they have almost become a thing of the past. Only a few still exist, most of them from German manufacturers. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz All-Terrain, while doing its best to disguise itself as an SUV, is one of the last remaining wagons on the market, and you should definitely buy one.
Why is it no longer called the 2023 Mercedes E-Class Station Wagon?
Flashing back to 2020, I shared some metrics about the 2019 model year wagons. It found that of all the wagons sold in the US that year, 91 percent were Subaru Outbacks.
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Besides speed, a big reason to buy a wagon like the E-Class All-Terrain is fuel economy. The E-Class, like most German sedans, has a sort of SUV equivalent. In Mercedes’ case, the SUV that occupies similar territory to the E-Class is the GLE.
Despite the immense speed, the All-Terrain manages 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Comparatively, a GLE450 equipped with the same engine only manages 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Much of this has to do with the weight advantage a wagon has over an SUV. The GLE450 tips the scales at 5,151 pounds, while the E450 All-Terrain weighs just 4,585 pounds. Unfortunately, the All-Terrain loses some road manners to the outgoing E-Class Wagon, but it still rides and handles better than the SUV equivalent.
Wagon or not, it’s a great car
Whatever the configuration, Mercedes knows how to build excellent luxury vehicles. Performance aside, the E-Class All-Terrain is crafted with absolutely stunning materials. From open-grain wood to high-grade plastic to massaging seats, the E-Class has most of the features you’d expect from a $70,000 wagon.
The leather is top-notch, but Car and Driver reports that the simulated leather is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. On the technical side, you get MBUX through a 12.3-inch screen with CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you want that extra touch of class, you can choose the optional scent diffuser and enjoy the fragrance of your choice. The E-Class All-Terrain even has optional heated armrests – talk luxury.
Don’t leave it off your list
It is understandable that people looking for a family vehicle want a higher seating position, all-wheel drive and a great level of safety. While the E450 All-Terrain isn’t particularly high off the ground; it has 4MATIC, a 5-star rating from and better driving dynamics than the equivalent SUV.
Plus, with the optional rear-facing third row, the All-Terrain seats seven passengers. It’s not an SUV, but it has the cargo space and passenger space of an SUV and looks very nice while doing it. It might not be your first choice, but it’s definitely worth a look.
