly redesigned, flatter, all-LED headlamps enhance the more dynamic exterior appearance. The iconic Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine remains, producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque.
(Mercedes rolls out major E-Class update for new sedan.)
The newly revised 2021 models will hit U.S. showrooms late in 2020.
