I have been a fan of Mercedes-Benz for a long time. They usually know how to make a car feel special. But the new 2026 Mercedes E-Class is different. It is not just a luxury car anymore. It is a rolling computer.
I spent a week with the new E-Class to see if all this new technology is actually good, or if it is just annoying. This car sits right in the middle of the Mercedes family. It is bigger than the C-Class but smaller than the S-Class. For many people, this is the “perfect” size.
Here is my honest review for regular people who want a comfortable daily driver.
Quick Spec Table
Here is the data for the E 350 and E 450.
| Feature | E 350 Specs | E 450 Specs |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | ~6.1 seconds | ~4.4 seconds |
| MPG (Est.) | 24 City / 33 Hwy | 22 City / 31 Hwy |
| Drivetrain | AWD (4MATIC) | AWD (4MATIC) |
| Screen Size | 14.4″ Center + 12.3″ Driver | Same (Superscreen Optional) |
| Price | Starts ~$65,150 | Starts ~$73,550 |
Exterior Design: Traditional but Modern
The 2026 E-Class looks very handsome. It does not look weird like the electric EQE sedan. It looks like a proper Mercedes.
The Front
The front grill is big. It has a black panel around it that connects to the headlights. This makes it look a bit like the electric cars, but it still has a gas engine. My test car had the “Illuminated Grille.” At night, the outline of the grill lights up. It looks very cool, but some people might think it is too flashy.
The Back
The coolest part is the taillights. Inside the red lights, there are two glowing Mercedes stars on each side. It is a nice touch. When you brake, the person behind you sees stars.
The Door Handles
The door handles are flush with the body. When you walk up to the car with the key in your pocket, they pop out automatically. It feels very expensive.
Interior: Welcome to the Future
This is where the E-Class blows everyone else away. The interior is incredible.
The Superscreen
You can get an option called the “MBUX Superscreen.” It is essentially a wall of glass that covers the dashboard. It has three screens:
- A screen for the driver (speed, gas, etc.).
- A huge screen in the middle for maps and music.
- A third screen just for the passenger!
My wife loved the passenger screen. She could watch YouTube videos or play games while I was driving. The car has a special filter so I could not see her screen from the driver seat. It prevents distraction.
Also Read My Real World Review of the 2026 Mercedes GLE: The Big Boss of Family SUVs
The Selfie Camera
Yes, this car has a selfie camera on the dashboard. When you are parked, you can take photos or join a Zoom meeting for work. I tried it, and the quality was surprisingly good. You can even record TikTok videos if you are into that.
The Comfort
The seats are amazing. They are soft and supportive. The “Active Ambient Lighting” is also crazy. If you play fast music, the lights on the doors pulse to the beat. It is a fun party trick.
The Vents
There is one thing I hated. The air vents are digital. You cannot move them with your hand. You have to go into the touchscreen menu to aim the air at your face. This is over-engineering. It is annoying to do while driving.
Driving Impressions: Smooth Sailing
I drove two versions of the car: the E 350 and the E 450.
The E 350 (4-Cylinder)
This is the base model. It has a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 255 horsepower. It is fine for daily driving. It has enough power to pass cars on the highway. However, when you step hard on the gas, the engine sounds a bit loud and scratchy. It does not sound like a luxury car engine.
The E 450 (6-Cylinder)
This is the one you should buy if you can afford it. It has a 3.0-liter turbo inline-6 with 375 horsepower. It is silky smooth. You barely hear it running. It feels much faster and more effortless. It fits the personality of the car better.
The Ride
The ride quality is fantastic. My car had the optional AIRMATIC suspension. It uses air bags instead of metal springs. It floats over potholes. You don’t feel bumps. It is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven.
Also, my car had Rear-Wheel Steering. The back wheels can turn a little bit. This makes the car turn very sharply in parking lots. It feels like driving a small Honda Civic when you are parking.
Technology: It Learns Your Life
The car has a new feature called “Routines.” The car uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to learn what you do.
For example, if you always turn on the heated seat and tune to a news station at 7 AM, the car will eventually suggest doing it for you automatically.
The voice assistant is also smarter. You don’t always have to say “Hey Mercedes” anymore. If you are alone in the car, you can just say “Turn on the radio,” and it does it.
Practicality: Good for Families
The E-Class is a big sedan.
Back Seat: There is plenty of legroom. Two tall adults can sit in the back comfortably. The center tunnel is big, so the middle seat is only for small kids.
Trunk: The trunk is big enough for golf clubs or a few suitcases. The rear seats fold down if you need to carry long items from Home Depot.
Reliability and Issues
Since this is a brand new car with a lot of tech, there are some risks.
- Screen Glitches: Sometimes the big screens might freeze or need a restart.
- Driver Monitor: The car has cameras looking at your eyes. If you look at the passenger screen for too long, it beeps at you. It can be a little sensitive.
- Electrical Gremlins: With so many sensors and cameras, electronic issues are the most common complaint.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 E-Class is expensive.
- Premium Trim: This is the base. It has the standard screens (no Superscreen) and nice features. Starts around $65,150.
- Pinnacle Trim: This adds the fancy “Selfie Camera,” the illuminated grille, and better headlights. It costs about $68,000+.
The Superscreen is usually a standalone option or part of a big package. It costs about $1,500 extra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the Superscreen worth the money?
A: Only if you have a passenger often. If you drive alone mostly, the passenger screen is just a black piece of glass. It looks cool, but you won’t use it.
Q: Does it have a spare tire?
A: No. It uses Run-Flat tires. If you get a flat, you have to drive to a shop. There is no jack or spare in the trunk.
Q: Is the E 350 underpowered?
A: No, it is fast enough. But it is noisy. The E 450 is much smoother and quieter. In a luxury car, quiet is important.
Q: Can I watch Netflix while driving?
A: The passenger can, but the driver cannot. The screen dims so the driver can’t see the movie. It is a safety feature.
Final Verdict
Is the 2026 Mercedes E-Class worth buying?
Yes.
It is the smartest and most comfortable mid-size sedan you can buy right now. It makes the BMW 5 Series feel a little boring. The interior is a masterpiece of technology.
However, I strongly recommend getting the E 450 model if you can. The 6-cylinder engine matches the luxury feel of the car much better than the 4-cylinder. And maybe skip the digital air vents if you can—they are just annoying.
If you want a car that impresses your friends and makes your commute feel like a spa day, the new E-Class is the king.
