Used Mercedes-Benz E 300

What to know before buying: Mercedes-Benz E 300

From 2 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2020 E 300 AMG Line is comfortable and versatile for long trips, traffic and family use; its strength is smooth, restrained power delivery.[1]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• The 2021 E 300 e is a comfortable, spacious and tech-rich PHEV, but its powertrain can become coarser and slightly jerky when the battery is nearly empty.[2]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• The W213 E 300 de combines quiet electric running with a more economical diesel after the battery is depleted, but its PHEV battery substantially reduces luggage space.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• The 2023 E 300 e offers a comfortable ride, smooth transitions between electric and petrol power and useful electric range, but its 370-litre boot is modest.[4]one source

Typical faults

• W213 E 300 de owners have reported failures of the SCR system's two NOx sensors; extreme exhaust heat is the usual cause, and replacement is expensive.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation

  2020–2023 · E 300 de EQ Power

• On a W213 E 300 de with AIRMATIC, the relay can stick in the off position, preventing the compressor from operating and the suspension from lowering the car.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation

  2020–2023 · E 300 de EQ Power

• Some W213 E 300 de owners have reported failure of the LED lights beneath the door mirrors.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation

  2020–2023 · E 300 de EQ Power

• The W213 E 300 de's paint has been described as thin and sensitive, making scratches and blemishes common.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation

  2020–2023 · E 300 de EQ Power

Which engine and version to take

• The 2020–2023 W213 E 300 de is an appealing long-distance choice: after the battery is depleted, its 2.0-litre diesel is more economical than a typical petrol PHEV setup.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• The 2023 E 300 e suits drivers who can charge regularly: the source reports 60–72 miles of electric range and smooth hybrid operation.[4]one source

What to avoid

• Avoid the 2021 E 300 e if regular charging is impractical: with a nearly empty battery, the petrol engine works harder and transitions between power sources can become jerky.[2]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation

What to check at the inspection

• On a W213 E 300 de, diagnose both SCR-system NOx sensors and establish whether they have already been replaced.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• If the car has AIRMATIC, verify that the compressor engages and the suspension changes the vehicle height correctly.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• Inspect the paintwork, panel gaps, scratches, blemishes and paint flaws carefully.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• Test all electrics, the lights beneath the door mirrors and the air conditioning, which should deliver properly chilled air.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• Insist on a fully documented service history.[3]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation
• Test a PHEV at low battery charge, checking for jerky transitions between electric and petrol power or an excessively coarse engine note.[2]one sourceW213 facelift, fifth generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]optionstheedge.com — Review: Mercedes-Benz E 300 AMG Line is a dignified ... · forum
2. [2]solent-renegades.co.uk — New Mercedes E 300 e 2021 review · forum
3. [3]rac.co.uk — Mercedes-Benz E300 de EQ Power [W213] (2020 · press
4. [4]autoexpress.co.uk — New Mercedes E 300 e plug-in hybrid 2023 review · press

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