When it comes to the 2025 MotorTrend Car of the Year, the winner might not have the boldest performance credentials or the most attention-grabbing design. It isn’t a high-tech electric sports sedan or a long-awaited remake of a cult classic. Instead, it’s a car that’s been continuously refined for decades, with the sole aim of becoming simply better—more comfortable, more efficient, more intuitive, and just a little bit more luxurious.
The 2025 Car of the Year is the 10th-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a model that delivers exceptional luxury and performance in the midsize sedan category, earning it the Golden Calipers as perhaps the best luxury sedan of the modern era.
A Step Forward in Design
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always straddled the line between the luxury-oriented S-Class and the more accessible C-Class. For years, it felt as though the E-Class was trying to blend the best of both worlds—taking design cues from the flagship S-Class, while borrowing the practical features of the more compact C-Class. The 2024 version of the E-Class, however, marks a break from this formula.
Available as a sedan, station wagon, and the more rugged E450 All-Terrain, the 2024 E-Class now presents a distinct and cohesive identity. Its design is still unmistakably Mercedes, but it feels more refined and self-assured than ever. The sedan’s side profile, praised by guest judge Chris Theodore, is simple yet elegant, with subtle design elements that harken back to Mercedes’ classic Gullwing cars, while visually elongating the car’s appearance. The wagon version, despite sharing a similar wheelbase, looks more dynamic with a sleek rear end that gives it a shooting brake profile.
While the new front and rear designs might not radically alter the automotive design landscape, they represent a meaningful evolution within the Mercedes lineup and offer a glimpse into the brand’s future styling direction. The sculpted glass headlights and the LED lightbar that spans the rear of the car pay homage to Mercedes’ storied past while creating a modern, clean look.
Inside, the E-Class delivers a sophisticated, minimalist cabin. The centerpiece is a new 3D digital instrument cluster and a large central infotainment screen, which are further complemented by an optional “Superscreen” that extends across the dashboard. Attention to detail is evident, from the floating door pulls to the elegantly integrated air vents, creating an environment that is both visually stunning and incredibly user-friendly.
Focus on Practicality and Comfort
Mercedes has also made the E-Class more practical for daily use, with an interior that is more thoughtfully designed for people and their belongings. The center console now includes a hidden wireless charging tray and foldaway cupholders, optimizing space for small items. In addition, rear seat passengers benefit from more legroom, and the trunk space in both the sedan and wagon variants is larger and more accessible than ever before.
Notably, Mercedes has taken the opportunity to focus more sharply on the E-Class’s sedan and wagon versions by separating the coupe and convertible models into a new CLE-Class. This decision has allowed Mercedes to fine-tune the E-Class and prioritize what really matters for most buyers: comfort, efficiency, and usability.
The 2024 E-Class features a longer wheelbase for improved ride stability and interior space. The updated suspension system, including a new version of Mercedes’ AirMatic air suspension, further isolates the cabin from road vibrations. The addition of four-wheel steering (available with the sedan) improves maneuverability, while the E450 All-Terrain benefits from an off-road mode that increases its ride height and makes it more capable off the beaten path.
Efficient Powertrains and Impressive Fuel Economy
For 2024, Mercedes has refined the E-Class’s powertrain lineup to strike a balance between performance and efficiency. The base E350 sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid motor. Together, this powertrain delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, improving fuel efficiency and providing a smooth driving experience.
The E450 sedan and All-Terrain models continue to use Mercedes’ 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. All versions of the E450 come with all-wheel drive as standard, while the E350 is rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
The hybrid powertrain assistance allows the E-Class to glide with the engine off during certain driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency. As a result, the E350 achieves an EPA rating of 25/33/28 mpg city/highway/combined, while the E450 variants come in at 22/31/25 mpg. During testing, both the E450 sedan and All-Terrain exceeded expectations, returning excellent fuel economy even under aggressive driving conditions.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The 2024 E-Class also benefits from the latest advancements in infotainment and technology. The new MBUX system is powered by a single, more capable processor, which makes the system faster, more intuitive, and easier to update via over-the-air software updates. The system supports a range of third-party apps, including Zoom, TikTok, and YouTube, along with the ability to provide context-sensitive recommendations to make the driver’s life easier.
For example, the E-Class can learn your driving habits and offer suggestions, such as reminding you to activate the seat massage function after a long drive or automatically adjusting the cabin’s temperature based on the weather outside. While not yet fully autonomous, these systems make the car feel more personalized, adapting to the driver’s preferences over time.
The interface has also been redesigned for easier operation, with larger, color-coded tiles that make it more user-friendly, especially when driving. However, the reduction of physical buttons in favor of touch-sensitive controls has received some mixed reviews, particularly the haptic buttons on the steering wheel, which still require some refinement.
Performance and Safety
The 2024 E-Class strikes a perfect balance between comfort and performance. The E450’s engine, while not the most powerful on paper, offers smooth acceleration and almost silent idling. It’s an effortlessly refined engine that delivers power progressively, with the mild-hybrid motor eliminating turbo lag and ensuring smooth performance throughout.
The handling of the E-Class is also commendable, with a suspension system that isolates the cabin from road noise and keeps the car composed even when pushed hard. While the E-Class isn’t a sports sedan, it strikes a great balance between performance and comfort, offering a ride that’s both serene and responsive when needed.
The E450 All-Terrain takes this a step further, with enhanced off-road capabilities and a ride height that allows it to handle light off-roading. Thanks to its four-wheel steering and off-road mode, it is capable of tackling rough terrain with confidence.
Safety is a key focus for the E-Class, with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems. Mercedes’ Driver Assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic lane changes, and more. These systems make long-distance driving less tiring and improve the overall driving experience, while the E-Class also benefits from excellent crash-test ratings, including a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Value and Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class represents excellent value within the luxury midsize sedan segment. While its starting prices of $63,600 for the E350, $72,000 for the E450 sedan, and $77,250 for the E450 All-Terrain may seem high, they’re competitive considering the level of luxury, technology, and performance on offer.
Although the E-Class may not be the flashiest or most attention-grabbing choice, it’s a vehicle that excels in every area that matters: comfort, performance, technology, and safety. The E-Class continues to set a standard for what a luxury sedan should be—refined, capable, and always ready to meet the needs of its driver. It’s for these reasons that the 2025 MotorTrend Car of the Year award goes to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, marking its second win in just five years.
