2025 Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Review: The Last Great Wagon?

The Evolving Wagon Market

• 💡 The 2025 Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain is highlighted as one of the last remaining wagons, with competitors like BMW and Volvo reportedly exiting the segment.
• 🎯 Even the Subaru Outback has shifted towards a crossover design, making the E-Class wagon a rare offering.

Exterior and Interior Design Updates

• ✨ The new E450 All-Terrain features a larger grille with floating Mercedes-Benz stars and redesigned tail lights that also incorporate the star motif.
• 🔑 Notable exterior changes include flush door handles that automatically pop out upon approach, displaying the Mercedes-Benz logo.
• 🚀 Inside, the most significant upgrade is the optional "hyperscreen", a massive display spanning the dashboard, though its functionality is questioned for duplicating the central infotainment screen.

Technology and Infotainment Quirks

• 🧠 The infotainment system is praised as excellent, intuitive, and responsive, featuring an off-road mode with driving metrics and a built-in selfie camera.
• 🎮 The system also includes integrated games like Sudoku and shuffle puck, showcasing extensive tech features.
• ⚠️ A drawback is that climate controls are integrated into the screen, requiring multiple taps and swipes, unlike the physical controls for heated/cooled seats.
• 🔊 The traditional volume knob has been replaced by a less intuitive slider, which is seen as a step back from the previous model.
• ☀️ The sunroof control uses a unique finger-sliding gesture, which is considered a successful and cool implementation.

Rear Seat and Cargo Space

• 💺 The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, but the center seat is compromised by a large floor hump.
• 📌 Disappointments in the rear include the lack of heated/ventilated seats or rear climate controls at the $90,000 price point.
• 📦 The biggest disappointment is the removal of the third-row rear-facing seat, a practical feature present in previous generations, making the cargo area large but less versatile.

Powertrain and Driving Experience

• 🚀 The E450 All-Terrain is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six hybrid engine producing 375 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque, with standard all-wheel drive.
• 🛣️ The driving experience is described as more substantial and solid than the previous model, with improved steering feel and a tighter chassis, while retaining a comfortable, soft suspension.
• 🌟 The car is lauded as a fantastic all-around vehicle, combining strong acceleration (0-60 in mid-4 seconds) with a refined luxury ride, making it a compelling alternative to SUVs.
• 🏆 Despite its practicality and performance, the wagon's declining market popularity is noted, though the E450 All-Terrain is considered the best option for those who still desire a wagon.