Mercedes-Benz E250 (W213) Test Drive Report

This time, although the test drive was a little while ago, I’d like to share my impressions of the Mercedes-Benz E250 (W213).
Mercedes recently announced the new E-Class, but this E-Class is the earlier model of the current generation (W213). The grade is E250 Avantgarde Sport.

Ride Comfort

First, when starting to drive, this particular model uses conventional spring suspension rather than air suspension, but there is no particular dissatisfaction with the ride comfort. It absorbs road shocks sufficiently, and hardly anyone would find the ride uncomfortable.

From the start to higher speeds, the ride comfort remains consistently good across all speed ranges. Compared to the GLB’s spring suspension, it can be said that this model covers a wider speed range effectively.

However, if you want an added sense of solidity and a more refined feel in the ride comfort, I recommend choosing a higher grade or air suspension. I felt the same with the E-Class Coupe (E200), so I believe this applies to the E-Class in general, or even Mercedes as a whole.

Seats and Interior

At first glance, the seats have a sporty design and might seem firm, but they are actually very comfortable to sit in. The leather has a slightly smooth texture and can be slippery, but it is very soft and pleasant to the touch. The seat size is generous, allowing you to sit very relaxed.

With this, you could invite your wife or girlfriend on a long drive without any complaints at all, I believe. These seats truly suit the medium class of Mercedes.

Spacious enough

The ambient lighting inside the car is all indirect lighting, unlike lower classes. For example, on models like the GLB, the LED light strips are directly visible, but the E-Class lighting is embedded where the light source itself is not directly visible. This makes the light very soft and gives a sense of luxury. This attention to detail creates a very elegant and glamorous interior.

Engine Impressions Compared to the E200 Engine

Moving on to driving, the engine is a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo producing 211 ps and 350 Nm. This is a high-tuned version of the 184 ps engine found in the E200 Coupe I drove before.

The E200 engine gave a diesel-like impression in a good way—very honest and diligent in its work—but the E250 adds just a little bit of charm to that.

From the start, the smoothness stands out, and if you didn’t know better, you might think it was a naturally aspirated engine. This is also true of the 200’s engine; it completely lacks the typical turbo feel.

And the 250’s engine shows its charm when revved. Even in the mid-to-high rpm range, where the 200’s engine struggles a bit, it revs up lightly like a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated engine while delivering respectable power.

This power feeling might feel insufficient at ultra-high speeds like on the Autobahn, but it’s just right for Japanese highways or flowing at a brisk pace on quiet rural national roads. It’s an engine tuned to enjoy the clear revving feel rather than engine noise, perfect for cruising.

Handling

What’s surprising is the handling. I already noticed hints of this in the E200 Coupe, but the E-Class suspension is truly excellent.

It’s soft and comfortable, yet even when pushing through curves, it never breaks down. At low speeds, the steering is loose around the center, but as speed increases and you apply some steering angle, it responds very linearly. All four wheels firmly grip the road, and when you turn the wheel, the car turns exactly as much as you steer.

Of course, the E-Class is not a sports car. Yet, the fact that it can deliver this kind of driving experience is what makes Mercedes so remarkable.

Honestly, it feels many times better and more capable than some Japanese sports cars I’ve driven before. Of course, in terms of outright speed, sports cars win hands down, but the fundamental action of “turning” — essential for any car — is realized here at a very high level without sacrificing ride comfort, and it even delivers pleasure and fun. I have to say I’m truly impressed by this setup. It’s like a “standard meter” that all cars should model themselves after.

Summary of the E250 Test Drive

The charms of the Mercedes-Benz E250 (W213) I felt during the test drive are comfortable ride quality, relaxing seats, luxurious ambient lighting, a smooth yet powerful engine, and excellent handling. However, if you want even more solidity and refinement in the ride, I recommend opting for a higher grade or air suspension.

Overall, the E250 combines excellent performance and comfort as a core model of Mercedes-Benz, making it suitable for long-distance drives and everyday use. Moreover, prices in the used car market have become reasonable, making it an attractive choice for drivers considering a quality imported car.