2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Pros vs Cons

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive luxury cars, introduced in 1993. Slightly roomier than a large family car, a vehicle from this class is sure to impress. The following information offers a brief overview of the many advantages offered by the Mercedes E-Class.

The 2015 models have received a slight face-lift over the 2014 models. The hood is slightly shorter and the rear sits higher from the ground. In all other respects, the two versions are identical.

The 2015 E350 offers a mileage of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The V6 engine and 7-speed shiftable automatic transmission make for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Ten Reasons To Buy A 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - The Pros

1. Sporty Appearance

The 2015 E-Class has lost some of its distinctively German look with its newest facelift. The edges of the E350 have been smoothed and rounded, creating the sharper look of a sports car.

2. Easy Handling

The 2015 E-Class handles effortlessly in both on-road and off-road conditions. The direct-injected V6 engine delivers 302 horsepower and 273 LB-FT of torque, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. The specialized "Direct Steer" system engages electric steering to help the driver make the most of the driving experience. The car responds promptly to the slightest turn of the steering wheel, giving you full control of the car when you need it most.

3. Generous Spacing

The two front seats offer deep foot wells and plenty of headroom—even with the sunroof that now comes standard with the 2015 E-Class. While the majority of these cars sold in the United States come with leather interiors, synthetic materials are also an option. Additionally, Mercedes offers adaptive seats with inflatable air bladders to make the ride as comfortable as it can be. Two passengers fit comfortably in the back of the vehicle with room for baggage; three fit with no room to spare. This spacing is as good as spacing in the Acura RLX, the main competitor of the Mercedes E-Class.

4. Safety

The vehicles in the E-Class are among the safest on the road. These cars come with eleven airbags, including a specialized driver-side knee airbag. Side airbags are also available for the rear passengers, as well as parking sensors and a rearview camera.

An additional new feature is Attention Assist. This breakthrough in technology will monitor multiple inputs - including steering wheel activity to gauge driver responsiveness - and will suggest a coffee stop when it senses diminished driver alertness.

Additional features of this package include blind spot monitors, automatic headlamps, adaptive cruise control and night vision cameras. The front-mounted stereo camera system is capable of 3D imaging of road obstructions and other vehicles to distances of 55 yards.

By engaging the lane-keeping assist feature in conjunction with cruise control, the E-Class has the ability to steer itself in the same path as the vehicle in front of it. With this feature, the E-Class comes closer to autonomous driving than any other car on the road today. In contrast to the Mercedes E-Class, the Acura RLX does not use advanced camera imagery.

5. Multiple Luxury Features

The standard-issue E-Class feature package includes cruise control, power windows, locks and mirrors, ambient lighting, power front seats, rain-sensing wipers, tilt or telescoping steering, dual-zone climate control and an AM/FM/CD/DVD player. The mbrace connectivity suite integrates streaming audio and other specialized features.

Other package options include:

• A surround-sound system

• Satellite radio

• A navigation system

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Parking Assist

• Lane Tracking

• Distronic radar cruise with steering

6. Pricing

While the pricing of the E-Class is slightly higher than the average luxury car, at approximately $56,000, the interior and exterior features more than make up for the expense.

7. Automatic Braking

The amusing TV commercial, "Sorry," depicts what may be one of the most important safety features of the Mercedes E-Class. The Forward Collision warning system enlists the aid of cameras and radar to search the roadway for obstacles. If the driver does not see danger up ahead, the vehicle will issue a visual or vocal prompt. If a collision is imminent, BAS Plus emergency braking will kick in, bringing the vehicle to a complete stop before the driver even knows what happened.

8. A Wide Variety Of Options

There are a wide variety of styles available in the E-Class. You have the option of purchasing a convertible, a coupe, a sedan or a wagon. All of these styles come with the standard E-Class luxury package; making it a cinch to find the vehicle that matches your desires.

9. Heated Steering Wheel

For those who suffer in cold weather, a Mercedes E-Class may be the perfect fit. The heated steering wheel, available with most models, keeps the hands comfortable while out on the road.

10. Rear Seat TV

The E-Class features a back seat TV that the average family appreciates: rear televisions help children to remain calm and engaged during lengthy car trips.

Reasons You May Not Want To Buy A Mercedes E-Class - The Cons

1. Very Technologically Advanced

While the younger generation loves modern technology, older people, especially senior citizens, prefer the old-fashioned approach. Buttons are virtually non-existent in the 2015 E-Class, having been replaced with a touchscreen.

2. Greater Margin Of Error

All the cool technology incorporated into the E-Class is great while it lasts. But there are drawbacks to consider. For example, the cameras or radar may fail while you are navigating a curve. Because you are accustomed to the technologically-advanced cameras handling this type of situation, your steering response may overcompensate and cause a serious accident.

This is a possible reason not to purchase a luxury vehicle with heavily integrated technological features.

3. Relatively Small Spacing

If you plan to frequently transport either a large family or more than three passengers, you may wish to consider a larger vehicle. The E-Class Sedan comfortably holds four people.

While there are several major drawbacks to the E-Class, these are greatly outweighed by the benefits. The 2015 Mercedes E-Class continues to live up to the high luxury standards it has always followed.