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Mercedes E-Class (2016-2023) - Reliability and safety

Buyers will be reassured by the cutting-edge safety tech and clever protection systems on offer in the Mercedes E-Class

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Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2016-2023 Mercedes E-Class. If you are interested in information about how reliable the new Mercedes E-Class is, or news about the latest Mercedes models, please follow the links provided.

Euro NCAP awarded the E-Class a top five-star rating in 2016, with a strong 95 per cent score for adult safety and 90 per cent for child occupant protection.

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With autonomous emergency braking, tyre pressure monitors and nine airbags as standard, safety is strong on the E-Class. The entry Sport versions also includes the Active bonnet pedestrian protection system, which can detect an imminent collision and automatically raises the bonnet, along with Active Braking Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. 

Other useful features offered as standard include rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, cruise control with a speed limiter, a reversing camera and Active Park Assist.

The E-Class finished in 68th position in our 2022 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey - a fall from 42nd spot the previous year, and possibly an indication that buyers are ready for the new, sixth-generation model. Mercedes itself was voted into 23rd place on a list of 29 manufacturers, down from 13th spot in 2021.

Warranty

All Mercedes cars come with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, and with a vast dealer network across the country, if something does go wrong you won’t have to travel too far to get it fixed.

Servicing

Depending on the age or mileage of your Mercedes, the dealer will carry out an ‘A’ or a more comprehensive ‘B’ service. Mercedes also offers its ServiceCare plan, which allows you to pay for your scheduled servicing costs in monthly instalments. Prices start from around £30 per month.

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Contributor

Paul was employed across automotive agency and manufacturer-side sectors before joining Auto Express in 2020 as our online reviews editor. After a brief sojourn at a national UK newspaper, Paul returned as executive editor where he worked until early 2025. Despite moving on to pastures new, he remains a regular contributor across our news and reviews sections.

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