The winner of the 2025 MotorTrend Car of the Year award may not be the flashiest option, nor is it a high-performance sports sedan or a highly anticipated revival of a classic. Instead, it’s a model that has been refined over decades, always evolving in meaningful ways—more comfortable, more efficient, and more luxurious without being excessive. It’s the kind of car that feels effortlessly premium, designed to meet needs rather than seek attention.
The winner of this year’s Golden Calipers is the 10th-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which might just be the best midsize luxury car of the 21st century.
Evolutionary Design
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long occupied a space between the more luxurious S-Class and the more affordable C-Class, often blending elements of both. However, the 2024 E-Class breaks free from this blend, standing as a distinct and refined vehicle in its own right.
Whether it’s the sedan, the wagon, or the crossover-inspired E450 All-Terrain, the 2024 E-Class is designed with understated elegance. According to guest judge and automotive engineer Chris Theodore, the car’s side profile is both “simple yet elegant” without any flashiness. Subtle lines near the front and rear fenders evoke the classic Mercedes Gullwing, elongating the car’s silhouette.
The wagon, while based on the same platform as the sedan, has a more dynamic appearance thanks to its rear window shape. The car’s new front and rear design details give it a modern edge, with sculpted headlights and a sleek light bar running across the rear, unifying the design.
Inside, the E-Class offers a luxurious, cohesive cabin. The new digital instrument cluster and optional “Superscreen” are both striking and seamlessly integrated into the interior. Thoughtful design choices like the floating door pulls and streamlined air vents create an airy atmosphere, while the improved sound insulation makes the cabin exceptionally quiet, perfect for long drives.
A Perfect Balance of Practicality and Comfort
Mercedes-Benz has always focused on making the E-Class more efficient and practical, and the 2024 version is no different. The car’s center console now includes a hidden wireless charging area, and the foldaway cupholders optimize storage space. Rear passengers also enjoy more space, and the sedan and wagon versions offer more cargo room than their predecessors.
By separating the coupe and convertible models into a new CLE-Class, Mercedes has allowed the E-Class to focus on refining the sedan and wagon variants, improving them in all aspects.
The 2024 E-Class has a longer wheelbase for better ride stability, while the suspension system isolates the cabin from road vibrations. Mercedes also offers its refined AirMatic air suspension for an even smoother ride. The addition of four-wheel steering for the sedan reduces its turning circle and makes it more nimble in tight spaces.
Impressive Powertrains and Fuel Efficiency
The 2024 E-Class features a more efficient powertrain lineup. The E350 sedan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid motor, generating 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The E450 sedan and All-Terrain variants feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Both models now feature hybrid assistance for improved efficiency and smoother performance.
Despite its power, the E-Class doesn’t compromise on fuel efficiency. The E350 sedan boasts an EPA rating of 25/33/28 mpg city/highway/combined, while the E450 variants achieve 22/31/25 mpg. Even with aggressive driving, the E450 manages to maintain excellent fuel economy.
Tech-Savvy and Future-Proof
The 2024 E-Class comes with the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, offering faster response times, smarter features, and the ability to update over the air. The system also introduces intelligent recommendations and driver-specific routines that make the car smarter the more it’s driven.
Although some judges noted the reduction of physical buttons in favor of touch controls, the system’s intuitive design and integration with apps like TikTok, YouTube, and Zoom help make it a versatile choice for tech enthusiasts.
Performance and Safety
The E-Class excels in both performance and refinement. The turbocharged engines offer smooth acceleration, while the car’s suspension isolates passengers from road noise, making the ride serene even on longer journeys. While not a performance sports sedan, the E-Class is fast and comfortable, with excellent handling that balances stability and comfort.
The E-Class’s four-wheel steering system improves maneuverability in urban environments, while the All-Terrain model offers enhanced off-road capabilities with its higher ride height and off-road mode, making it well-suited for light adventures.
Mercedes also offers an advanced Driver Assistance package, which includes semi-autonomous features like lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic lane changes. These features reduce fatigue and enhance safety, making the E-Class an excellent choice for long-distance driving.
Value and Final Thoughts
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is undeniably a premium vehicle, and its price reflects that. The E350 starts at $63,600, while the E450 variants are priced from $72,000 to $77,250. While these prices may be higher than those of the Audi A6 or BMW 5 Series, the E-Class sets itself apart with its refined design, smooth performance, and top-tier technology.
The 2024 E-Class may not be the flashiest car of the year, but it represents the kind of quiet luxury that defines true automotive excellence. With its blend of thoughtful design, impressive performance, and advanced technology, it’s easy to see why the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has earned the 2025 MotorTrend Car of the Year award.
