MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SCOOPS CAR OF THE YEAR CROWN
19 February, 2025
The latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class saloon has been named New Zealand’s 2024 Car of the Year.
Following in the footsteps of the previous E-Class, which won the 2016 title, the new E-Class beat ten rival finalists to lift the trophy, which is awarded by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild, the professional body for motoring media from around the country.
Kiwi honours follow overseas success for the latest E-Class, which just last month was awarded the “Best Performer” in 2024 by the European NCAP safety assessors, as the safest car subject to the rigorous NCAP crash test and safety assessment regime last year.
SAFETY
A stand out
“World-leading safety credentials are but one of many features that helped the new E-Class stand out from very talented rivals for our 2024 Car of the Year crown,” says Guild of Motoring Writers president Robert Barry.
INTERIOR
Long-distance tourer.
“In an era when many new cars feature blunt, assertive styling, the E-Class is sleekly styled to achieve to-tier aerodynamic efficiency. This and its mild-hybrid powertrain optimise fuel efficiency, but not at the expense of performance, which is more than adequate to fill its brief as an effortless long-distance tourer.”
LUXURY
Outstanding refinement.
“Add in outstanding refinement, a sumptuous interior, and the latest in AI-enabled driver support systems, and the E-Class is, above all else, a great all-rounder.”
It’s also important to acknowledge that the latest E-Class is the latest of several Mercedes-Benz vehicles to win the NZ Car of the Year crown. These comprise the smaller C-Class saloon in 2000, the previous E-Class in 2016, and the wholly electric EQC in 2020.
“We are honoured to receive this award and sincerely thank the Guild members for recognising the exceptional qualities of the new E-Class. This accolade is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to delivering unparalleled design, cutting-edge technology and award-winning safety. We appreciate the Guild’s recognition for everything the new E-Class offers,” says Mercedes-Benz New Zealand general manager, Joerg Schmidt.
The prestigious award, now in its 36th year, was announced live on Seven Sharp by presenters Hilary Barry and Jeremy Wells.
The finalists for this year’s award, in alphabetical order, were: Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia EV9, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, MG 3, Polestar 4, Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X, Suzuki Swift, Toyota C-HR and Volvo EX30
The Guild’s voting members tested the vehicles in their home environments across the country, which is essential for providing a ‘real-world’ result. They assessed the finalists on a specified range of criteria, including how the vehicle performs its intended role, its styling, interior design, and accommodation, fit, finish, and quality, ride and refinement, performance, road-holding and handling, value for money, active and passive safety, and environmental responsibility.
For more information on the Mercedes-Benz E Class, speak to one of our Sales team today.
*Packages (including model lines), specifications, features, extras, options and equipment levels are subject to change and subject to availability. Some images are of international models. Product changes may have been made since production of this content. Please confirm final details of features prior to purchase.