REVIEW: MERCEDES-BENZ E450 4MATIC

It's an AMG in Disguise!

- SYED SHIRAZ SHAH

“You return cars the cleanest, sir...”, said the young Mercedes-Benz driver as I handed the E450 back to him after testing it for a few days.

For over 12 years now, I have always maintained the practice of returning media vehicles absolutely spotless. Plus, I have also always had the courtesy to drop the drivers to the nearest public transport system when they come to drop the vehicle, and pick them up from the same spot when they come to pick up the vehicle. In addition to making things a bit easier for the driver, it also gives me an opportunity to test the rear seat comfort on the way. I do this with all media cars (and motorcycles too).

This anecdote isn't important for the E450 story, but I shared it to awaken the dead conscience of the majority of Indian auto journos and influencers who treat manufacturers' drivers inappropriately, that too despite returning media vehicles either damaged, dirty, or both.

With that out of the way, let's begin the Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC review.

This Mercedes-Benz is the most beautiful car in the segment. Period. Without getting into its individual design elements, let me just tell you that this car has a form so smooth, it gives you an impression that rain drops would flow off its bodywork without causing any water marks. In fact, the flowy contours didn't even let dust settle on it, which is a rarity in our conditions. That should also tell you the E450 would be an easy car to maintain as far as its exterior cleanliness is concerned.