What does E-Class stand for?
E-Class: Executive Class (denotes mid-size car models) C-Class: Comfort Class (denotes compact car models) A-Class: No historical meaning (but refers to sub-compact and hatchback model) Both models offer 255 hp as standard, but the C-Class engine upgrades tend to be more powerful. However, the strongest engine in this comparison is the range-topping engine on the E-Class. The C-Class is offered as a Sedan, a Coupe, or a Cabriolet.
Which is better, class C or E?
There is no wrong answer when it comes to choosing between the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class. The decision simply depends on your goals and needs. The C-Class offers more budget-friendly options while still giving you the chance to spice things up with the AMG and RWD models. The E-class made our 2026 10Best list for many reasons, chief among them its ability to balance old-school luxury with creamy powertrains, sublime driving dynamics, and the latest tech. Expert Tip: If you need a little more zest, look to the 604-hp Mercedes-AMG E53 plug-in hybrid, which we review separately.The Mercedes E Class is known for its longevity, with a lifespan of between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, or up to 17 years, depending on use.Data from carcomnplaints. Mercedes E-Class is 2006, with a large number of E350 models of this era suffering from engine balance shaft issues. It’s a problem specific to this engine that can affect 2005-2008 cars, but other engines aren’t affected.The worst years for Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability seem to be the earlier third-generation models from 2002 to 2006. A number of common issues affect these cars, including faulty brake control units, engine balance shaft issues and turbo failure on diesel versions. A mid-life update in 2006 improved things.
What are the common E-Class problems?
In a nutshell: The Mercedes E‑Class is a finely built executive car, but it comes with caveats: older models often face engine injector failures, rapid brake and suspension wear and water-pump faults. Which Mercedes-Benz E-Class years are the best? The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a hugely impressive car, but the 2016-2023 model is arguably the best choice as a used buy. It still looks and feels like a bang-up-to-date luxury car and, although far from cheap, it gives you a lot for your money.Is the Mercedes E-Class a good car? If you want a posh saloon car that’s packed full of technology and is really comfortable for long drives, the Mercedes E-Class is an excellent option. Although its exterior design hasn’t been overhauled for the new model, it still looks and feels expensive inside and out.The E-Class is offered in 3 variants namely E 200, E 220d, E 450. The cheapest Mercedes-Benz E-Class variant is the E 200 which has a price tag of ₹78. Lakh while the most expensive variant is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 450 which commands a price of ₹91. Lakh.When properly maintained, a Mercedes-Benz can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, and some models have even been known to reach 300,000 miles or more. The longevity of a Mercedes-Benz depends on a variety of factors, including regular maintenance, driving habits, and the specific model.
Which year E-Class to avoid?
Data from carcomnplaints. Mercedes E-Class is 2006, with a large number of E350 models of this era suffering from engine balance shaft issues. It’s a problem specific to this engine that can affect 2005-2008 cars, but other engines aren’t affected. Mercedes E-Class driving Otherwise, the E-Class is very easy to drive in town, with front and rear parking sensors included across the range and a 360-degree camera and park assist tech coming higher up the range. On country roads, the E-Class doesn’t feel as agile as a BMW 5 Series but is by no means bad.Most years of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class performed decently on the road, so even the worst years aren’t as bad as much of the competition. If we had to advise some years to avoid, we’d recommend refraining from the 1994, 2001, 2013, and 2014 selections. Their performance was less than ideal.The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long been the brand’s benchmark for luxury sedans, and the W212 (2010-2016) and W213 (2016-2020) generations are no exception. Renowned for their engineering and refinement, these models offer outstanding reliability.