The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long stood as a benchmark for luxury, comfort, and quality in the automotive world. When the opportunity arose to review the E-Class, specifically the E300 model, there was a mix of anticipation and curiosity. While higher-spec models like the E350 BlueTEC diesel or the powerful E550 V8 often steal the limelight, the E300, as the entry point to the E-Class range, presents an interesting proposition. Could it deliver the quintessential Mercedes-Benz experience in a more accessible package? This review dives deep into the 2013 Mercedes-Benz E300 to uncover its strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal for discerning drivers.
Priced starting at CDN $58,300, and reaching CDN $63,250 with options as tested, the E300 positions itself as a premium sedan with a focus on value within the luxury segment. This review explores whether the E300 lives up to the prestigious E-Class name and if it offers a compelling entry point into Mercedes-Benz ownership.
Under the Hood: Engine and Performance of the E300
While the “E300” badge might suggest a 3.0-liter engine, modern Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, like BMW’s, often deviates from direct displacement correlation. The 2013 E300 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a respectable 248 horsepower at 6500 RPM and 251 lb-ft of torque at 3400 RPM. In an era where horsepower figures often dominate conversations, these numbers might appear modest at first glance. However, in real-world driving, the E300’s powertrain proves to be more than adequate.
Power is delivered smoothly through a 7-speed automatic transmission, channeling output to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. This combination ensures confident traction in various driving conditions, enhancing both safety and driver confidence.
Fuel efficiency is a notable strength of the E300. Officially rated at 11.1 L/100 km (21 mpg) in the city and 7.0 L/100km (34 mpg) on the highway, the E300 demonstrates commendable economy for a vehicle of its size and drivetrain. During a week of predominantly city driving, including heavy traffic and occasional highway stretches, the observed fuel consumption mirrored the official city rating at 11.1 L/100 km (21 mpg). This real-world performance, without employing any fuel-saving driving techniques, is impressive for a 4000-pound all-wheel-drive luxury sedan. The 80-liter fuel tank capacity further contributes to its long-distance touring capability.
Exterior Styling: Angular Elegance of the E300
The design language of this generation E-Class marks a departure from the flowing curves of its predecessors, embracing a more angular and sculpted aesthetic. The overall impression is one of taut surfaces and a slightly raised rear profile, lending the car a dynamic stance. Despite its age, the design has aged gracefully, maintaining a contemporary and sophisticated presence on the road.
The front grille stands upright and assertive, seamlessly integrated into a hood that flows back with purposeful lines. The HID headlights are sharply defined, adding to the car’s assertive front fascia. LED daytime running lights, embedded within a horizontal chrome strip on the lower front spoiler, complete the signature Mercedes-Benz look.
The side profile is characterized by upward-sweeping lines and creases, creating a wedge-like silhouette that suggests motion even at a standstill. While possessing a substantial presence, the E300’s design conveys a sense of solidity, as if “carved from a solid block.” The extended flanks contribute to a visually elongated and swept-back appearance.
The rear of the E300 is broad and substantial, featuring LED tail lights, rectangular exhaust outlets, and clean, uncluttered lines. The overall exterior design of the E300 strikes a balance between understated elegance and modern sophistication, befitting its luxury sedan status. Standard 17-inch wheels, while aesthetically pleasing, might appear slightly undersized by contemporary standards. Optional 18-inch wheels are available for those seeking a more assertive visual presence.
Interior Comfort and Design: A Business-Class Cabin
Stepping inside the Mercedes-Benz E300 reveals an interior meticulously crafted with high-quality materials and an unwavering attention to detail. The fit and finish are impeccable, showcasing the brand’s commitment to luxury. Soft-touch plastics, rich dark wood trim, supple leather upholstery, and refined textures harmonize to create an ambiance of understated opulence. The interior atmosphere leans towards a serious, business-like sophistication rather than overt flamboyance. It’s an environment of refined competence, exuding Teutonic precision and quality.
The leather-upholstered, power-adjustable, and heated front seats are firmer than expected in a luxury sedan, yet provide exceptional comfort and adequate lateral support. Both front seats feature a 3-position memory function for personalized settings. The dashboard design is relatively shallow, contributing to a feeling of spaciousness, and the driving position feels comfortably forward. A well-designed power-adjustable and heated steering wheel incorporates controls for the driver information screen, hands-free phone functions, and the media system. The instrument cluster is clear and easily legible, featuring a large central speedometer with a distinctive floating needle, housing a crisp circular multi-function display within its center. To the right, a tachometer and temperature gauge are positioned, while to the left, an analog clock and fuel gauge add a touch of classic elegance.
