Unfortunately, a Mercedes E450 All-Terrain review isn’t going to be exactly positive for a vehicle that should handle off-roading but simply doesn’t.
Mercedes wants $77,250 for a station wagon with plastic fender cladding and an off-road mode that basically gives up before you even leave the driveway. The 2025 E450 All-Terrain comes with air suspension, all-wheel drive, and a twin-turbo inline-six cranking out 375 horsepower, which sounds great until you realize the whole “all-terrain” thing is more marketing than reality.
The air suspension has serious limitations, causing off-road mode problems
The air suspension will raise the car to give you 7.8 inches of ground clearance, but here’s the catch: it only works at speeds up to 9 mph, then it automatically drops back down. Compare that to the Audi A6 Allroad, which lets you lock the suspension up and keep the all-wheel-drive system engaged even at highway speeds, and you start to see the problem.
Practicality meant for the road
Despite the challenges presented during the Mercedes E450 All-Terrain review, the Merc comes out shining in some areas. If we put aside the idea that this wagon should be able to handle trails and off-road terrain at speeds above 10 MPH, you’ll realize it’s a practical choice for families that want to avoid driving an SUV. This wagon is the cheapest way to get into an E-Class wagon in the United States, and it’s extremely practical with its more affordable price, full package of features, and impressive confidence on the road. Unfortunately, the name leads you to believe it should be used on the trails, which simply isn’t the case at all.
Can you use it for your ski weekends?
Although the E450 All-Terrain doesn’t allow the air suspension to stay raised while traveling over 9 MPH, the AWD system should be adequate for your time on snowy roads as you head up to the slopes for a weekend at your favorite ski resort. This is a handsome Mercedes wagon with horizontal headlights giving it an attractive front look and a set of star-studded LED taillights that look great. These lights, along with the body style, make for an elegant and understated luxury cruiser. Still, the plastic fender cladding signals something that isn’t possible, real off-roading. That shouldn’t matter on your way to the ski chalet, which will likely have paved roads that might be covered by a light sprinkling of snow.
The Mercedes E450 All-Terrain review shows a roomy car made for comfort
Most vehicles have gotten larger over the years, and the E-Class is certainly among those that have become bigger and roomier. The rear seat legroom is plentiful, which means you can get in and experience the Mercedes-Benz quality expected. Of course, behind the rear seats, you’ll find a cavernous cargo space, which is expected of wagons. This means you’ve got more room than most SUVs offer while avoiding the need to drive a larger and higher-standing vehicle.
The Mercedes E450 All-Terrain review reveals flaws in this luxury station wagon
The reviewer tested this thing and flat out said he’d pick the Audi every time for actual ski trips or driving through snowstorms. Inside, you get the typical E-Class treatment with leather seats and an optional MBUX Superscreen that costs $1,500 and plasters three screens across the dashboard. The reviewer’s daughter had opinions about the cup holders being “designed for ants,” which is probably the most honest assessment you’ll get.
Performance is solid with a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, and the nine-speed automatic shifts smoothly. The inline-six is buttery, and the mild-hybrid system adds 21 extra horses when you floor it. Highway cruising is where this wagon shines, with light but accurate steering and EPA ratings of 21 city/31 highway mpg. But when you’re paying almost $88,000 in Mercedes wagon pricing as tested, you’re basically getting a 2025 E-Class wagon with some plastic trim and a badge that promises more than it delivers.
Audi has the right alternative to the E-Class All-Terrain all-wheel drive wagon
The Audi A6 Allroad costs less and actually lets you use its raised suspension when you need it. The world needs more wagons, and this one is lovely to drive on pavement, but calling it “All-Terrain” feels like a stretch when the terrain can’t include anything rougher than a gravel driveway at walking speed.
Would you choose the Mercedes E450 All-Terrain after this review, or will the Audi A6 Allroad be the right choice when you want to take your family on an adventure that requires a lifted suspension and AWD?