2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in its seventh generation since 2021, continued to impress with its luxurious design and electrification efforts. The S 580e plug-in hybrid model, featuring 4Matic all-wheel drive, showcased a sophisticated exterior with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style bumpers and skirts. Inside, the S-Class offered a choice of eight leather upholstery colors and five trim materials, with our tester featuring Sienna Brown and Black leather. The panoramic sunroof and superb fit and finish added to the opulence, while the soft headrests provided exceptional comfort for passengers.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class embraced a more classic design with its long hood, short deck proportions, and softly rounded forms. The star-map grille texture and star-shaped taillight illumination added distinctive character, while chrome accents and expressive wheel designs enhanced its timeless appeal. The E-Class was available in E 350 4Matic and E 450 4Matic models, with prices starting at $62,300. Our test car, an E 350 4Matic, was equipped with numerous options, resulting in a luxurious interior featuring Tonka Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a Superscreen triple-display glass panel, and a blend of classic luxury with modern technology.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580e combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor, delivering 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It offered an impressive 56 miles of all-electric range and achieved an MPGe of 51 combined, with our test achieving 53.9 mpg. The S 580e accelerated from 0 to 62 mph in about 4.4 seconds, matching the performance of the S 580 with its twin-turbo V8. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear shifts, although a slight jerk was noted when downshifting into first gear. The air suspension ensured a smooth ride, and rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4Matic featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. The E 450 4Matic offered a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Both models included a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD, along with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The E 350 provided ample power, but its fuel economy fell short of expectations, achieving 23.8 mpg compared to the EPA's 27 mpg estimate. The Airmatic Package enhanced ride comfort and handling, although the suspension felt slightly unnatural on rough roads.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features, including massaging, heated, and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and armrests. Power sunshades and soft-closing doors added to the luxury experience, while the ambient lighting offered 64 colors for a personalized touch. The Energizing Comfort wellness program combined lighting, massage, audio, fragrance, and climate controls for a unique experience. However, the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, with the standard S-Class offering 12.9 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class provided comfortable seating with options for MB-Tex, genuine leather, or premium Nappa leather upholstery. The front seats were heated and power-operated, with ventilation available. The rear seat entry was somewhat challenging due to intrusive wheel wells, but once seated, passengers enjoyed good leg support and a tall riding position. The trunk offered 19.1 cubic feet of cargo space, although this seemed optimistic. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat expanded capacity as needed.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class featured a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a native navigation system with augmented reality, and a variety of games for entertainment. The Burmester sound system provided excellent audio quality, while the natural-language AI assistant responded to voice commands and queries.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class showcased the third-generation MBUX infotainment system, pairing a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with a 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented video technology, and online music and video streaming. The Superscreen Package added a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the passenger and a video camera for conference calls. The MBUX digital voice assistant was more conversational and responsive, while the system's artificial intelligence aimed to anticipate driver needs.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The hands-on highway driver-assist system used adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, while Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added to the safety package. However, the S-Class had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered numerous safety features, with the Driver Assistance Package adding 15 advanced technologies for $1,950. Highlights included upgraded Pre-Safe features, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping, lane-centering, and lane-change systems. The Automatic Lane Change function and Active Speed Limit Assist were useful but could be turned off if desired. The ADAS performed well in daily driving situations, with the lane-keeping assist system proving particularly effective.