A Year in the Life of a Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain
The Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain has been part of our lives for several months now, and during that time, we’ve had plenty of chances to get to know it inside and out. It’s a luxury station wagon with a lot to offer, but not everything about it is perfect. Here’s what we’ve loved and loathed over the course of our long-term test.
The Good: Things That Make the E450 Special
A Ride That Feels Like a Dream
One of the standout features of the E450 is how smooth and comfortable it drives. The suspension is tuned to provide a plush ride, making it feel like you’re gliding over the road rather than driving on it. The slightly raised ride height and softer suspension also give it a more off-road-friendly feel compared to the regular E-Class sedan, which is no small feat.
Customizable Ambient Lighting
Mercedes is known for its ambient lighting, and the E450 doesn’t disappoint. The lighting system offers a wide range of colors and can react to different functions—like changing color when you adjust the temperature or flashing red when there’s a potential danger nearby. While it can be turned off, the way it integrates with the rest of the car makes the experience feel truly special.
A Powerful Inline-Six-Cylinder Engine
The E450 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain is not only strong but also smooth, making it easy to handle both city driving and highway cruising. We’ve even managed to achieve a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size.
Smart-Use Buttons on the MBUX System
The MBUX infotainment system includes recommended buttons that appear at the bottom of the screen for frequently used functions. These stay there until the system decides something else is more relevant, making it easier to access things like the radio or seat massage without digging through menus.
High-Resolution Screens with Seasonal Touches
The screens in the E450 are not only high-resolution but also come with fun, seasonal graphics. For example, during Halloween, the icons show falling leaves, and during the holidays, Santa hats appear on user profiles. These little touches add a unique personality to the car.
The Bad: Things That Need Improvement
Satellite Radio Is Hard to Navigate
While the SiriusXM subscription includes many internet channels, finding specific live sports stations is frustrating. The process of scrolling through each station individually is time-consuming and not user-friendly. Plus, the search function doesn’t work well with team names, and voice commands often fail to recognize commands properly.
The Passenger Dash Screen Is Useless
The rear passenger display is one of those features that seems unnecessary. Most people don’t use it, and it doesn’t serve a clear purpose. It’s also distracting for the front passenger, who ends up watching videos instead of paying attention to the road.
Voice Assistant Needs a Major Upgrade
The voice assistant sounds robotic and struggles to understand commands. Even simple tasks like turning on the seat heater require multiple attempts, which can be frustrating while driving.
Service Costs Are Sky High
Compared to other vehicles, the service costs for the E450 are significantly higher. A basic oil change and inspection cost over $450, and some services were charged extra even though they were mentioned as included. The wiper blades, for example, were added without notice and ended up being subpar.
The Asking Price Is a Big Hurdle
The base price of the E450 All-Terrain is already over $79,000, and the options list adds thousands more. Features like the Superscreen, Driver Assist package, and multicontour seats come with hefty price tags, making the car feel more like a luxury item than a practical choice for most buyers.
Final Thoughts
The E450 All-Terrain is a well-built, powerful, and luxurious station wagon that offers a smooth ride and a range of high-tech features. However, its high price, confusing satellite radio interface, and expensive service costs make it a tough sell for budget-conscious buyers. If you’re looking for a premium wagon with a lot of style and performance, the E450 is definitely worth considering—but be prepared for a steep price tag.