The center of the dashboard houses a central infotainment screen. Beneath it, a cluster of similarly sized buttons controls the audio system, followed by user-friendly controls for the dual-zone automatic climate control system. The center console houses storage compartments, the COMAND infotainment system controller, and a central armrest. Notably, the gear selector is column-mounted, reminiscent of vehicles from the mid-20th century. While initially unconventional in a modern luxury sedan, this placement proves to be functionally intelligent. It frees up valuable space on the center console and keeps the selector out of the way. Although seemingly antiquated at first, the column shifter ultimately becomes a practical and space-saving design choice.
Technology and Convenience Features of the E300
The central infotainment screen, while appearing somewhat small by today’s widescreen standards, is sharp and bright. Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system manages the infotainment functions, utilizing a rotary knob and joystick controller located on the center console. While not the most intuitively designed system initially, users adapt to its operation quickly and find it effective. The system manages audio, navigation, phone functions, and the rearview camera display.
The rearview camera system provides clear visuals but lacks dynamic trajectory lines. However, front and rear parking distance sensors compensate, offering audible beeps and visual indicators on the dashboard and rear deck, aiding in parking maneuvers. Once accustomed to the system, it proves to be highly effective for parking assistance. The standard audio system delivers good sound quality, with an upgrade option to a Logic 7 Harman Kardon system, which includes satellite radio. Audio sources include AM, FM, CD, USB, auxiliary input, and connectivity options for devices like iPods.
The driver information screen, located within the speedometer, presents essential information such as outside temperature, gear selection, and lane departure warnings. The upper portion of the screen cycles through various functions, including telephone, navigation prompts, audio system information, trip data, fuel economy statistics, vehicle settings, service indicators, and configurations for driver-assistance systems. A power tilt/slide sunroof and a power rear window sunshade enhance occupant comfort. The key fob functions as a traditional key, requiring insertion into the ignition slot and turning to start the engine, despite not having a physical key blade. Power-operated features include door locks, windows, and folding side-view mirrors. The trunk offers a power release button on the driver’s door and a power-closing button on the trunk lid for added convenience.
The E300 is equipped with a suite of driver-assistance technologies, including lane-departure warning (providing haptic feedback through the steering wheel if lane drifting is detected) and a blind-spot monitoring system (illuminating orange or red triangles on the side mirrors to indicate vehicles in blind spots). These systems contribute significantly to safety and driver awareness.
Rear Seat Comfort and Space in the E300
The rear seats of the E300 offer seating for three with three seatbelts and headrests. The seats are comfortably sculpted but offer minimal lateral bolstering. Legroom is generous, and headroom is ample, even for taller passengers. The middle rear seat is narrower and slightly raised, and the center floor section features a prominent driveshaft tunnel, making the middle position less desirable for extended journeys. However, for typical family use, the rear seats comfortably accommodate three children.
Rear passenger amenities include seat-back map pockets and ceiling-mounted adjustable reading lights. The rear of the center console features adjustable air vents, a pop-out ashtray, and a 12V power outlet. The middle seatback folds down to serve as an armrest, revealing a small mesh storage pocket. Within the armrest, a storage bin and pop-out cupholders are provided. The rear door bins are quite narrow and offer limited practical storage. Child seat installation is facilitated by two sets of ISOFIX connectors. Overall, the rear seat area of the E300 is a comfortable and well-equipped space for passengers.
Storage Solutions within the E300
The front center console features a sliding lid with two positions. It can fully conceal the console area for a clean appearance, or slide partially forward to reveal two cupholders. Sliding it fully forward further exposes an ashtray and a traditional cigar lighter. The center armrest lid opens in a clamshell style, revealing storage space and housing the USB and media connection ports. Door bins are somewhat restricted in size due to the armrest placement. The glove compartment is generously sized and offers practical storage capacity.
A unique and convenient storage feature is the flip-down bin located beneath the front seat thigh support extensions. This small compartment provides easily accessible storage for small items. The trunk is spacious and deep, with a low load floor height for easy loading. A ski pass-through adds versatility for carrying longer items. The trunk also includes sturdy tie-down loops and adjustable mesh pockets that can be folded away when not in use.
Driving Experience: Ride and Handling of the E300
Despite initial impressions of potentially modest power output, the E300’s performance on the road is surprisingly satisfying. While not a sports car, the engine and transmission work harmoniously to deliver smooth and responsive power. Acceleration from a standstill is brisk, and the engine readily provides ample power for everyday driving situations. The E300 never feels underpowered in typical driving scenarios. When pushed, the E300 achieves a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.4 seconds, which is respectable for a luxury sedan in this class.
