For discerning drivers seeking a harmonious blend of luxury, robust performance, and unwavering all-weather capability, the Mercedes E400 4matic stands as a compelling choice within the executive sedan segment. This comprehensive Mercedes E400 4MATIC review will delve into what makes this vehicle a standout, whether you’re considering a new purchase or exploring the used E400 4MATIC buying guide. We’ll cover everything from its impressive engine to its renowned E400 4MATIC reliability, comparing it against its successor in the E400 4MATIC vs E450 debate, and addressing potential E400 4MATIC common problems. Prepare to explore the enduring appeal of a true Mercedes-Benz classic.
The Mercedes E400 4MATIC Unveiled: A Blend of Power and Prestige
When you see the badge Mercedes E400 4MATIC on the trunk of an E-Class, you’re looking at more than just a model number. It’s a statement. It signifies a sweet spot in the Mercedes-Benz lineup—a vehicle that perfectly balances the everyday usability of the standard E-Class with a thrilling dose of power, all wrapped in the security blanket of all-wheel drive. Let’s break down what makes this specific model so special.
Defining the E400 4MATIC
First, the “E” tells you it belongs to the E-Class family, Mercedes-Benz legendary mid-size luxury line known for its comfort and technological prowess. The “400” designation points directly to its heart: a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a significant step up from the base four-cylinder models. Finally, “4MATIC” is Mercedes-Benz proprietary all-wheel-drive system. It’s not just for snow; it’s an intelligent system that enhances grip and stability year-round, giving you confidence in every corner and on every rain-slicked highway. The Mercedes E400 4MATIC is, in essence, the complete package.
Target Audience
So, who is the Mercedes E400 4MATIC for? It’s for the professional who wants a refined and powerful daily commuter. It’s for the family that values safety and comfort on long road trips. It’s for the enthusiast who appreciates a strong engine and a composed ride but doesn’t need the raw, track-focused aggression of an AMG model. It’s for anyone who refuses to compromise between luxury, performance, and all-weather practicality.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the E400 4MATIC
The soul of any great car is its engine, and the Mercedes E400 4MATIC boasts one that delivers performance with exceptional grace. It’s not a loud, boisterous engine; it’s a confident, powerful unit that provides effortless acceleration.
W213 E400 Engine Specifications
Most commonly found in the W213 generation (2017-2020), the E400 engine is a 3.0-liter V6 biturbo. This powerhouse typically produces around 329 horsepower and a substantial 354 lb-ft of torque. According to reviews from automotive experts at Car and Driver, this engine is celebrated for its “silky-smooth power delivery” Car and Driver, 2018. This isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about how that power is delivered—a smooth, linear surge that pushes you back in your seat without any jarring drama.
Mercedes 3.0L V6 Biturbo Performance
What do those specifications mean on the road? The Mercedes E400 4MATIC sedan can typically sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.0 to 5.2 seconds. That’s quick enough to surprise many sports cars, making highway merges and overtakes completely effortless. The power is always there, waiting for your command, delivered through a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission that shifts almost imperceptibly.
The 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive System
The 4MATIC system is the unsung hero of this car. While rear-wheel-drive cars can be a handful in wet or snowy conditions, the Mercedes E-Class AWD benefits are profound. The system constantly monitors for wheel slip and can intelligently send power to the wheels with the most grip. As Mercedes-Benz explains, this not only improves traction in bad weather but also enhances cornering stability and overall handling precision on dry roads Mercedes-Benz Group Media. It transforms the car from a powerful luxury sedan into a confident, all-seasons grand tourer.
E400 4MATIC Fuel Consumption
For a twin-turbo V6 with all-wheel drive, the E400 4MATIC fuel consumption is respectable. You can generally expect figures around 20 MPG in the city and up to 26-28 MPG on the highway, depending on the body style and driving habits. While it won’t win any awards for fuel efficiency against a four-cylinder or hybrid, it offers a fair trade-off for the performance it delivers.
Luxury and Comfort: Inside the E400 4MATIC Cabin
Step inside the Mercedes E400 4MATIC, and you’ll understand why the E-Class sets the benchmark for interior design in its segment. It’s a sanctuary of technology, craftsmanship, and comfort.
Interior Design and Material Quality
The cabin is a masterclass in modern luxury. Flowing lines, authentic wood trim, brushed aluminum, and supple leather create an environment that is both visually stunning and wonderful to the touch. The 64-color ambient lighting system allows you to tailor the mood of the cabin to your preference, making every night drive a special occasion.
