2025 Mercedes E-Class Returning To Its RWD Roots

The latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class, revealed last year, is available exclusively with 4Matic all-wheel drive in the USA. But the consummate executive sedan is returning to the classic rear-wheel drive recipe, reports CarsDirect. Order guide data seen by the publication shows that an RWD E350 will join the E350 4Matic and E450 4Matic sedans. Mercedes-Benz USA has confirmed to CarBuzz that an E350 RWD will arrive shortly. “We can confirm the rear-wheel drive E 350 Sedan will join the lineup for MY2025. US pricing for the MY2025 E-Class model range has not yet been announced.”
 

Interestingly, the new entry-level model won’t be that much cheaper than its all-wheel-drive contemporary. According to the publication, the 2025 E350 will have an MSRP of $62,450, which is $150 more than the MY2024 E-Class starting price. However, the existing models will become more expensive, with the 2025 E350 4Matic priced at $2,650 and the E450 4Matic at $70,850.
 
Even More Expensive Than Before
It’s surprising that the E-Class will receive a hefty price increase less than a year after it hit the market. Whether Mercedes will add extra standard equipment to justify the higher MSRP remains to be seen. Still, we expect minor model year updates and revisions, such as new colors, leather options, or luxury options.
 
The current cheapest model is the $62,300 E350 4Matic. A rear-wheel drive E350 could be more attainable, but the expected $62,450 MSRP would make it more expensive than the 2024 BMW 530i ($57,900), 2024 Audi A6 ($58,100), 2024 Jaguar XF ($49,800), and 2024 Genesis G80 ($54,400).
 
Will We See A Rear-Wheel Drive E450?
It would be great to see a rear-wheel drive E450 added to the range. The classic setup for the E-Class has always been a six-cylinder engine up front, a rear-wheel drive layout, and a smooth-shifting automatic transmission. While 4Matic has many benefits, traditionalists will adore a more affordable inline-six option with RWD.
 
In the meantime, the E-Class lineup has grown to accommodate the desirable All-Terrain Wagon, which has a $74,100 price tag. Available exclusively with the 375-horsepower 450 powertrain, the jacked-up wagon provides buyers with the best of both worlds: luxury wagon practicality and comfort mixed with rugged SUV style. The E53 AMG will also make its way to the United States shortly and will eventually be joined by the range-topping E63. Getting back to the 2025 E-Class, we expect MBUSA to share pricing and specs before the end of 2025.