Car Review: Mercedes keeps its wagon game strong with the 2022 E450 4Matic All-Terrain

The Mercedes E450 4Matic All-Terrain is the wagon that does a worthy impression of a crossover and keeps the faithful coming back.

No matter what type of E Class Mercedes you choose — coupe, sedan, station wagon or convertible — you are buying a top-notch mid-size luxury car.

The E450 4Matic All-Terrain station wagon is the most user-friendly of all the E Class models. With seating for seven, this Mercedes will give crossovers and SUVs a run for their money. If you rode backward in a wagon as a kid, the E450 will bring back memories! Two of my children loved the idea and had to try it out. It looks more comfortable than I remember in the big Chevy wagons in the 80s.  Sitting up front, you are coddled with very comfortable seats that will satisfy you for the long haul. Back seat riders sit high and have good vision, but taller riders need a bit more headroom. This is one hushed cruiser with the Acoustic comfort package that adds extra insulation and special glass. The dual digital display combines both the cockpit and center media screen into one.

Just because you choose a sensible wagon, the E450 4Matic All-Terrain is no wallflower. With a silky smooth in line six — cylinder turbo engine and mild hybrid drive, this wagon scoots. I had no problem accelerating or passing when needed. The E450 handles very well, there is very little body roll so those sitting in the way back can avoid motion sickness unlike in the 80s. The E450 seats seven and it is much easier to maneuver in smaller spaces thanks to its carlike proportions and excellent vision all around the vehicle.

Like most luxury wagons today, the style has a bit more of a crossover look to it now. With a higher ride height, the dark-color lower body cladding and wheel arches convey a more rugged image. I was never a wagon lover but the E450 grew on me quickly with its long yet seemingly low roofline and the large 19-inch wheels that give this wagon a handsome profile. The E Class had a new face last year and it is very clean with a revised large but more subdued grill than most cars on the market. With that, the iconic three-pointed star seems even more prominent than before.


Cost: $68,400; as tested $76,250

MPG: 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; I managed 25.9 mpg in 476 miles of mixed driving.

Safety: active brake assist; attention assist; adaptive high beam assist; crosswind stabilization; blind spot assist; surround view camera; Parktronic with active parking assist; pre-safe/pre-safe sound; active Distance assist DISTRONIC; active and evasive steering assist; active blind spot assist; active lane keeping & lane change assist; active brake assist with cross-traffic function; congestion emergency braking & stop assist; PRE-SAFE impulse side & PRE-SAFE plus; route-based speed adaptation; active stop-and-go assist with an extended restart in stop-and-go traffic

Options: $1,000 panorama roof; $250 heated steering wheel; $200 inductive wireless charging; $1,950 driver assistance package; $1,100 acoustic comfort package; $2,300 premium package lite; $1050 destination and delivery

Things to know: The E450 4Matic All-Terrain is the user-friendly E Class that can seat seven or haul large items when needed. With an excellent interior or hushed ride, the E Class wagon will give the faithful a reason to upgrade and new buyers a reason to get in.

Pros:

  • Large space allows for a very versatile and unique car in today’s crossover-crazed market
  • Plenty of power and a mild hybrid system allows for decent MPG
  • The hushed cabin makes this an excellent road trip ride

 

Cons:

  • No AMG ultrapowerful wagon for 2022
  • When all seats are in use, there is not much cargo space.
  • Limited availability for the E450 4Matic All-Terrain in today’s market
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