What’s better than a Mercedes-Benz wagon? Why, an off-road version naturally. The 2022 E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain is the vehicle we didn’t know we needed, offered as part of the refresh a couple of years back. And it’s pretty darn cool.
The idea behind the new offering is to blend elements from the brand’s SUV line whilst still keeping the sleek shape of the model. Check out the GLE-esque silver twin bladed grille, decorative polished front skid plate, roof rails and black wheel arch and lower bumper mouldings. Of the 11 selectable exterior colours, Darpan’s loaner was sprayed in the unique $1,400 orangey MANUFAKTUR (more on this in a second) Hyacinth Red metallic.
Inside, the 450 isn’t too different from the regular variants featuring ARTICO man-made tumbled leather upholstery that is admittedly on the harder side. The steering wheel however feels nice, and Napa leather is available. Ours also had the optional MANUFAKTUR — Mercedes-Benz’s in-house customization program — Black Piano Lacquer “Flowing Lines” wood trim equipped, which is basically a shiny black dashboard with some interesting-looking pin-striping effect applied. A large panoramic sunroof is standard.
As expected, the wagon is a joy to pilot and is one of the best form factors outside of a crossover or minivan to haul a small family around. It’s definitely more stylish. Parking is a breeze thanks to a birds-eye view camera displayed on the 12.3-inch display, next to the matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. MBUX voice-activated infotainment is excellent and can understand natural voice commands to control in-car functions after saying the phrase “Hey Mercedes.”
One observation is for taller drivers who lower their seat, the A pillar creates a bit of a blind spot. The cargo capacity, rated between 640 and 1,820 litres depending on whether the back seat is folded, is easily able to accommodate ample amounts of groceries, luggage and sports and recreation gear. Legroom is plentiful anywhere in the cabin.
Offered for the first time in the segment, a punchy 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild hybrid mill propels the vehicle. Making 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, the engine is fitted with an Integrated Starter-Generator producing up to a temporary 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and a 48-volt onboard electrical system, assisting everything from initial acceleration to smoothening the engine start-stop transition. It enables a zero-emissions “gliding” mode under low loads as well optimizing fuel economy.
The E-Class includes quite a lot of autonomous technology like Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC designed to utilize map and route data to automatically adjust the cruise control speed; Active Steering Assist that keeps the car in the centre of the lane on straight and slightly windy roads; and Active Parking Assist helping drivers enter and leave both parallel and perpendicular spaces at the touch of a button thanks to the onboard 360-degree camera.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain Wagon starts at MSRP $82,900.
Highlights
MSRP: $82,900 (base)
Motor: 3.0-litre six cylinder + 48-volt mild hybrid system
Horsepower: 362 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 369 @ 1,600 rpm
Gearbox: nine-speed automatic
Layout: front engine, all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 14.1 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)