Review - Mercedes-Benz E300

The only problem is that it can be difficult to know which is the best option within the crowded E Class lineup, which is what we’re here to help with today.  

The E300 sits smack bang in the middle of the E Class lineup, offering buyers some significant upgrades over the entry-level E200, without breaking the bank by stepping up to the E53 AMG variant. 

With that in mind, just how good is the Mercedes-Benz E300, and does it make sense to upgrade over the entry-level car, or should you be opting for the performance-based E53 instead? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $117,900

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Mercedes E300 e (HYBRID) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mercedez Benz E300 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Mercedes-Benz E300 lineup kicks off from $117,400 for the E300 Sedan, with prices increasing to $117,900 for the E300 Coupe. 

From here, the range moves to the E300 Cabriolet, which is priced at $130,900, while the plug-in hybrid E300 e Sedan is priced at $123,500. 

For buyers looking for an engine upgrade, the E350 Sedan is priced at $127,100, rising to $128,200 for the E350 Coupe, while the range-topping E350 Cabriolet is priced at $141,300. 

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What Features Does the Mercedes E300 Have?

The Mercedes E300 lineup comes packaged with 20-inch AMG alloys, leather upholstery, Multibeam LED headlights, a metallic paint finish and air suspension over the standard equipment list fitted to the entry-level E200. 

These features are atop of things like an AMG exterior styling package, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display paired with a 12.3-nch infotainment system fitted with satellite navigation, DAB+ radio, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, heated seats, wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, keyless entry & start, hands-free boot lift, adjustable ambient lighting package, active parking assistance and significant safety features that we’ll cover later in this review. 

Range Features: 

• 20-inch AMG alloys

• Multibeam LED headlights 

• Air suspension 

• AMG exterior styling package 

• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display 

• 12.3-inch infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Heated seats

• Wireless smartphone charging 

• Surround-view camera

• Hands-free boot lift 

• Ambient lighting 

• Keyless entry & start

• Metallic paint  

• Leather upholstery 

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Colours 

The E300 and E350 are available in a range of colours, including Black, Cirrus Silver, Graphite Grey, Cardinal Red, Diamond White, Polar White, Obsidian Black, Nautical Blue, Mojave Silver and Selenite Grey. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

The Mercedes E300 range is absolutely sublime on the road, providing buyers with an incredible amount of refinement across the range. 

While it might have raised some eyebrows when it was first confirmed, Mercedes’ choice of four-cylinder engines maintains a healthy amount of power across the E300 range, while the plug-in hybrid E300 e receives a significant amount of added power. 

Power in the E300 range is supplied by a turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190kW/370Nm, which sends power to the wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Moving to the plug-in hybrid E300 e adds a powerful electric motor bringing combined outputs to 235kW/700Nm, transforming the E Class into a true powerhouse. 

Whichever engine you opt for, power delivery is remarkably smooth thanks to the nine-speed transmission and sturdy platform underpinning the E Class range. 

While the E Class traditionally rides firm on Australian roads, the addition of a magical air suspension package transforms how the E300 range feels on the road, ironing out small and medium-sized bumps without an issue, and holding the body flat in the corners. 

The latest E300 remains an incredibly easy car to drive, thanks to the silky smooth engine and transmission combination, lightweight steering rack and a comfortable air suspension package that makes each and every drive that little bit more special.  

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

Designed primarily as an executive sedan, the E300 provides buyers with a wonderfully premium and spacious cabin filled with clever, practical elements for all occupants front and rear. 

Up front, the driver and front passenger are treated to the best seats in the house, with a sleek, uncrowded dashboard design housing two large digital screens, which makes its way down to the flowing transmission tunnel. 

A sense of space and the premium feel headlines the front of the E300’s cabin.

The design is luxurious and surprisingly practical for anyone with a family, with a host of storage options around the front of the cabin, including the folding armrest, a covered storage area behind the gear lever and large door bins either side. 

In terms of second row practicality, the four-door sedan is the most accommodating body shape for those looking to transport anyone in the second row, which feels significantly more cramped in the two-door coupe variant. 

The sedan has a wheelbase 30cm longer than the coupe, which translates to a serious interior space upgrade. 

In the sedan, there’s an impressive amount of space in the second row of the E300’s cabin, which should come as no surprise, really, considering how widely-used the E-Class platform is in Europe as a taxi. While impressive, the E-Class is no longer a class-leader when it comes to second row space, which is something to be aware of if you have a growing family. 

There are, however, two easily-accessible ISOFIX anchors either side in the rear, but the process of installing a large child seat in the coupe can prove fiddly. 

In terms of boot space, the E300 sedan offers 540L of storage capacity in the boot, which matches what’s on offer in significantly larger SUVs, while the coupe’s boot space drops to 425L, and the cabriolet offers the least boot space at 385L. 

Is it Safe? 

The Mercedes E-Class range has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 95% for adult protection, 90% for child protection, 77% for vulnerable road user protection and 62% for safety assist technologies. 

As standard, the E300 comes packaged with safety technologies like autonomous emergency braking, cross-traffic alerts, active blind spot management, evasive steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance and a surround-view camera system. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The E300’s engine has been rated at 8.0L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the upgraded E350 is rated at 7.7L per 100km. 

Opting for the plug-in hybrid E300e brings your combined cycle fuel economy to just 2.2L per 100km, so long as the battery is charged up and able to power the electric motor. 

Our Verdict: Is the Mercedes E300 Worth it?

If you’re looking for a smooth, sophisticated sedan capable of moving you and your family in comfort and style, the E300 remains one of the best options in the premium end of the market. 

In reality, the power on offer in the E300 range is more than enough for the majority of buyers, meaning that there’s no real need to upgrade to the E53 AMG, unless you’re intent on more power. 

As a result, we think the E300 can be considered as the ‘sweet-spot’ within the E-Class lineup, offering buyers a heap of equipment and a motivated powertrain, with the plug-in hybrid E300e standing out as a particular highlight - well deserving of a spot on your shortlist.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year, unlimited KM warranty 

2. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

3. 2.0-litre turbo-petrol paired with nine-speed automatic transmission 

4. Four-door sedan, two-door coupe and two-door cabriolet available 

5. Plug-in hybrid E300e fuel economy of 2.2L/100km 

Pros 

• Perky turbo four-cylinder paired with smooth nine-speed transmission 
• Premium cabin design filled with technology 
• Fuel economy potential of plug-in hybrid E300e
• Wonderful ride quality from air suspension 

Cons

• Lacks second-row space of key rivals 
• Premium vehicles come with premium running costs
• Steep options prices 

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Mercedes E300 Competition