“E” is for excellence: Mercedes-Benz E-200 Avantgarde

Which is why considering the relatively more grounded prices of a Mercedes-Benz, the phrase takes on more relevance. And it’s a phrase used impressively often for the marque, particularly for the S-class and the E-class.

But it’s the E-class we’re shining the spotlight on here. It’s nothing less than the bestselling model range of all time for the Stuttgart carmaker (at one million units a year for over a decade and with a 40 percent market share in Europe). And being priced considerably less than its S-class flagship sibling makes any “G.O.A.T.” connotations even more compelling.

So is the E-class truly the best sedan in the world? It’s an automotive story that goes back decades and centers on a car company’s obsessive pursuit to set the standard in automotive design, luxury and safety. It’s the story of the E-class—made more colorful and dramatic with a radically new version (W212). It is the quintessential Mercedes-Benz. No other model reflects the core values of the brand as precisely as the E.

Mercedes-Benz positions the E-Class as nothing less than “the world’s best business saloon.” Style-wise, it delivers on this promise with a compelling, new design language featuring a new reinterpreted twin-headlamp face, a dramatic character line that’s a fascinating blend of classic and modern Mercedes-Benzes, a gracefully sweeping rear fender that sweeps down to Bentley-esque taillamps, and numerous customization options, along with outstanding riding comfort and safety. Inside, it has one of the most beautiful cabins with impeccable materials and fit and finish, regardless of price.

The new E-Class boasts a formidable array of innovative features not found in its class—from drowsiness detection to automatic emergency braking when an accident is imminent, from Adaptive Highbeam Assist to the Active Bonnet pedestrian protection system and the air suspension with electronically controlled damping.

The new E-class range comprises ten engines, two drive systems and three suspension variants. I tested the generously torquey (184hp/300Nm) turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol E-200 (priced at under P4.5 million), which is about as basic and entry-level as you can get—at least in the E-class hierarchy. Still, the car came with an impressive features set: 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic with paddle shifters; a kickass Burmester 590W 13-speaker audio system; ARTICO man-made leather; COMAND infotainment system with 7” screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; electric seats with memory function; Nappa leather steering wheel; keyless entry and start; and fantastic LED headlights with LED DRL’s.

Other features include an Adaptive Brake system with Hold function and Hill Start Assist; Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with acceleration skid control (ASR); Direct Control suspension with adaptive damping control; 9 airbags, auto-dimming rearview mirror; 40:20:40 folding rear seats; rain-sensing windscreen wipers and automatic headlights; and tire pressure monitoring.

A taxi in some markets and a limousine in others, the E-class has one of the most difficult missions in automobiledom. That it delivers 90th percentile in almost every area is a testament to the inherent excellence of this car.

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