E400 4MATIC Infotainment Features
Dominating the dashboard is the available dual-screen setup, featuring two 12.3-inch displays that merge into one seamless widescreen panel. One serves as a customizable digital instrument cluster, while the other handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings through the COMAND infotainment system. While it has a slight learning curve, its depth of features and stunning clarity are undeniable. Most models support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.
Seating and Passenger Comfort
The seats in the Mercedes E400 4MATIC are designed for long-haul comfort. They are supportive, highly adjustable, and often come with heating, ventilation, and even massage functions. The cabin is exceptionally quiet, with extensive sound deadening that isolates you from the noise of the outside world, allowing you to enjoy your music or conversation in peace.
Practicality and Cargo Space
Practicality isn’t sacrificed for style. The sedan offers a generous trunk, easily accommodating luggage for a family vacation. For those needing maximum utility, the E400 4MATIC Wagon is a rare but brilliant option, combining the luxury of the sedan with the cargo capacity of an SUV.
Driving Experience: On the Road with the E400 4MATIC
The Mercedes E400 4MATIC is engineered to be a sublime driving machine, prioritizing comfort and stability without feeling disconnected from the road.
Ride Quality and Suspension
The standard suspension soaks up road imperfections with ease, providing a serene and composed ride. For the ultimate in comfort, look for models equipped with the optional AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension. This system can adjust the ride height and damping at each wheel individually, creating a “magic carpet” ride that feels almost completely isolated from bumps and potholes.
Steering and Handling Dynamics
While it’s not a razor-sharp sports car like a BMW 5 Series might be, the E400’s steering is precise and well-weighted. It feels stable and planted at high speeds, and the 4MATIC system helps it feel incredibly secure through corners. It’s a car that inspires confidence, whether you’re navigating a winding country road or cruising down the interstate.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Mercedes-Benz has long been a pioneer in safety, and the E-Class is a showcase of its latest technologies. The Driver Assistance Package includes features like adaptive cruise control with steering assist, which can help keep you centered in your lane and maintain a set distance from the car ahead, significantly reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. Safety ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have consistently been top-tier for the E-Class platform.
Braking Performance
The brakes are strong and progressive, providing ample stopping power to haul the car down from speed with confidence and without any drama.
The E400 4MATIC as a Used Car: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
As the Mercedes E400 4MATIC is now primarily available on the pre-owned market, it represents a fantastic value proposition. But buying a used German luxury car requires due diligence.
Why Consider a Used E400 4MATIC?
The primary reason is the E400 4MATIC depreciation curve. A model that once cost upwards of $65,000-$75,000 can often be found for less than half that price after just a few years. This means you can get a tremendous amount of car—performance, luxury, and technology—for your money. The answer to “Is E400 4MATIC a good used car?” is a resounding yes, provided you find a well-maintained example.
What to Look For When Buying Used
When you’re inspecting a potential purchase, insist on a complete service history. These are complex machines, and consistent, documented maintenance is non-negotiable. Pay close attention to tire wear, brake life, and any warning lights on the dash. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a certified Mercedes-Benz technician is one of the best investments you can make.
E400 4MATIC Reliability and Common Problems
Generally, the E400 4MATIC reliability is considered good for its class. The M276 V6 engine is a proven workhorse. However, like any complex luxury vehicle, there are potential issues to be aware of. Some owners have reported minor electronic gremlins with the infotainment system or sensors. Oil leaks around the camshaft magnets or turbocharger coolant lines can occur as the vehicle ages. It’s crucial to budget for higher-than-average maintenance and potential repair costs.
E400 4MATIC Depreciation Curve
While its initial depreciation is steep (which benefits you as a used buyer), the value tends to stabilize after the 4-5 year mark. Well-maintained examples hold their value reasonably well within the used luxury market.
Financing and Insurance Considerations
Remember to factor in the total cost of ownership. Insurance premiums for a powerful luxury car will be higher than for a standard vehicle. Secure financing pre-approval before you start shopping to know your budget.
E400 4MATIC vs E450: Understanding the Evolution
Around the 2019/2020 model years, Mercedes-Benz replaced the E400 with the E450. So, what’s the difference in the E400 4MATIC vs E450 matchup?
Key Differences in Powertrain
The biggest change was under the hood. The E450 swapped the E400 V6 for a new 3.0-liter inline-six engine, often paired with a mild-hybrid system called EQ Boost. This new engine produced more power (around 362 hp) and was even smoother and more efficient than the V6 it replaced.
