2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Going AWD-Only

Mercedes-Benz introduced a fully redesigned E-Class for the 2024 model year, but the midsize car is basically all-new. Fresh exterior styling, new engines, more advanced tech features that have been borrowed from the S-Class, and a larger body result in an E-Class that doesn’t look anything like the previous generations. All the changes, though, have resulted in an E-Class that’s far more expensive than before, as pricing for the 2024 E-Class is $5,550 more than last year.

Mercedes finally announced pricing for the 2024 E-Class and it has grown considerably. The E-Class lineup now starts with the E 350 4Matic Premium, which starts at $63,450 (prices include destination). That represents a large jump over the 2023 model that started at $57,900.



One major reason for the increase in price is that the 2024 E-Class now comes standard with all-wheel drive. Previously, AWD was a $2,500 option. So, when you compare E 350 4Matic sedans to one another, the price difference between the two is $3,050. That’s quite the jump for a fully redesigned model.

At the time of launch, the E 450 4Matic Pinnacle will be the most expensive E-Class available, carrying a starting price of $71,800. Compared to last year’s E 450, the E 450 4Matic Pinnacle is $5,100 more.



The 2024 E-Class is launching with a small lineup. There’s the Premium and Pinnacle trim, which are both available in E 350 and E 450 guises. The E 350 features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the E 450 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Both engines are paired with a mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

With a starting price tag of $63,450, the E-Class becomes the most expensive car in the segment. The Genesis G80 ($55,650), Volvo S90 ($59,495), Audi A6 ($58,395), Lexus ES ($43,190), Cadillac CT5 ($39,790), Jaguar XF ($51,075) and BMW 5-Series, ($58,895) are all more affordable than the E-Series.

While Mercedes-Benz is following a similar trend as other automakers by only offering the E-Class sedan with AWD, a few of its competitors are available with two-wheel drive. The BMW 5-Series, Jaguar XF, and Cadillac CT5 come with standard rear-wheel drive, while the Lexus ES is available with front-wheel drive. The Audi A6, Volvo S90, Lexus ES, and Genesis G80 come with standard AWD.

Beyond bringing the price of the car down, having a 2WD model gives shoppers the ability to choose a vehicle that’s not as complex, is more efficient, and doesn’t come with a feature that some shoppers don’t need. Mercedes may have looked at orders for the previous E-Class and saw that most people optioned their vehicle with AWD or simply wanted to keep up with its competitors.