We spent a week and 520 mixed miles in a 2024 Mercedes‑Benz E 450 4MATIC with the Superscreen package, multicontour front seats, and Burmester 4D audio to evaluate interior quality, technology, and real‑world comfort.
Spec-wise, our tester paired the 12.3-inch driver display with a 14.4-inch central touchscreen and the optional passenger screen, plus open‑pore wood, metal switchgear, and extended ambient lighting. Fit and finish are tight: consistent panel gaps, no buzzes over cobblestones, and soft‑touch surfaces across high‑contact areas. The illuminated cross‑dash light band integrates cleanly, and the knurled metal vents impart a tactility missing in some rivals at this price. Testing spanned urban commutes, a three‑hour highway stint, and rain‑soaked secondary roads on 20-inch wheels.
Even on coarse asphalt the cabin kept its composure, aided by acoustic glass and additional sealing in the Acoustic Comfort Package. The only persistent noise was a muted thrum from the rear tires on grooved concrete; otherwise conversation at a whisper was easy at 70 mph. Technology is rich but largely coherent. MBUX is snappy, with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a fingerprint sensor for profiles, over‑the‑air updates, and an app suite that includes video conferencing when parked.
The passenger display’s privacy filter and driver monitoring worked as advertised—content dimmed instantly if I glanced over. Augmented‑reality navigation overlays in the center screen proved genuinely helpful in unfamiliar downtown turns, while the head‑up display kept speed and next maneuver clear in rain. The front multicontour seats are standouts: long cushions with extendable thigh support, effective ventilation, and massage programs that avoid gimmickry. Over a continuous 190‑mile stint I stepped out without hotspots or lower‑back fatigue.
The Energizing Comfort routines (tying ambient light, massage, fragrance, and audio) sound frivolous but do reduce fatigue on late drives. In back, two adults at 6 feet had adequate knee and foot room, good under‑thigh support, and a relaxed backrest angle; the middle perch remains firm and best for short trips. Climate control performance is strong. The dual‑valve system stabilized cabin temp quickly after an overnight freeze, and the Air Balance ionization/fragrance module keeps the cabin fresh without being overpowering.
The Burmester 4D system delivers a wide, stable soundstage; the seat‑integrated exciters add subtle punch rather than gimmick vibration when set to low. Storage is thoughtfully executed—large door bins, a configurable center console, wireless charging that kept a phone cool, and rear USB‑C ports with fast charging. Split‑fold rear seats and a ski pass‑through aid longer items. Gripes are few: the capacitive steering‑wheel controls remain too easy to brush accidentally, and the depth of menus demands a setup session to tailor shortcuts.
Otherwise, the new E‑Class sets a high benchmark for cabin quality, tech integration, and long‑haul comfort. If you’re ordering, prioritize the multicontour seats, Acoustic Comfort Package, and Burmester audio; skip the largest wheels if your roads are rough.
