Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021: mild-hybrid E 350 added with price hike across the board

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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 350 will sit above the E 300 and act as the flagship of the regular E-Class large car range below the more focused AMG variants.

Prices are up across the E-Class range for 2021 with the entry-level E 200 up by $1,800 and the fire breathing AMG E 63 S sedan now $3,500 dearer. A full price-list appears at the end of this article.

Mercedes offers the new 350 engine in the E-Class coupe from for $128,200 before on-road costs. For those who like open-air motoring the cabriolet starts at $141,300 (plus on-roads).

The E 350 functions as a replacement for the defunct 2.9-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel E 350d which was discontinued last year.

At the heart of the new E 350 is a turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which, combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, makes for outputs of 220kW of power and 400Nm of torque. For short periods an ‘EQboost’ electric motor can add a further 10kW and 150Nm.

In combination with a nine-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, the E 350 sedan and coupe will reach 100km/h in 5.9 seconds. 

Another other benefit of the 48-volt system is the ability to coast on the highway with the engine entirely disabled, dropping the claimed fuel consumption figure to 7.7L/100km, a mild improvement compared to the 8L/100km figure recorded by the less powerful E 300.

That should make the E 350 fast and frugal enough to compete with the Audi A6 S line 45TFSI, though the plug-in hybrid BMW 530e is still the greenest option in this class.

For the sedan’s $127,100 asking price, Mercedes-Benz specifies air suspension as standard as well as LED headlights, metallic paint and a fetching set of 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the E 350 models get quite a smattering of luxury equipment including leather-appointed power-adjustable and heated seats, Nappa leather multi-function steering wheel with galvanised shift paddles, ambient lighting, open pore black ash wood trim and dual zone climate control.

Technology is a strong point in contemporary Mercedes interiors. The E-Class is no different and boasts dual 12.3-inch screens – one for the infotainment with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, one a customisable digital driver’s display – on top of wireless charging and a connected smartphone app.

Active safety technology includes high-speed AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane-trace assist, 360-degree camera and traffic sign recognition.

The new E 350 is available now in Australia as a coupe, convertible or sedan and will be sold alongside the current E-Class lineup.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2021: pricing in Australia

All prices are excluding on-road costs.

• Mercedes-Benz E 200 sedan – $98,700 (up $1,800)
• Mercedes-Benz E 200 coupe – $103,700 (up $1,800)
• Mercedes-Benz E 300 sedan – $117,900 (no change)
• Mercedes-Benz E 300 coupe – $117,400 (no change)
• Mercedes-Benz E 300 convertible – $130,900 (no change)
• Mercedes-Benz E 300 e sedan – $123,500 (up $2,100)
• Mercedes-Benz E 350 sedan – $127,100 (new model)
• Mercedes-Benz E 350 coupe – $128,200 (new model)
• Mercedes-Benz E 350 convertible – $141,300 (new model)
• Mercedes-AMG E 53 sedan – $162,300 (up $2,400)
• Mercedes-AMG E 53 coupe – $164,800 (up $2,400)
• Mercedes-AMG E 53 convertible – $173,400 (up $2,500)
• Mercedes-AMG E 63 S sedan – $253,900 (up $3,500)