The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Is Getting a More Powerful Base Engine
The Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan is getting a more powerful base engine for 2020, and with it, the designation for the four-cylinder model changes from E300 to E350.
The updated turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four makes 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, 14 hp more than before and the same amount of torque.
Pricing rises $550 for the new E350 compared with last year's model, and 4Matic all-wheel drive remains a $2500 option.
The Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan's base four-cylinder engine is getting more grunt for 2020. A new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four in the 2020 model now makes 255 horsepower, a 14-hp boost over last year (torque stays the same, at 273 lb-ft). Its model designation changes to reflect the extra output, going from E300 to E350. A nine-speed automatic remains the only transmission choice, and customers still have a choice between standard rear-wheel drive and optional 4Matic all-wheel drive for $2500 extra.
This updated engine was first used in the updated C-class and GLC-class models, and it's also found in the 2020 GLE-class SUV. Given that the new turbo-four improved a C300 4Matic sedan's zero-to-60-mph acceleration time by half a second in our testing, we're thinking it will likewise improve the performance of the base E-class sedan, which made the zero-to-60-mph run in a lackluster 6.5 seconds in our testing. We weren't fans of the old E300 model, choosing to award our 10Best award only to the six-cylinder E-class models in the lineup for the past few years.
The starting price for the 2020 E-class rises somewhat, with the base E350 starting at $55,045, $550 higher than before. There don't appear to be any other major changes in the lineup; the V-6–powered E450 models remain in coupe, convertible, sedan, and wagon body styles. Look for E350 models to go on sale later this year.
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