In the 70s and 80s, European automakers showed Americans that luxury cars should not handle like yachts but rather handle the road with competence and dexterity. The luxury sport sedan became a thing, and it caught on. For decades, domestic luxury brands tried to catch up with questionable success, while European brands kept upping the game. Then came SUVs and crossovers to add an entirely new element to the luxury game. What became somewhat lost in the confusion is that many luxury car buyers simply want their cars to be comfortable. Competent? Of course! But 0-60 times, G-forces, and track times are completely irrelevant to this buyer. They long for soothing serenity. Mercedes-Benz of Plano would like to direct all such buyers to the E 450.
It is hard to beat a sedan for the luxury car experience. The cabin is nicely isolated from exterior forces and sounds. If you can fit everything you need in a trunk, why extend the cabin over the luggage to create an echo chamber of unused space? The redesigned 2024 E 450 was designed with this in mind. It is whisper quiet at all speeds. You can talk softly to your fellow passengers or hear all the subtleties the extraordinary Burmester® audio system* has to offer at unobtrusive volumes. If you simply want to be alone with your thoughts, those thoughts will come through loud and clear.
Comfort Starts Inside
The serenity begins before you start moving with a minimalist dash design. Mercedes-Benz managed to make a 14.4-inch center touchscreen unobtrusive. It doesn’t stick out of the dash like a velcroed iPad. In fact, it doesn’t even have a trimmed edge. It just reveals itself from the dash panel. An available screen just for the front passenger presents itself in the same way. The latest version of the MBUX system provides plenty of shortcuts to where you want to go, and it is noticeably more intuitive than past systems.
Much of the car is designed to simply disappear from your awareness as you cruise down the road. Visibility is good, and seating for four is comfortable but firm enough to provide support for long trips.
You Won’t Be Bored
Though not a sport sedan, the E 450 is not without its sense of fun, but only at your command. The aforementioned Burmester® audio system* will highlight every nuance of your musical choices, even in your favorite songs. Speakers in the seats can make the music a tactile experience. It can also be a visual one, as the ambient lighting has a setting to react to the music so you can have your own personal rave on the interstate. But again, these things are only there when you want them to be.
The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, a 9-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive are always at hand. The mild-hybrid system enables quiet and smooth starts from stops and can enhance acceleration. 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque can hustle the Mercedes-Benz when you want it to and allow for easy passing on the highway, but the car is designed to perform without drama and doesn't really encourage being tossed around.
When you feel you’ve reached the point where you deserve a car that is solely concerned with your comfort, the E 450 is waiting for you at Mercedes-Benz of Plano. Test drive the E 450 and see how well you appreciate absolute serenity on four wheels.
*Burmester is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
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