Mercedes-Benz E 450 first drive review: Only 0.1 sec slower than an M340i

I invite you to partake in a small mental exercise. What is the common thread between a Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch, a Puma Mercedes-AMG Cat driving shoe, and the Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic AMG Line? Take a moment to think about it.

Got it?

Here’s the answer: performance branding. Each of these products stands as an icon in its respective domain. Yet, when combined with the allure of motorsport and high-performance heritage, their value transcends into something even more premium, more exclusive—and yes, more expensive.

The Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic AMG Line is no different. It embodies the essence of luxury while injecting a healthy dose of sportiness, courtesy of the sprinkling of AMG it gets. The result? A luxury sedan that boasts the refinement of an E-Class with the pulse-quickening performance expected from AMG DNA. But with a price tag of ₹92.5 lakh, a whole ₹14 lakh higher than the standard E 200, does it offer enough to justify the premium? Let’s break it down.

E 450 4Matic AMG Line performance and handling

For a luxury sedan to earn its performance credentials, it must pack serious muscle under the hood. The E 450 doesn’t disappoint. At its core lies a 3-litre, inline-six-cylinder engine producing a formidable 375bhp and 550Nm of torque. But Mercedes didn’t stop there. They added a mild-hybrid system, providing an additional 23bhp and 205Nm of electric boost for an even stronger surge of power when needed. The numbers alone are impressive, but what’s even more astonishing is its acceleration.

Mercedes claims a 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. That is only 0.1 seconds slower than a BMW M340i xDrive. We VBOX-tested it and got a best time of 5.1 seconds. But surely, with the right ambient temperature and road conditions, we could have matched that. For further context, a Porsche 911 Carrera in its current 992.2 gen—a thoroughbred sports car—does the same sprint in 4.1 seconds. That’s just 0.4 seconds quicker than this E-Class, which is a full-fledged luxury sedan.

And then comes the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, ensuring that all this performance isn’t squandered through wheel spin. The result? A seamless launch with zero drama, just pure, unrelenting acceleration. You can feel the tyres clawing at the asphalt, maximising grip to maximise power delivery. It’s easy to assume that a car with such blistering straight-line speed would falter when the road starts to twist. And it does, but only a bit.

The steering is precise, offering excellent feedback, and the 4Matic system enhances stability while ensuring predictability at high speeds. There’s quite a bit of body roll, but only towards the limit—and let’s be honest, the typical E-Class buyer isn’t likely chasing apexes every weekend. Yet, should the mood strike, this car is willing to play along. It’s refined yet engaging. So does this mean that Mercedes-Benz has compromised on comfort to give the AMG line badge a strong standing?

E 450 4Matic AMG Line comfort and rear seat

Not at all. Mercedes has still kept their focus firmly towards cabin comfort. The suspension system is the same as that of the E 200. It selectively adjusts the damping to absorb minor road imperfections, delivering that signature Mercedes-Benz ride quality. Whether you’re cruising over urban potholes or gliding down the highway, the E 450 remains poised, ensuring passengers are cocooned in sheer serenity. It is interesting to note that the E 450’s AMG Line badge has not led to any additional dynamic characteristics over the E 200. Though I still feel that the ride quality of the 5 Series is slightly smoother, especially over small undulations on the road surface.

Inside the cabin, the luxury is immediately evident. The plush beige leather upholstery feels richer than the black interior of the E 200, I tested a few months ago, further elevating the sense of occasion. Do note that this beige upholstery option is also offered on the E 200. But as tempting as it may be to sink into the seats with a chocolate wafer in hand, perhaps reconsider— light interiors demand a touch of extra caution.

For those who prefer to be chauffeured, the E 450 offers the Chauffeur Package as standard, allowing you to move the front passenger seat forward and recline in the rear for maximum relaxation. If only it came with ventilated seats and a massage function, this would be the ultimate luxury cocoon. And of course, let’s not forget the small but significant details—like the door exit warning system, which alerts you to oncoming traffic if you’re about to step out unsafely. Thoughtful touches like these reinforce the car’s identity as a true luxury experience.

There was a time when the BMW 5 Series was the definitive choice for keen drivers, while the Mercedes E-Class was the preferred sanctuary for those who preferred to be driven. But the lines have blurred. The 5 Series has now become longer and softer, while retaining a certain amount of dynamism to its drive. Even with that dynamism, the 5 Series still rides better than the E-Class, but with this E 450, the driving experience has been highly elevated with all this power. And let’s face it, if all you cared about was ride comfort, you might as well invest in a waterbed on wheels.

The only thing missing from the E 200 was the ease of driving. Now with E 450's performance, this is the most complete E-Class

E 450 4Matic AMG Line verdict

Luxury isn’t just about how softly a car rides. It’s about the entire experience—from electric sun blinds and a wireless charging pad in the rear, to the Chauffeur Package and that sense of exclusivity every time you step inside. The E 450 nails this blend beautifully, making every journey feel like an occasion rather than just another commute. But alongside this, it has to be mentioned that besides the additional power, the new light AMG wheel, the digital headlamps and a couple of small visual changes, there is no interior differentiation from its lower powered siblings. That’s a miss. Some more luxury, perhaps ventilated seats, would have been a nice touch. That being said, the E-Class finally feels effortless to drive in its 450 guise. The only real drawback I found with the E 200 was its lacklustre engine which took its own sweet time to start building speed and that really dampened the experience when one gets behind its wheel. For those who desire an E-Class that offers more than just comfort, one that excites as much as it pampers, the E 450 4Matic AMG Line is undoubtedly the pick of the segment. Yes, the car has a long name, but it’s also a long car.