Performance and Driving Feel Comparison
The E450 feels slightly more responsive from a standstill, thanks to the electric assist from the EQ Boost system. It’s a subtle but noticeable improvement. However, the E400 V6 has a character of its own that many enthusiasts still love. The performance difference is not night and day; both are exceptionally quick and refined.
Which One is Right for You?
If your budget allows and you want the latest technology and a slightly more efficient and powerful engine, the E450 is a fantastic choice. However, if you’re looking for maximum value, a well-maintained Mercedes E400 4MATIC offers 95% of the experience for a significantly lower price on the used market.
Ownership Experience: Maintenance, Upgrades, and Living with an E400 4MATIC
Owning a Mercedes E400 4MATIC is a rewarding experience, but it requires commitment.
E400 4MATIC Maintenance Schedule
Following the manufacturer recommended service intervals is critical. This typically includes “Service A” and “Service B” appointments, which alternate every 10,000 miles or once a year. These services involve more than just an oil change; they include comprehensive inspections of the vehicle key systems.
Best Tires for E400 4MATIC
Tires are the single most important component for safety and performance. Don’t skimp here. High-quality grand touring all-season tires from brands like Michelin or Continental are excellent choices for balancing performance, comfort, and longevity.
E400 4MATIC Aftermarket Upgrades
While many owners prefer to keep their cars stock, a simple ECU tune can safely unlock significant horsepower and torque from the biturbo V6. Aesthetic modifications like wheels or subtle spoilers are also popular ways to personalize the car.
Conclusion: Is the Mercedes E400 4MATIC Right for You?
The Mercedes E400 4MATIC occupies a brilliant niche. It delivers a near-perfect blend of effortless power, sophisticated luxury, cutting-edge technology, and the all-weather security of 4MATIC all-wheel drive. While newer models may have surpassed it technologically, its core attributes remain timeless.
As a used vehicle, it presents an almost unbeatable value proposition, offering an authentic premium German luxury experience for the price of a new mainstream sedan. If you are looking for a car that can do it all—coddle you in comfort on your daily commute, thrill you with its performance on an open road, and keep you safe and secure no matter the weather—the Mercedes E400 4MATIC should be at the very top of your list. It’s more than just a car; it’s a statement of refined capability.
Mercedes E400 4matic FAQs
Question: What engine is in the Mercedes E400 4MATIC?
Answer: The Mercedes E400 4MATIC typically features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant delivers robust performance, generally producing around 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, ensuring smooth and powerful acceleration. It was a key offering in the W212 facelift and W213 generations.
Question: Is the E400 4MATIC considered a reliable car?
Answer: The E400 4MATIC reliability is generally good for a luxury vehicle when properly maintained. The 3.0L V6 biturbo engine is quite robust. However, like all complex luxury cars, it requires diligent adherence to the E400 4MATIC maintenance schedule to ensure long-term dependability and manage potential higher costs for parts and labor.
Question: What are the main differences between the E400 4MATIC and E450?
Answer: The primary difference in the E400 4MATIC vs E450 lies in the engine. The E400 uses a 3.0L twin-turbo V6, while the E450 (its successor) features a more powerful 3.0L inline-six turbocharged engine, often with a mild-hybrid (EQ Boost) system for enhanced efficiency and responsiveness.
Question: What are common problems to look for in a used E400 4MATIC?
Answer: When considering a used E400 4MATIC buying guide, common issues can include minor electrical glitches, potential oil leaks from specific engine components (like camshaft magnets) as mileage increases, and wear on suspension components. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is crucial to identify any E400 4MATIC common problems.
Question: How does the E400 4MATIC perform in snow and ice?
Answer: The Mercedes E400 4MATIC performs exceptionally well in snow and ice thanks to its intelligent 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This system constantly monitors traction, distributing power to the wheels with the most grip. Paired with appropriate winter tires, it offers superior stability and confidence in challenging winter conditions.
Author Bio
Alex Carter is an automotive journalist and certified mechanic with over 15 years of experience specializing in European luxury vehicles. Having test-driven and worked on multiple generations of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Alex provides expert, hands-on insights to help consumers make informed decisions.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only. All data, including performance figures and specifications, is based on publicly available information and may vary by model year and vehicle condition. It is highly recommended that potential buyers conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a qualified mechanic before purchasing any used vehicle. The author and publisher are not responsible for any decisions made based on the content of this article.
You can refer to more:
- IIHS Safety Ratings for Mercedes-Benz E-Class : An authoritative source for crash test results and safety feature evaluations, providing crucial E400 4MATIC reliability and safety insights.
