Brands/Mercedes-Benz/E-class/W213

Mercedes-Benz E-class W213 (2016–2023)

Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.

Photo: Benespit / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Should I buy one?

816

US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2023

recall campaigns

engine

most-complained area

What owners say about this generation

Our take, from owner reports

6 problems reported (3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence

Problems owners report

RecurrentGloss black plastic center console scratches easily
RecurrentM276 V6 spring links require replacement around 60,000 miles
Recurrent19-inch wheels are prone to bending from potholes

+ 3 more issues

IsolatedDistronic/lane-keeping camera failure (early model years)
IsolatedTransmission electrical plate issues (2017 model)
Isolated2020+ facelift models have issues with 48V mild-hybrid systems and software

The version owners recommend

The E400/E450 with the M276 V6 engine is the consensus best version, praised for its reliability and smoothness. The 2019 model year is specifically recommended for its 362 hp engine upgrade over the 2018's 329 hp. The pre-facelift W213 (2016-2019) is preferred for its interior design and physical controls, while the facelift (2020-2023) is seen as a downgrade in styling and material quality.

Competitors to consider

Owners compare it most often with the BMW 5-series, Lexus GS, Volvo S90/V90 and Genesis G80.

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Full owner report

Overall sentiment

Owners overwhelmingly praise the W213's interior design, calling it a beautiful blend of modern digital displays and classic Mercedes elegance, with the 64-color ambient lighting a frequently highlighted highlight. The M276 V6 engine is widely regarded as reliable and smooth, making the E400/E450 trims a favorite. However, criticism focuses on the use of gloss black plastic on the center console, which is prone to scratches, and some owners find the exterior styling bland compared to earlier generations. Early model years (2016-2018) are seen as solid, while the 2020+ facelift introduced a less popular design language and more complex powertrains.

Positioning vs competitors

Owners position the W213 as having a superior interior to the BMW 5-series, though they concede the BMW offers better driving dynamics and higher material quality in base trims. The Lexus GS is noted as a more reliable and lasting alternative, while the Volvo S90/V90 and Genesis G80 are mentioned as newer competitors. Some owners feel the E-class is overrated by press reviews that feature well-optioned Designo models, while dealer lots often have MB-Tex upholstery, which is considered less luxurious than competitors' standard leather.

Recommended configurations

Owners recommend the E400 or E450 wagon (S213) for its practicality and the V6's reliability. The 2019 model year is highlighted as a sweet spot for the power bump. Avoid the 2020+ facelift models with the M264 inline-4 hybrid powertrain, which are described as more complicated and having issues. The E300 with the M274 4-cylinder is considered "a bit lame" and less desirable.

General recommendations

This generation is ideal for buyers seeking a luxurious, comfortable daily driver with a high-tech interior and strong reliability from the V6 models. Pre-facelift models (2016-2019) are preferred for their design and physical controls. Buyers should inspect the gloss black center console for scratches and be aware that 19-inch wheels are prone to bending from potholes. The 2020+ facelift should be approached with caution due to reported issues with the 48V mild-hybrid system and the loss of physical buttons.

Remarks

The W213's interior is often compared favorably to the W222 S-class, with owners noting it offers 95% of the features for less money. The 64-color ambient lighting is a standout feature, though it does not include brightness adjustments. The pre-facelift steering wheel with physical buttons is considered peak design, while the facelift's touch-sensitive controls are widely disliked. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Year	Complaints	Recalls	Most-reported area
2023	96	0	engine
2022	88	0	electrical system
2021	40	0	electrical system
2020	63	1	engine
2019	113	1	electrical system
2018	71	1	engine
2017	167	0	engine
2016	178	0	air bags

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.

Recall notices for this generation

2020 · power train:driveline:universal jointcampaign 26V216000

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 E 400 4MATIC Sedan, E 400 4MATIC Wagon, E 400 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 400 4MATIC Coupe, 2018-2020 Maybach S 560 4MATIC, S 560 4MATIC Coupe, S 450 4MATIC, 2019-2020 E 450 4MATIC Sedan, E 450 4MATIC Wagon, E 450 4MATIC Coupe, and E 450 4MATIC Cabriolet vehicles. The drive shaft universal joint may break, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power.

2019 · power train:driveline:universal jointcampaign 26V216000

2018 · power train:driveline:universal jointcampaign 26V216000

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Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.