Which Version of the Mercedes E-Class Should You Buy?Mercedes-BenzWith two engine offerings and plenty of options, every E-class is top-shelf, but some are superlative.The E450 is the one to have for its strong and silken turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive.We'd recommend the top Pinnacle trim, which adds several sweet luxury options, including a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos, and noise-insulating glass.See Our Comprehensive Mercedes E-Class Make-Model PageShop New Cars | Shop Used CarsThe Mercedes E-class luxury mid-size-sedan lineup has long been a key player for the three-pointed star, sitting just below the S-class in terms of outright prestige, but with nothing lesser about it. When Janis Joplin sang, "Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz," it might well have been an E-class that she had in mind. Which one is the prime pick? Glad you asked, Ms. Joplin, because we've nailed it down for you.Which E-Class Trim Level Is the Best?Our choice here is the E450 4Matic with the Pinnacle trim. It packs a 375-hp turbo inline-six under its hood, comes standard with all-wheel drive, and sprinted to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds in Car and Driver testing. That's plenty quick for an executive sedan. By the way, there's another unique model in the E-class lineup that's worth considering: a station wagon, which we love equally. It too is available as an E450.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Pinnacle trim comes with strong performance of another kind in the form of a 17-speaker premium audio system from Burmester. Adding a little extra fidelity to this rolling studio is heat and noise-insulated glass and the ability to personalize the soundscape. You also get some theatre inside and out, with ambient interior lighting and an illuminated grille to let onlookers know you've arrived.Mercedes E450 All-Terrain Wagon.Michael Simari - Car and DriverWhat Options Should You Consider?Every E-class is impressive, but judiciously exploiting the options list will build you an E450 that offers effortless capability and sybaritic luxury. The Pinnacle trim is only the place to start, as Mercedes stocks the company shelves with numerous hard-to-resist à la carte options.If you're looking at maximizing interior comfort, stepping up to massaging, heated, and cooled seats also gets you Mercedes's spa-like cabin fragrance system and even heated armrests up front. It costs $2950. We are partial to the nappa leather in a two-tone combination for $2990. Then there's the choice of either the $450 winter package, with heated steering wheel and windshield washers, or the aptly named $800 sun protection package with rear sunshades. Adding to that, we'd spec heated outboard rear seats, cool-looking 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels (because, well, cool), the great-riding Airmatic air suspension package, and the Driver Assistance package for its comprehensive roster of safety and driver-helping tech.We've skipped over the MBUX Superscreen package, which adds the wall-to-wall dashboard screen that looks so impressive in the showroom and in photos. Why? Because we've found that the standard central-mounted infotainment screen does a fine job all by itself.AdvertisementAdvertisementAn E450 outfitted this way is a thoroughly equipped luxury liner that can also throw down some pretty neat dance steps on a serpentine two-lane, should you ask it to. It's a car that will make you feel great every time you get behind the wheel. No wonder we made it a 10Best winner.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029