Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale: everything you need to know

Launched in 2016, the fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class has just been superseded by a new sixth-generation model in 2023, but that doesn’t mean it’s old-hat - and it remains one of the best options available to buyers looking for a well-built, technologically advanced, and fine-driving executive saloon or estate.

The E-Class is one of Mercedes’ core model lines. It’s been badged as such since 1993, but in reality the line can be traced all the way back to 1953 - and this experience in making upmarket saloons means Mercedes-Benz often does its best work with the E-Class. It might not be the sportiest model in its class (though in the AMG models, there aren’t many that top it on performance), but for space, comfort and quality, it has enduring appeal.

Rivals come in the shape of key German models like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, while the Lexus ES is an offbeat alternative that majors on hybrid technology and comfort. You may also consider the Tesla Model S an E-Class rival, if you’re looking to make the switch to electric power.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

If BMW’s strategy with the 5 Series has been to always offer 3 Series style dynamics in a larger, more cosseting package, then with the E-Class, Mercedes has typically condensed lessons from the luxury S-Class into a smaller form. What you might lose in the corners to the BMW, the E-Class has often made up for in terms of technology, equipment, and comfort.

In both its styling and from the first time you step into the cabin of the 2016-2022 E-Class, you’ll certainly get the feeling of interacting with a shrunken S-Class. From its smooth, wide dashboard with prominent instrument and infotainment screens, to its airy, expansive cabin, the E-Class definitely feels sophisticated and expensive.

Mercedes offered a huge range of engines too, covering everything from basic four-cylinder petrols and diesels, to the mighty twin-turbo V8 of the E 63 S. With this generation E-Class, Mercedes also reintroduced inline-six engines to the range, after several years of V6s - and the petrol-powered E 450 and diesel E 400 d do justice to the layout with smooth, refined, and ample performance. The basic diesel meanwhile is incredibly frugal, which is why it’s become a favourite with company users and upmarket private-hire firms. It might not be the most prestigious model in the range, but with the same levels of comfort as any other E-Class, it doesn’t punish you for choosing lower running costs.

The interior has a luxurious feel. All models get a pair of display screens, one showing the driver’s instrumentation and another serving as the hub for MBUX, Mercedes’ infotainment system. It’s roomy front and rear and there’s a big boot too, growing further with the desirable Estate models, but taking a bit of a hit on luggage space in the plug-in variants, thanks to the batteries stored underneath it.

All E-Classes are good to drive, though they aren’t quite as sharp or involving as the equivalent BMW 5 Series. You’ll find better build quality meanwhile in the Audi A6, and the performance variants of both the BMW and Audi are pretty formidable too. Still, that three-pointed star motif remains one of the most desirable badges on the road, and the E-Class absolutely does it justice.

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What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz E-Class model to buy?

In pure desirability terms, the E-Class doesn’t come much better than the true AMG models. The straight-six E 53 is an appealing machine but the V8-powered E 63 is the kind of vehicle that appears in a lot of enthusiasts’ lottery garages - and the E 63 especially is a mighty machine on the road.

For more everyday use and with practical considerations like running costs in mind, it’s difficult to beat the diesel models. Mercedes-Benz was one of the pioneers of diesel technology and it has fielded E-Class models powered by diesel for decades. The latest ones, even in 2-litre form, are smooth and quiet, and very frugal indeed for this size of car. That’s even more the case for the plug-in E 300 de. And if ultimate refinement is your goal, without sacrificing economy, the smooth-spinning six-cylinder E 400 d is hard to beat.

Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 220 d: The entry-level diesel uses a 2-litre inline four-cylinder engine making 200PS with 20PS of mild-hybrid assistance. Performance is actually pretty good, with a 7.4-second 0-62mph time, and combined economy is up to 57.7mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 d 4Matic: Available in all-wheel drive only, the E 300 d is effectively a more powerful version of the same 2-litre engine, making 265PS (and also getting 20PS of electric assistance). 0-62mph takes 6.3 seconds, and up to 48.7mpg is claimed.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 de: Plug-in hybrid technology takes the 2-litre diesel to 306PS of combined power, good for 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. Mercedes claims up to 217.3mpg, provided you make the most of the 34 miles of electric range available on a charge.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 400 d 4Matic: A 3-litre, inline six-cylinder diesel gives the E 400 d a useful 330PS to play with, and combined with standard all-wheel drive, it’ll reach 62mph from rest in 5.1 seconds. Combined economy of 42.2mpg means it’s frugal too.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 200: The petrol E 200 makes use of a 2-litre inline four, with 197PS and an E 220 d-matching 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds. Combined economy of 39.2mpg isn’t bad at all for a small engine in a large car.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 300 e: The E 300 e is a plug-in hybrid version of the E 200’s four-cylinder petrol. Combined system output is 320PS, it’ll do up to 35 miles on EV power before the engine kicks in, and performance and economy are both good: 5.8 seconds from 0-62mph, and 188.3mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 450 4Matic: Mercedes reintroduced straight-six engines a few years back, and the E 450’s smooth unit makes a healthy 367PS, for a five-second 0-62mph time. Mercedes says it’ll return up to 31.4mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 53 4Matic+: The first of the AMG models uses Mercedes’ 3-litre inline six petrol and mild hybrid tech, for 435PS (with a 22PS helping hand from the electric motor). 0-62mph comes up in 4.5 seconds, and economy is 30.4mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 63 S 4Matic+: The 63 is a mighty range-topper, with 612PS from a twin-turbo 4-litre V8, and 0-62mph in a supercar-style 3.4 seconds. It’s thirsty at 23.3mpg, but you probably won’t care given the noise it makes…

What used Mercedes-Benz E-Class trim levels are available?

Mercedes-Benz launched a new E-class in 2023 but with so few on the used market just yet, the trim levels below focus on the outgoing model which is more prevalent. The E-class has been offered in several grades over the years but the most recent variants were all effectively different takes on the sporty AMG Line trim, which features some inspiration from the high-performance AMG models that sat above them.

• Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line is the well-equipped entry-level model of the outgoing E-class range. Standard equipment included 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and AMG body styling, as well as an AMG-style grille. All models got LED headlights, privacy glass, heated front seats, and a pair of 10.25-inch displays, one for the driver and another for the MBUX infotainment system.
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG Line Premium gets only a few features over and above the regular AMG Line, including standard keyless go, a different alloy wheel option, and a 360-degree camera function for making parking just a little easier.
• Mercedes-Benz E-class AMG Line Night Edition Premium Plus is a mouthful to say, but amounts largely to a styling package. Hybrid models get one 18-inch wheel design while non-hybrids get a different 20-inch style. There are some gloss black exterior details and a panoramic sunroof, and inside there’s a Burmester sound system and grey rather than black open-pore ash wood trim.
• Mercedes-AMG E 53 Night Edition Premium Plus is where the proper AMG range started, with standard kit including 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 featured its own range of AMG-standard equipment, adding an electronically-controlled limited slip differential, 20-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels, and Nappa leather dash trim.
• Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Final Edition received polished 20-inch cross-spoke wheels, an exterior carbonfibre package, AMG performance seats, and a smattering of Final Edition badges and 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

With the majority of Mercedes-Benz E-class models costing over £40,000 brand new, most will be subject to VED or ‘road tax’ rates from the second to sixth years of registration of the premium rate of £570 per year (for standard petrol and diesels), or £10 less for mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz E-Class?

According to Mercedes, a basic E 200 or E 220 d in AMG Line trim starts in group 36 for insurance in saloon form, with an E 200 Estate actually one group lower (while confusingly, an E 220 d Estate sits in group 41). This rises to group 43 for an E 53, while an E 63 saloon is group 49 and the estate in group 50.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review