The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Is Bold Statement In An SUV Filled World

Many car buyers have shifted to SUVs to haul the family. Looking to stand out from the pack? The Mercedes E450 All-Terrain is the sleekest luxury sport ute money can buy. Okay, it's a station wagon. But it offers all the utility of an SUV in a package that's easier to load. And, it runs with a mild hybrid system. Tom Voelk checks out a well-equipped 2021 model and ponders the question- when did station wagons become the radical choice?

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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

00:00 Intro
1:32 Back Seat
2:27 Powertrain
3:24 Driving Dynamics
6:50 Cargo
8:21 Interior
10:32 Design and Pricing
11:30 Red Light Green Light

[carlbusque]

Had two e350 wagons with winter tires in NW Ontario driving on iced roads, never lost traction, even when I tried, such a compelling all wheeled drive system!

[justrandomthings]

One of the best reviews I've ever watched. No gimmicks, click baits or such. Just straight to the point. You are a very refined man. You don't try to force your opinions on others. You just state your findings or facts and leave it to the audience to make their own decisions. Personally, I wish more regular car makers like Mazda and Ford would make wagons. A Mazda wagon with their current design would make me drool. 🤤

[carlbusque]

Must add, got all my kitchen cabinets in the back too!

[fleuger]

Great review, as always. I didn't like the body cladding and elevated suspension so I snapped up a remaining 2020 E450 in Jan of 2021 and absolutely love it. It does great around town and in Sep drove from Texas to Toronto Canada to visit family and it did awesomely as a long distance cruiser getting 505 miles on a tank. It is my best vehicle yet. Keep the great reviews coming.

[neeko.b]

Feels like forever ago since I sat in the rear-facing seats Volvo used to have in their wagons. Pure nostalgia seeing them again.

[camelothis]

Another good one, Tom. Thanks. I have a 2014 E350 and love it. It's one of the great wagons of all times. With a stand-up hood ornament to boot.

[mess]

Wow, what a looker. I am glad wagons are still around. Tom you do an excellent job. Thank you. Good graces.

[margienicholas]

have a 2018 E400 wagon we picked up in Germany and I love this wagon, just love it! Enjoy your reviews!

[McSMACKthest]

THAT was a Great ‘Fun Fact’!!!
You learn something new every day and I’m going to use that one today.
Thanks Tom.

[michaelschneider-]

+1.. Very nice review, Herr Tom. .. Being wagon people too, we're waiting for a 2023 E-450S4 wagon ordered back in May '22…. Selected the lighter-shade-of-grey, Selenite Grey with Nappa Beige Leather .... While pricey, it's a 10yr-15 yr keeper.. The sophisticated highly developed inline 6cyl is a torquey drive I'm told.. The 3.2 inline 6cyl of our hand-me-down '94 E-Class C124 Coupe is silky smooth... The E-450s turbo-charged inline 6 will assist with Colorado's high elevation. It's 8, 200ft at our driveway.. Can't wait for the wagon delivery however until then, , , , I'll enjoy your All-Terrain review for the tenth time... Thanks!

[Porschedriver]

Love wagons — I’ve owned 3 VW wagons plus other German hatches including a hot A3 Sport. I now have a 2010 E550 all motor 400hp and RWD active air suspension and AMG bits. Wanted a E wagon but the 350 wasn’t quick enough. This wagon at $90k is actually a great deal. If I lived in Colorado and not SoCal. Take care Tom — Alles Güte!

[christopherprose]

It really is all the car any family does need... unless they live somewhere way off-road. I own a 2017 VW Alltrack and could not be happier with my choice. I did have one issue with a leaking sunroof, but VW took care of it for no charge and offered me a free loaner while it was being fixed. With AWD drive it gives me the ability to go in the snow and extra security when it rains. This M-B is one of the few wagons I would consider had I the funds. Your reviews are always top-notch and one of the best in the business. More people need to subscribe!

[Skfkfa]

I’m on my third e wagon and sadden to see the Elegant model no longer being offered. I never go off pavement so don’t need the ground clearance and never cared for the avantgarde grill on E

[jpwaddell]

I always love wagons having just recently parted ways with my 2000 BMW 3 series touring. You are far less likely to get pulled over in the wagon (or touring) trim, the driving dynamic is better weighted and you can carry loads of stuff. The modern wagons make the perfect stealth machines.

[fpbrd]

Couldn't think of a more fitting neighbourhood than Windermere for this review!

[JakeDrives]

I thought those wheels on your test car looked odd. They are from the pre- all terrain e class wagon or sedan. MB must’ve put them on there as a winter set. The minute I started the video I was confused by how odd the spec looked. The closest wheel like that is the 19” twin 5 spoke amg wheel with black accents. Probably the ones I’d choose!! Loving the All Terrain!!

[owenmcdonald]

Thanks for everything you have posted in 2021. I look forward to seeing what's coming in 2022. In the meantime have a great,   restful,   Christmas and a happy new year.

[johnhowardesq]

This was a great review. I want one with a heated wheel and rear shades, heaters, and NO sunroof. At least not the monster sized one. Love my wagons. Replacing my diesel bmw soon.

[williamscott]

Another great review Tom. Gotta love wagons!

[marcpacey]

Stunning spec in this example. The interior looks great (especially in the chocolate colour) and the dashboard screen/s are clear without much glare. Another great review.