The midsize luxury sedan "E-Class" from Mercedes-Benz is cited as the internal-combustion import sedan most favored by Koreans. The fact that it did not miss the best-selling model title in the import car market for 11 straight years from 2014 to 2024 proves this. It ceded the top spot last year to Tesla's midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) "Model Y," but reclaimed the best-selling model in January this year.
Depending on the engine specification, the E-Class is divided into ▲E 200 ▲E 220 ▲E 300, and for exterior design you can choose one of ▲Avantgarde ▲AMG ▲Exclusive. Among these, we test-drove the "E 300 4MATIC AMG" for about 400 km.
Starting with the exterior, at 4,955 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,465 mm high, it is slightly smaller than the Genesis "G80," a model in the same class. The front radiator grille features a pattern derived from the Mercedes three-pointed star, densely set within a chrome frame centered on the emblem.
The distance from the front bumper to the center of the front wheel is kept short, while the hood is stretched as long as possible to complete the stable proportions of a classic sedan. The A-pillars, the posts supporting the front windshield, are raked as much as possible, adding to the modern vibe. The rear lamps also incorporate the three-pointed star, showcasing Mercedes' confidence.
The cabin boasts generous space. The wheelbase, a key indicator of interior room measured as the distance from the front to rear wheel centers, is 2,960 mm—shorter than the G80 (3,010 mm)—but 20 mm longer than the previous generation. The second-row width and legroom expanded by 25 mm and 17 mm, respectively.
The MBUX Superscreen, with a 14.4-inch central display that flows seamlessly into the passenger-side display, immediately grabs attention. The center console between the driver and passenger seats is finished in a black wood-grain pattern, enhancing the premium feel.
Pressing the accelerator reveals it is remarkably light and smooth compared with other vehicles, making it clear at once that the car is engineered with top priority on quietness. Even if you press the accelerator or brake a bit harder, it neither lunges nor stops abruptly, allowing even inexperienced drivers to appear like skilled ones.
Noise while driving is also relatively low. Thanks to various aerodynamic design elements, it achieves a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd. Considering that ordinary sedans are around 0.26–0.30 Cd, this is on the low side. On bumpy surfaces it exhibited little shake, and in corners it felt substantial.
The E 300 4MATIC AMG is equipped with a four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering a maximum output of 258 horsepower and a peak torque of 40.8 kg·m. On top of that, a 48V mild-hybrid system adds up to 17 kW of additional power.
On the highway, because the accelerator is light, you need to press somewhat deeper, but once the speed starts to build, the numbers on the instrument cluster rise quickly. The listed time to reach 100 km/h from a standstill is 6.1 seconds, on par with the BMW 530i xDrive, a model in the same class.
As speed increases, the "Power" gauge rises, confirming the added output from electricity. In congested sections, regenerative braking charged the battery, sometimes even increasing the remaining driving range. The combined fuel economy, averaging city and highway, is 11.6 km per liter.
It is also attractive that passengers can enjoy various content while driving. A built-in 5G communication module allows seamless viewing of online video services such as YouTube. The passenger-side display is available only when someone is seated there, and once driving begins, the passenger display turns black from the driver's side and cannot be viewed. The central display can feel somewhat complicated due to its many functions, but once familiar, it can be used without much difficulty.
Thanks to the Burmester 4D surround sound system with 17 speakers, you can enjoy richer acoustics. Acoustic resonators are built into the front seatbacks, allowing you to feel the resonance of the music directly. The string-shaped lighting whose colors change with the sound, "Active Ambient Light," comes standard on the E 300 4MATIC and above.
However, the hazard lights are small and located below the central display, which seemed like they might be hard to reach quickly in an emergency. There was also a situation in which the Bluetooth system, previously connected to a smartphone, suddenly stopped working, which is one of Mercedes-Benz's chronic issues.
The trunk can hold up to 540 liters of cargo. The price of the E 300 4MATIC AMG, including the special consumption tax reduction and value-added tax, is 97.7 million won.