Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Mercedes-Benz S-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

When comparing the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Pricing: For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's price is between $66,841 and $81,482, with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class priced between $131,973 and $154,585.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 56.9 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class loses 59.5 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz E-Class retains 2.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class' quality rating is 7.5 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being ranked 2 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class being ranked 6 out of 17 Best Luxury Large Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is 8.2 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class base engine makes 496 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a large car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a midsize car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.