The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has long stood as a paragon of luxury, comfort, and understated elegance in the executive sedan segment. But with the W214 generation, which succeeds the W213 that debuted in 2016, the game has shifted.

No longer is the E-Class just about supple leather, smooth rides, and quiet interiors - it’s now a question of how much tech you can fit into one car. As Mercedes-Benz puts it, the W214 is a “bridge between tradition and digitalization.” But did they strike the right balance, or did they tip the scale too far?

Also read: Return of the hybrids: 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) launched in Malaysia; E200 & E350e, from RM 355k

Design: Familiar, Yet Conflicted

At first glance, the W214 doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor. Measuring 4,949 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 1,468 mm tall, with a 2,961 mm wheelbase (20 mm longer than the W213), the new E-Class boasts slightly more passenger and luggage space, now offering 540 litres in the boot. That’s practical progress.

Where the design takes a turn, though, is in the details. Up front, the high-gloss black insert between the grille and headlamps nods to Mercedes’ EQ electric range. The headlights, designed to mimic "eyebrows" with their LED daytime running lights, and the bonnet’s ‘power dome’ give it some character.

However, the Avangarde trim with reflector headlamps lacks the premium vibe you’d expect at this price point. At least the 19-inch wheels look appropriately sized and well-proportioned.

Yet, there’s a bit of an identity crisis. The grille, with its EQ-inspired aesthetic, feels like it’s trying too hard to keep up with the times, leaving the W214 stuck between its luxury sedan roots and the futuristic ethos of electric vehicles. The W214 is a car that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.

Interior: Has Ambient Lighting Gone Too Far?

Inside, Mercedes takes the W214 deeper into the digital age, with two or even three screens depending on the variant. The E200 Avantgarde trim on test here has two screens, and that, frankly, feels like enough.

I’ve experienced the full three-screen setup in the EQ models, and honestly, the passenger-side display often goes unused. It feels redundant when everything can be managed from the central screen.

Without the third screen, the E200 benefits from a sleek black ash wood trim with the iconic Mercedes pin logo that are backlit scattered throughout. The circular air vents from the W213 are gone, replaced by a continuous strip that’s a bit tricky to aim airflow from, especially on the sides where it tapers.

The latest MBUX system is fast and responsive, but its design skews a bit too cartoonish for my liking. Adjusting the climate control now takes two steps instead of one, which seems like a step backward in usability.

Mercedes even offers in apps like Angry Birds, TikTok, and Zoom – great for the kids or maybe a bored spouse, but at what point do we draw the line between convenience and distraction?

Ambient lighting is dialled up too, now feeling a bit "disco" compared to the more understated classiness of the W213. It’s fun, sure, but can also come off as a little over the top for an executive sedan.

In terms of space, there’s a marginal improvement over the previous generation. Rear legroom is better, but it’s still not exactly a limousine back there. Headroom is about the same, and while you’ll sit comfortably, it’s not class-leading.

The driving position has improved, thanks to better steering alignment and a more ergonomic footwell, but I still wish the seating position could be a bit lower, just a personal preference.

As expected, quality is top-notch. All touchpoints feel premium, with leather, wood, and soft-touch materials used throughout. The window switches, a sore spot in the G60 BMW 5 Series, feel solid and well-made here. There’s nothing groundbreaking about the materials, but it’s exactly what you expect from an E-Class.

Driving Experience: Smooth, But Not A BMW, And That's A Good Thing

The E200’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a mild hybrid system, is impressively smooth. Acceleration is effortless, and you won’t be left wanting for more shove in most situations. Refinement is exceptional - you won’t even notice the car starting up and at idle, vibration is virtually non-existent – I have mistakenly switched it off, thinking it wasn’t on.

Steering is well-weighted and intuitive, with the variable ratio system making it easy to track in corners. But this is not a car you push through tight bends.

On long, sweeping highways, the W214 feels right at home, but in tighter corners, its mass and soft suspension become more apparent. Body roll is well controlled, but you won’t feel as confident pushing it hard as you might in a BMW 5 Series.

The brakes, though, are worth highlighting. It seems Mercedes has finally nailed the balance between regenerative and mechanical braking, making them far more predictable and easier to modulate compared to, say, the W206 C-Class.

Another highlight is that the W214 feels absolutely at home on highways. At our national speed limit, the engine ticks below 1,500 rpm, and its wafting refinement gives the impression that the car is simply brisk walking at those speeds. It feels like a long-legged cruiser built for the Autobahn.

More importantly, the E-Class finally comes equipped with a suite of ADAS, offering level 2 semi-autonomous driving. It performs well for the most part, though braking and accelerating could use some refinement, feeling a bit abrupt at times.

The autonomous emergency braking, in particular, seems overly reactive compared to other recent Mercs - borderline annoying. Hey Mercedes, could we tone it down a bit? There's really no need to jab the brakes when I’ve already got my foot on the pedal.

Ride Comfort: No Airmatic, No Problem

Even without the Airmatic suspension, the W214 delivers the level of ride comfort you’d expect from an E-Class. It’s cushioned without being overly soft, and road imperfections are absorbed with a sense of cohesion. It’s not class-leading, but it does the job well enough.

However, insulation leaves room for improvement. It’s not subpar, but the game of isolating has moved on and without the acoustic glass all-around from the higher trim, the E200 doesn’t feel as cocooned as some rivals, and traffic noise can seep in.

Conclusion

Mercedes-Benz claims the W214 bridges the gap between old-school luxury and cutting-edge tech, but does it really? In some ways, yes. The cabin feels modern, the driving aids are more advanced, and the tech suite will impress the younger crowd.

But in trying to bring the E-Class into the digital age, has Mercedes diluted what made it so beloved in the first place?

At its core, the W214 E-Class is still an excellent executive sedan. The ride is refined, the quality is high, and the technology is impressive. But compared to its predecessors, it feels like the W214 is more about wowing with screens and gadgets than delivering a timeless luxury experience.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a tech powerhouse, but perhaps not the game-changer many were expecting. It’s glitzier, more connected, and undeniably advanced, but hasn’t moved the needle much in terms of comfort, luxury, or driving dynamics. For those who value the traditional E-Class comfort and luxury, the simpler, less tech-heavy E200 Avantgarde variant might be a better fit.

With rumours of a future convergence between internal combustion and electric platforms, time will tell if Mercedes’ strategy holds up. Until then, the W214 feels like a car caught between worlds – tradition on one hand, and digitalisation on the other.