Summary of "Mercedes E450 - Fast But Super Smooth & Comfortable | Faisal Khan"
Mercedes E450 (Current Generation E-Class, AMG Line Trim, India Market)
Main Features & Highlights
Engine & Performance
- 3.0L inline-six petrol engine (M256) with mild hybrid system (48V).
- Produces 381 hp and 500 Nm torque.
- 0-100 km/h acceleration claimed at 4.5 seconds; reviewer achieved approx. 4.6 seconds.
- Engine delivery described as smooth, refined, and “velvet-like.”
- Turbo lag well contained by mild hybrid assist.
- 9-speed automatic transmission with quick shifts but limited manual control (upshifts automatically at 6500 RPM).
- All-wheel drive (4MATIC) system improves grip but reduces playful driving dynamics compared to rear-wheel drive E220D.
- Top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Exterior
- AMG Line trim only; visually differs slightly from E200 and E220D.
- Sportier but subtle front bumper.
- Digital headlights superior to LED units in lower variants.
- Rear badging includes “E450” and “4MATIC.”
- Slightly different exhaust design.
- AMG alloy wheels criticized for poor design and appearing smaller than actual size; reviewer suggests changing wheels immediately for better sportiness.
- Limited color options; current color similar to E220D, making it visually less distinctive.
Interior & Features
- Interior largely identical to E200 and E220D variants.
- High-quality cabin with three large digital screens:
- 12.3-inch instrument cluster
- 14.4-inch infotainment display
- 12.3-inch passenger display
- Features include 360° parking camera, dual sunroofs, Burmester sound system, and ambient lighting (best in segment).
- Four-zone climate control and electric rear seat adjustments with blinds (“boss mode”).
- Missing ventilated seats and massage seats, which are expected at this price point.
- Very few physical buttons; heavy reliance on touchscreen controls, which can be inconvenient.
- Digital AC vents praised as cool but unnecessary.
- No air suspension or adjustable ride height (no nose lift), making speed breaker navigation tricky.
Ride & Handling
- Ride is soft, supple, and comfortable but uses steel springs (no air suspension).
- Body roll present but controlled; less compliant at low speeds compared to BMW 5 Series.
- Steering praised for excellent weight and feel: light at low speeds, well-weighted at high speeds.
- High-speed stability and braking performance are excellent.
- AWD system enhances grip but reduces the car’s playful dynamics.
Pricing & Running Costs
- Costs approximately ₹15 lakh more than E200 petrol.
- Registration cost about ₹12.15 lakh; first-year insurance ₹2.34 lakh.
- Considered expensive, especially given the missing features like ventilated seats.
Pros
- Exceptionally smooth and refined six-cylinder petrol engine.
- Strong performance with effortless acceleration.
- Luxurious, spacious, and feature-rich interior with high-tech digital displays.
- Best-in-segment ambient lighting.
- Comfortable rear seat experience with electric adjustments and climate control.
- Excellent steering feel and handling for a large luxury sedan.
- Quiet and polished exhaust note; no intrusive noise despite power.
- Quick and smooth 9-speed automatic transmission.
- Superior ride comfort for its class.
Cons
- AMG alloy wheels design is unattractive and visually diminishes wheel size.
- Exterior changes from lower variants are minimal; lacks distinctiveness.
- Interior lacks ventilated and massage seats despite high price.
- Heavy reliance on touchscreen controls; lack of physical buttons can be frustrating.
- No air suspension or ride height adjustment; cautious approach needed over speed breakers.
- AWD reduces playful driving dynamics compared to rear-wheel drive E220D.
- Manual gearbox control limited; automatic upshifts can’t be held.
- Missing a more powerful diesel variant (E450D) with air suspension and better torque.
- High registration and insurance costs.
Comparisons
Against E200 and E220D (Lower Variants)
- Much more powerful and refined engine.
- Slightly sportier exterior but less attractive wheels.
- Interior features largely the same.
- AWD versus RWD in lower variants affects driving dynamics.
- E220D offers more playful driving due to torque and RWD.
- E220D is more efficient and significantly cheaper (~₹11-12 lakh less).
Against BMW M340i
- M340i is more driver-centric, lighter, and slightly faster (0-100 km/h in ~4.4s).
- E450 offers superior rear-seat comfort, space, and luxury features.
- M340i has a rawer, louder engine character; E450 is more refined and silent.
- E-Class is a long-wheelbase luxury sedan; M340i is a shorter-wheelbase sporty sedan.
- Both have 3.0L six-cylinder engines with similar torque figures.
Diesel Variant (E450D) Wish List
- Reviewer desires a powerful six-cylinder diesel E450D with air suspension.
- Diesel variant would offer better torque (750 Nm) and efficiency.
- Diesel engine would provide a better balance of performance and fuel economy.
- Currently unavailable in India.
User Experience
- Reviewer enjoys the car’s smoothness, refinement, and effortless performance.
- Rear-seat comfort is excellent, making it ideal for chauffeured driving.
- Driving experience is polished and comfortable but less engaging due to AWD.
- Some frustration with touchscreen-heavy controls and lack of ventilated/massage seats.
- Ride quality is good but not class-leading due to absence of air suspension.
- Reviewer appreciates the ambient lighting and digital features.
- Finds the car “shockingly unbelievable” in terms of refinement and performance for a non-AMG model.
Verdict / Overall Recommendation
The Mercedes E450 AMG Line is a superbly refined, smooth, and powerful luxury sedan that excels in comfort, technology, and rear-seat luxury. It offers a strong six-cylinder petrol engine with effortless performance and a plush ride, making it ideal for buyers who prioritize comfort and sophistication over raw sportiness.
However, it falls short in some key areas:
- Lack of distinctive exterior styling (especially wheels)
- Absence of ventilated and massage seats
- No air suspension
- Driving experience less playful due to AWD
- High price premium over the E220D
- Missing diesel six-cylinder variant
For buyers seeking a balanced luxury sedan with excellent rear-seat comfort and strong performance, the E450 is a fantastic choice. Yet, for those focused on driving engagement or efficiency, the E220D or waiting for a potential E450D diesel might be better options.
Compared to the BMW M340i, the E450 prioritizes comfort and space, while the BMW is more driver-focused.
Final recommendation: The E450 is a “makeshift” high-performance E-Class until Mercedes launches a true AMG variant (E53 or E63 AMG). It is highly recommended for those valuing refinement and luxury, but buyers wanting sportier dynamics or better value may prefer other variants or competitors.
Additional Notes from Different Perspectives
- Reviewer criticizes Mercedes for not offering more visual differentiation and better wheels on the E450.
- Notes the irony of digital AC vents being unnecessary but very cool.
- Highlights the irony in public perception of diesel vs electric cars regarding refinement and sound.
- Points out high registration and insurance costs as a factor in overall ownership expense.
- Expresses hope for future AMG E-Class models with more power and sportier character.
Category
Product Review
