Mercedes-Benz typically has stellar ratings, but there are a few notable occasions when it falls below expectations. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a prime example. Even though it is a beautiful car, Consumer Reports has a few issues with the E-Class that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class drives very well

Consumer Reports seemed pleased enough with the Mercedes-Benz E-350 when it was time for the road test. It looked terrific driving down the highway, and the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine performed well. It was able to get 24 mpg, which, while not amazing compared to other sedans, isn’t terrible.

What Consumer Reports wasn’t impressed with was the ride. Mercedes-Benz has a solid reputation for designing cars with stunning looks and a smooth ride, but the 2022 E-350 isn’t living up to expectations. Considering the E-Class costs anywhere from $54,950 to $113,500, feeling sharp bumps shouldn’t happen.

Something else that bothered the reviewer was the noise level. According to Consumer Reports, “Cabin noise is kept to a whisper, but on this front, the Benz is a bit adulterated. Like a church mouse with a snoring problem, the engine stands out. You hear almost nothing in the E350’s cabin except for the four-cylinder thrum, which from the outside sounds like a clattering diesel, as if it were a European taxi.”

On the flip side, the handling and agility are top-notch. For those who enjoy powering around winding roads without slamming on the brakes at every curve, it’s hard to top the E-Class.

You shouldn’t overlook the poor reliability

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has poor reliability. In fact, Consumer Reports ranks it as having more inadequate reliability than the average new car. This is based on data from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 models. These model years got dinged for issues such as the climate system, suspension, brakes, paint and trim, body integrity, body hardware, power equipment, and the in-car electronic system.  

Another factor that contributed to the 2022 E-Class’s poor reliability scores is the recent recall of the seat belt. It can retract early. For parents with small children who have to be secured, this could be the ultimate nightmare.

The recall letters have already been sent out, so if you have an E-Class that hasn’t been checked, you can take it to your local dealer to fix this issue free of charge. It shouldn’t take long, so you shouldn’t have to worry about sitting around a dealership for long periods of time.

Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class worth considering?

Given the price and the reliability score, there are doubtless better options, such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and the Lexus ES. Each has its issues, so it will come down to what you want and can deal with.

Even so, the 2022 E-Class has a decent score and is ranked in the top half of the luxury midsize car division. Consumer Reports found issues with the befuddling controls, tight rear seat, low-slung car cramp access, and the suspension, which transmits too much harshness on the standard sport package.

Not everyone will find these hard sales, so if you don’t mind having buttons that are a little confusing and rarely have anyone sitting in the backseat, then these may not be that big of a deal. On the other hand, if you’d rather go with something else, the 2022 Audi A6 might be a better choice, as it has the highest score in its division.