Mercedes-Benz E 450 Long-Term Review: The Everyday Luxury Cruiser

By Himanshu Kumar

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Mercedes-Benz E 450 Long-Term Review: The Everyday Luxury Cruiser

Owning a luxury sedan is often about more than just prestige—it’s about how the car integrates into daily life. The Mercedes-Benz E 450, part of the celebrated E-Class lineup, has long been considered the sweet spot between executive comfort and spirited performance. Over several months and thousands of kilometers, the E 450 has been tested in diverse conditions: congested city traffic, long highway stretches, and even rough rural roads. This long-term review highlights how the car performs beyond the showroom gloss.

Design and Comfort

The E 450’s design is understated yet elegant, with the stretched wheelbase making a strong impression. Rear-seat comfort remains a hallmark of the E-Class, offering reclinable seats with ample legroom that passengers consistently appreciate. While the seats are plush, they miss out on features like heating, ventilation, and massage, which some rivals now offer.

Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary. The noise insulation is superb, shutting out the chaos of city streets. The ambient lighting, high-quality materials, and intuitive infotainment system make every journey feel special. Mercedes has struck a balance between modern digital displays and tactile controls, ensuring usability doesn’t suffer.

Performance and Driving Experience

Under the hood, the E 450 packs a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering smooth yet powerful acceleration. Over long-term use, the car consistently impressed with its ability to handle varied road conditions.

  • City driving: The E 450 glides over potholes and speed breakers with ease, making daily commutes less stressful.
  • Highway cruising: On longer drives, the car shines as a true grand tourer. It maintains stability at high speeds, while the suspension absorbs imperfections effortlessly.
  • Handling: Despite its size, the E 450 feels agile. Steering is precise, and the car inspires confidence even on winding roads.

Fuel efficiency is respectable for its class, thanks to the mild-hybrid system, though it’s not a standout feature. What truly sets the E 450 apart is how it makes every drive feel effortless.

Practicality in Daily Life

A luxury car must prove its worth in everyday scenarios, and the E 450 does just that. Owners found themselves reaching for it instinctively, whether for late-night airport runs or weekend getaways. The boot space is generous, easily accommodating luggage for family trips.

The car’s technology suite—driver assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping aids—proved reliable and useful in real-world driving. These features reduce fatigue on long journeys and enhance safety in unpredictable traffic.

Reliability and Ownership Experience

Over thousands of kilometers, the E 450 demonstrated remarkable reliability. No major issues cropped up, and routine servicing was straightforward. Mercedes’ service network in India ensures peace of mind, though maintenance costs are naturally higher than mainstream sedans.

Owners consistently praised the car’s ability to feel fresh even after months of use. Unlike some rivals that lose their charm, the E 450 continues to deliver a sense of occasion every time you step inside.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Exceptional comfort, especially in the rear seats
  • Smooth and powerful engine with mild-hybrid efficiency
  • Superb noise insulation and ride quality
  • Reliable and versatile for both city and highway use

Weaknesses:

  • Missing seat features like ventilation and massage
  • Maintenance costs are on the higher side
  • Fuel efficiency is decent but not class-leading

Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 is more than just a luxury sedan—it’s a dependable partner that blends elegance with practicality. Over long-term use, it consistently impressed with its comfort, performance, and reliability. While it isn’t perfect, the shortcomings are minor compared to the overall package.

For anyone seeking a car that can handle the grind of daily commutes while still delivering the joy of long-distance cruising, the E 450 stands out as a compelling choice. It’s not just a car you drive—it’s a car you look forward to driving.

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