Acura
RL
Owner report available
Mercedes-Benz
E-class
Owner report available
Acura RL vs Mercedes-Benz E-class
The short answer
Based on available data, the Mercedes-Benz E-class comes out ahead of the Acura RL on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
RL
Overall
Owners regard the RL as a comfortable, quiet, well-built luxury sedan with a strong V6 and a notably refined cabin, and several long-term owners report trouble-free runs past 200,000 miles. The dominant criticism is that the car is now old, parts are increasingly hard to find, and the early-2000s V6 automatic transmissions are a known weak point. Sentiment splits by generation: the first-generation 3.5 RL (1996-2004) draws praise for durability but warnings about transmission and parts scarcity, while the second-generation RL (2005-2012) is described as smoother, quieter, and better sorted, with the 2008 model specifically called out as having had early bugs worked out.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The strongest partial signal favors the 2008 model year, which owners describe as the point where early tech, radio, and SH-AWD issues were resolved, and the 2011-2012 RL is called an absolute unicorn by one owner.
Known issues
- Automatic transmission failure or slipping, particularly on early-2000s V6 models: Frequency: very frequent. Parts availability problems, including scarce dealer, aftermarket, and used parts: Frequency: very frequent.
E-class
Overall
\nSentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation and ownership context. For the W212 generation (approximately 2009-2016), owner feedback is generally positive regarding its solid build quality, reliability, and driving experience, with it being described as "pretty reliable" and "one of the best running cars" Mercedes has produced in recent decades. The W213 generation (approximately 2017-2023) receives praise for supreme comfort, refinement, and technology, particularly in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) diesel variants noted for excellent fuel economy.
Best version to buy
\nFor the W212 generation (2009-2016), the 2014-2017 model years are specifically recommended as being "well sorted." The E350 and E400 models with standard suspension (avoiding AIRMATIC air suspension if reliability is a priority) are cited as rock solid. For the W213 generation, the E300de (diesel plug-in hybrid) estate is highly praised for its combination of comfort, refinement, and fuel efficiency.
Known issues
- \nHigh maintenance and repair costs: Includes expensive routine servicing, premium fuel requirement, costly parts (e.g., wiper motor, brake lines, air suspension components), and labor.
The verdict
The Mercedes-Benz E-class is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Acura RL, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Acura RL is worth a closer look instead.
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Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura RL or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Acura RL and the Mercedes-Benz E-class. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Acura RL or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Acura RL is classed as a Sedan, the Mercedes-Benz E-class as a Station wagon, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura RL or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
The EPA rates the 2012 Acura RL at 20 mpg combined and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz E-class at 25–28 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura RL or the Mercedes-Benz E-class?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz E-class than the Acura RL. See the known issues comparison above.