New wagons are few and far between, but these cars are excellent for transporting many passengers. One of the best new wagons you can buy is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. According to U.S. News, it’s one of the best seven-passenger vehicles you can buy in 2020, albeit one of the most expensive.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon probably isn’t ideal if you just need a bare-bones family hauler. Even some of the E-Class wagon’s luxury competitors, like the BMW X5 and Acura MDX, come with lower price tags. Is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon really worth the upcharge over its rivals?

A best-in-class interior

Cars in the Benz lineup are known for having stunning cabins, and the E-Class is no exception. Drivers are surrounded by genuine wood trim, soft-touch surfaces, and brushed aluminum accents. Drivers are seated on plush synthetic leather seats and the driver gets plenty of legroom. Buyers can also opt for genuine leather upholstery as well as different wood trim options.

Seating in the cabin is very comfortable, especially with the pillowy front headrests. Thanks to the wagon’s long body, second-row passengers also have a lot of room to stretch their limbs. The third row is predictably limited in terms of space – best reserved for young children.

The E-Class wagon offers 35 cubic feet of trunk space with the third-row seats down. Folding down the second row gives drivers access to 64 cubic feet. Additionally, there are a few interior storage cubbies and a compartment under the cargo floor.

A great engine

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon has a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 capable of 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Even when loaded with a few passengers, the E-Class wagon can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a brisk five seconds.

That’s a full two seconds faster than the standard E350, which sports a turbo-four engine. Predictably, the E-Class wagon isn’t nearly as efficient as the regular sedan. It averages 19 mpg on city roads and 26 mpg once you’ve merged onto the highway.

While its fuel economy is disappointing, at least the E-Class wagon is fun to drive. Despite its long and wide dimensions, it feels exceptionally agile when cornering. The base suspension evens out most road imperfections, but drivers can also get an air suspension. There’s a Comfort drive mode for serene rides and Sport modes for tackling twistier roads.

Unique technology

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon has a few tech features that you don’t see in many of its rivals. Drivers can add on a Benz-exclusive scent diffuser for a fresh-smelling cabin. The E-Class wagon is also equipped with Car-to-X safety technology. This feature allows cars to transmit radio signals to each other to alert the driver of upcoming traffic delays. Several other safety features are also included, and the wagon has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.

The E-Class wagon comes standard with smartphone integration, navigation, and multiple USB ports. The 12-inch touchscreen displays graphics vibrantly with good resolution. However, the Benz infotainment system is known for having a frustrating learning curve. It’s not a touch display, so it has to be controlled with knobs or the touchpad controller.

The final verdict on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Any way you look at it, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon is definitely a splurge. It retails for $66,100, not including any extras. Packages including more safety features and upgraded comfort options will put you in the neighborhood of $72,000.

There are definitely cheaper options, like the Kia Sorento priced at nearly $27,000. However, if you think that your family deserves the most luxurious ride, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is among the best.