The 4Matic all-wheel-drive system operates seamlessly and invisibly during normal driving, providing enhanced traction and stability, particularly beneficial in inclement weather conditions or on slippery surfaces. The ride quality of the E300 is exceptional, representing one of the most comfortable and luxurious suspensions in its class. It effectively absorbs a wide range of road imperfections, from minor irregularities to larger bumps and potholes, providing a remarkably smooth and composed ride. The suspension tuning prioritizes comfort and luxury, a hallmark of the E-Class lineage.
Handling is characterized by a comfortable and secure demeanor, rather than outright sportiness. The E300 competently navigates corners and handles emergency maneuvers with confidence. However, the focus on ride comfort results in some body roll during more spirited cornering. While noticeable, the body roll remains well-controlled and does not detract from the overall driving experience in typical daily driving. The E300 excels at highway cruising, effortlessly covering long distances in serene comfort.
The steering system features variable levels of power assistance. In normal driving, the steering is light and numb, consistent with the car’s luxurious character. Parking maneuvers are exceptionally easy due to the heavily boosted steering at low speeds. However, the variable steering ratio, which increases wheel turn angle at lower speeds, can initially feel overly sensitive and require slight adjustments to steering input. While it takes some acclimation, drivers adapt to the steering characteristics over time.
Noise isolation is another area where the E300 excels. Road, engine, and wind noise are effectively suppressed at all speeds, creating a remarkably quiet and refined cabin environment. The only exception is under hard acceleration, where a muted snarl from the V6 engine becomes audible, adding a touch of sporty character. The 7-speed automatic transmission offers both Economy and Sport modes. Economy mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by upshifting quickly, while Sport mode holds gears longer for more responsive performance. Manual gear shifting via steering wheel paddles is available, although it feels somewhat out of character for the E300’s overall driving demeanor. The transmission performs exceptionally well in automatic mode, delivering seamless and imperceptible gear changes. It consistently selects the appropriate gear for the driving situation and responds promptly to throttle inputs.
The brakes are linear, smooth, and provide confident stopping power. Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, thanks to the steeply sloping hood. Forward and side visibility are outstanding, and rear and over-the-shoulder visibility is also good. A defining characteristic of the E300’s driving experience is its feeling of solidity and robustness. Regardless of driving conditions, the car imparts a sense of vault-like construction and unwavering composure.
Notable Details and Quirks of the E300
A classic Mercedes-Benz hood ornament graces the leading edge of the hood, a subtle nod to the brand’s heritage and a distinctive design element. The trunk incorporates an innovative storage feature. A frame at the top of the trunk slides rearward, revealing a soft tray within the frame. This tray can be used for storing flat items. Furthermore, the soft bag within the frame extends downwards, nearly reaching the trunk floor, creating a large storage bag to secure items and prevent them from rolling around in the trunk. This clever feature can be retracted back into the frame with a button, maximizing trunk space when needed.
Minor Annoyances: Nitpicks of the E300
One ergonomic quirk that requires adjustment is the placement of the turn signal stalk on the steering column. It is positioned lower than in most vehicles. Compounding this, the cruise control stalk is located in the more typical position for a turn signal stalk, roughly at the 10 o’clock position. This unconventional placement can lead to inadvertently engaging the cruise control when intending to signal, particularly during the initial period of ownership. It takes a few days to reprogram muscle memory and adapt to the reversed stalk positions.
Verdict: Final Thoughts on the Mercedes-Benz E300
The Mercedes-Benz E300 effectively dispels any preconceived notions of being a lackluster entry-level model. It delivers a refined and satisfying driving experience, coupled with commendable fuel economy for its class and drivetrain configuration. The E300 earns a solid 8 out of 10 rating, reflecting its strengths as a well-rounded luxury sedan.
The Wife Acceptance Factor (WAF) for the E300 is notably high. Its smooth ride, feeling of solidity, comfortable rear seating for children, perceived safety, and convenient features like the power trunk and adjustable trunk basket all contribute to its positive reception. The only shared minor complaint is the unconventional placement of the turn signal and cruise control stalks. The presence of the classic hood ornament adds a subtle touch of prestige and reinforces the Mercedes-Benz brand identity. It serves as a constant reminder of the car’s heritage, quality, and safety pedigree.
The E300 embodies the core values of the E-Class lineage, upholding its reputation for solid build quality, substantial feel, and unwavering competence. It excels in both city driving and highway cruising, providing a comfortable and secure environment for both driver and passengers. The E-Class caters to the needs of discerning buyers seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and safety. For those prioritizing these attributes in a luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Benz E300 presents a highly compelling option and earns a strong recommendation.
Disclosure: Vehicle was provided by Mercedes-Benz Canada.
