“Once you drive an e-class you will never feel the same about another sedan. It is perfect!”
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class receives a major mid-cycle refresh across its sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet body styles. The headline change is a broad update that brings new styling, a redesigned twin-screen cabin, revised driver-assistance technology, and updated powertrains.
About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
5th-generation E-Class family (W213 sedan, S213 wagon, C238 coupe, A238 cabriolet); 2021 is the mid-cycle refresh year.
The E-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s midsize luxury model for shoppers who want traditional comfort, rich cabin materials, and advanced technology in a more manageable package than an S-Class. Mercedes-Benz presents the sedan as the benchmark body style, the wagon as an SUV alternative, and the coupe and cabriolet as elegant grand tourers. Across all of them, the shared appeal is long-distance comfort, a polished ride, strong safety tech, and a digital cockpit that feels upscale without being overwhelming.
The E 350 remains the comfort-focused luxury sedan, with a 255-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine, heated front seats, and navigation. E 450 models add smoother 362-horsepower six-cylinder mild-hybrid power, while the coupe and cabriolet emphasize four-seat touring and the E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain turns the wagon into a more rugged-looking, all-wheel-drive model.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
E 450 models receive a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides electric assistance. The plug-in E 350e also joins the U.S. lineup.
Styling
The sedan, wagon, coupe, and cabriolet receive revised front and rear styling. The U.S. wagon changes to the more crossover-like E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain format.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz revises the driver-assistance systems and their operating software. On the E 450, parking assistance and a 360-degree camera become standard equipment.
Tech and equipment
The cabin adopts the newer MBUX touchscreen system with two standard 12.3-inch displays, plus a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. Heated front seats become standard on the E 350 and E 350 4MATIC.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter w/EQ Boost |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 30–31 mpg | 30 mpg | 28–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 362 hp | 255 hp | 362 hp |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 9.5–10 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 9.5–35 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 34.1–35.9 in | 36.1 in | 34.1–36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4–7 |
| Doors | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The biggest change is a major mid-cycle refresh affecting every E-Class body style. It brings updated exterior styling, a new twin-screen cabin layout, revised driver-assistance technology, and powertrain changes.
Did the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 get a new engine?
Yes. The 2021 E 450 uses a 362-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that supplies electric assistance.
What changed inside the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The 2021 E-Class gets the newer MBUX cabin layout with two standard 12.3-inch displays and touchscreen infotainment. It also receives a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, while heated front seats become standard on E 350 models.
What changed about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon?
The U.S. wagon changes to the E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain format for 2021. It combines all-wheel drive and six-cylinder mild-hybrid power with more crossover-like exterior styling.
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Yes. The 2021 model is a substantial refresh rather than a simple carryover, with redesigned exterior details, newer cabin technology, revised safety systems, and a mild-hybrid inline-six in E 450 models.
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
4.2
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
(592 reviews)
“Excellent all around, safety, comfort, ease of handling - drive and using, style and design, fuel economy.”
“If you are considering the Mercedes -Benz 350 Sedan you can not go wrong. It is the most luxury vehicle with lots of style to go along with it. The interior design makes you feel like you are on top of the world. The exterior will make heads turn and eyes roll. I think the Mercedes-Benz 350 Sedan is, ""Nothing but the Best.""”