Disclaimer:
This post is based on my personal experience and intended for informational and educational purposes only. Procedures, tools, and parts may vary depending on the vehicle and situation. Always consult your service manual or a professional before performing any maintenance.For more information, please read the full disclaimer here.
Mercedes W213 – An Experience Worth Writing About
December 31, 2024 – a date I’ll always remember. On this day, I picked up my Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 (E220d 4MATIC, 2019) in elegant black, with 88,000 km on the clock and one year of Mercedes warranty. Eight months later, after 11,000 kilometers, I can confidently say this car has completely won me over – a perfect blend of luxury, technology, safety, and sportiness.
Equipment – The Heart of the Mercedes W213 Value
In my case, Mercedes W213 comes with a rich set of features, each meaningful and significantly boosting its value:
- TIREFIT with compressor – unfortunately, no space for a spare wheel, but a compromise for modern sedans. To be fully worry-free, I also bought a tire patch kit for on-the-go repairs.
- Multifunction Nappa steering wheel – a combination of luxury and functionality, soft to the touch, packed with controls that make driving easier.
- KEYLESS-GO package – keyless entry and start. Even better, Mercedes offers the option to completely disable the key signal with two clicks – I always use this. A safety advantage that most other brands, including BMW, unfortunately don’t offer.
- Fahrassistenz-Paket Plus – driver assistance for safer driving: radar cruise control, active braking, lane assistance, and more.
- AMG Line (inside and out) – sporty looks and interior character, significantly enhancing appeal and value.
- MULTIBEAM LED headlights – adjust beam in milliseconds, making night driving as clear as day.
- Parking package with 360° camera – parking becomes a breeze; high-resolution camera shows every edge.
- Spiegel package (folding + auto-dimming mirrors) – safety and convenience, especially on narrow streets.
- Illuminated door sills and AMG floor mats – luxury in every detail.
- Rear USB chargers – backseat passengers are not forgotten.
- Comfort package – extra touches that make every drive relaxing.
- Smartphone integration (CarPlay/Android Auto) – essential in today’s cars.
- DRIVE PILOT and Lenk-Pilot – semi-autonomous driving; the car keeps lane and distance.
- PRE-SAFE Impulse Side – side-impact protection, moving occupants inward to save lives.
- Live Traffic Info – real-time updates on congestion.
- Panoramic roof – bright, airy interior.
- Head-up display – all info directly in your line of sight.
- Widescreen cockpit + digital displays – modern, luxurious, and easy to read.
- Burmester audio – concert-hall quality inside the car.
- Memory for seats and steering wheel – one click, perfect position for any driver.
- DYNAMIC SELECT – switch from Comfort to Sport+; one car, multiple personalities.
- 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission – smooth, fast, quiet, and efficient.
- 4MATIC drive – grip and stability in all conditions.
- Natural wood interior – the feeling of true luxury.
- AGILITY CONTROL sport suspension – comfortable when needed, stable in corners when driving fast.
Personal “Must-Haves” – What I Couldn’t Live Without
After 8 months, I realized which features are essential and would be present in any future car I choose:
- MULTIBEAM headlights – night-time safety on another level.
- 9G automatic – smooth, error-free, the perfect blend of comfort and sport.
- Sport+ mode – gives the car true character and excitement.
- 360° high-resolution camera – stress-free parking.
- Panoramic roof – light and spacious interior.
- Memory seats and steering wheel – luxury felt every time.
- Natural wood trim – warmth and elegance.
- Digital cockpit + CarPlay – modern and functional.
- AMG styling – aesthetic to the max.
- Autopilot and adaptive cruise – long drives become effortless.
Fuel Consumption and Performance
- Average: 6.4 L/100 km
- City (Vienna): ~10 L/100 km
- Highway: under 6 L/100 km
- Regional roads: ~5.5 L/100 km
The 194 HP engine with 4MATIC delivers ample power in every situation. Compared to my old rear-wheel C-Class W204, the safety and traction are a huge step up. I’ve driven it up to 210 km/h, while factory top speed is 240 km/h – more than enough for everyday driving.
Reliability and Service
Over these eight months, I’ve had no real issues. The only “glitch” was a DAB radio error in Austria, which turned out to be a network issue, not the car.
In March, I had a regular service at Mercedes: engine oil, transmission oil, 4MATIC Verteiler oil, brake fluid, cabin filter, and oil filter were all replaced. After this, the car was ready for many more kilometers, completely flawless.
What I Might Do Differently
• White color – easier to maintain and cooler in summer.
• Seat cooling – would be a nice addition.
• STOP sign recognition – already offered by competitors like the BMW X3 in 2019, Mercedes did not include it then.
Sedan or SUV?
SUVs have advantages: higher seating position, easier entry, more space for bulky cargo, less risk of wheel damage, and comfort on rough roads. BMW X3 or X5 are excellent in this regard – powerful, practical, and stable at highway speeds up to 140 km/h.
While Mercedes SUVs offer the same interior elegance, camera quality, and MULTIBEAM headlights, I prefer the exterior design of the BMW X3 over the Mercedes GLC. Mercedes’ technology and interior luxury remain top-notch, but aesthetics and presence matter to me.
In later years, if I wanted a more practical car, I’d likely switch to an SUV like X3, X5, GLE, or even X7/GLS, depending on needs and comfort. For now, the W213 offers the perfect balance of luxury, sportiness, and daily practicality.
Why the W213 and Not the S-Class?
The S-Class comes with a bigger engine, higher insurance, and maintenance costs. For everyday use, it’s overkill. The W213 is the ideal balance – luxurious, sporty, spacious, and practical.
Conclusion
After 8 months and 11,000 kilometers, my Mercedes W213 has met and exceeded all expectations. It combines safety, luxury, and sportiness in a single sedan. SUVs remain a practical alternative for more space or higher driving position, but the W213 is my perfect balance for now – a reliable companion for many kilometers ahead.
Related Article
If you’re interested in a detailed BMW ownership experience, check out:
From BMW 318d E46 to BMW 420d F36: My Review of the 2016 BMW 420d Gran Coupe
– A personal review of living with the BMW 420d Gran Coupe (2016), covering performance, comfort, technology, and how it compares to the older E46.
