![2017 Mercedes-Benz E300](/images/articles/2017/cd0117-6-1-articles-firstdrive.jpg)
The brand-new Mercedes-Benz E300 debuted for model year 2017, replacing the E350 with a pretty hefty upgrade that created a vehicle with more in common with an S-Class sedan than its midsize luxury counterparts. If you regularly transport one or two VIPs with minimal luggage, this is a great option for your fleet.
There’s no shortage of competition for the midsize sedan category, and each has its own unique strengths and drawbacks. This vehicle is unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz, so right off the bat it has that distinction for your brand-conscious customers who would accept nothing less. The German automaker has given the midlevel sedan a lot of special touches that one might expect on a much more expensive full-size offering: adjustable LED ambient lighting inside and out, Dynamic Select mode for your most comfortable ride and drive with ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ (S-Class influence), ECO Stop/Start system for gas and emissions savings, and the manufacturer’s signature COMAND system—the car’s mission control where you can find navigation with 3D maps (very cool), vehicle settings, and entertainment.
![2017 Mercedes-Benz E300](/images/articles/2017/cd0117-6-2-articles-firstdrive.jpg)
The remote key—also a new design for Mercedes—can be charged while driving by plugging it into the power outlet in the center console, where you will also find a connection for both Android and Apple phones. Multi-position power adjustable seats make it easy for any driver of any height or size to get comfortable. The front passenger seat can also be controlled by a switch on the driver-side door panel, making it extremely easy to move the seat forward for rear occupants. As always, there are a slew of options to customize your vehicle, including driver massage and heated seats, active blind-spot assistance, and lane departure warning indicators.
![2017 Mercedes-Benz E300](/images/articles/2017/cd0117-6-3-articles-firstdrive.jpg)
![2017 Mercedes-Benz E300](/images/articles/2017/cd0117-6-4-articles-firstdrive.jpg)
The rear cabin is quite comfortable for long and short rides, although the prime spot is clearly behind the passenger seat for added leg room. The leg room is a bit smaller than its competitors by an inch or two but head room was not an issue for any of our testers. The fold-down rear console has a space for a water bottle or two with ample elbow room for each passenger. Climate control vents and an optional rear power sunshade completes passenger comfort. It’s even possible to install a folding table or a coat hanger on the back of the front seats for added work space and crease-free jackets during the journey.
2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 Specifications
TRIMS: E300, E300 4MATIC (all-wheel drive)
ENGINE: 2.0L inline-4 turbo with 9G-TRONIC transmission
MPG: 22/30(city/hwy.)
REAR LEG ROOM: 36.2"
REAR HEAD ROOM: 38.2"
The bottom line: The E300 is a sleek midsize sedan that offers more than you would expect but all that you need for your high-end passengers. There’s a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a fantastic entry-level Mercedes for those who aren’t ready to commit to an S-Class. [CD0117]