Wagon Review: 2021 Mercedes-Benz E 450 4Matic All-Terrain

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What’s in a name? Well, if it’s “All-Terrain,” there should be the expectation of something rugged and outdoorsy, a label likely to be applied to some sort of all-wheel-drive crossover with oversized off-road tires, high ground clearance, and a marketing campaign targeting a young, adventuresome, extreme sports-loving audience.

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Said All-Terrain name attached to Mercedes’ sophisticated E 450 4Matic wagon, however, results in an elegant, four-season family transport far more apropos for cruising Rodeo Drive than tackling the Rubicon.

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Keep in mind that Mercedes-Benz has, in less than 25 years, transformed itself from a longstanding purveyor of upscale automobiles for the conservative well-to-do to a major player in the luxury sport-utility segment, fielding no less than nine models of varying prices, sizes, body styles, and engines. That said, the German powerhouse is particularly proud of its E-Class lineup of sedans, coupes, convertibles, and wagons, noting that through 10 generations it has sold more than 14 million worldwide.

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Still, in recognizing the global shift from cars to crossovers and SUVs, Mercedes has, for the 2021 model year, tweaked its wagon — as part of an overall mid-cycle refresh of its E-Class four-doors — into something ever so slightly more butch, last year’s E 450 wagon replaced by the E 450 All-Terrain, which, though new to North America, has been offered in Europe since 2017.

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Yet, this is not the Benz equivalent of what Subaru did when it transformed its Legacy wagon into the Outback. In fact, unless you are an ardent student of the marque, the changes, which Mercedes says makes the All-Terrain “visually more similar” to its SUV models, are extremely subtle, said signature All-Terrain components consisting of a different radiator grille and a stylized skid plate in a mirror chrome finish. (All E-Class models receive a slight exterior refresh for 2021.)

Mechanically, the All-Terrain also gets off-road drive modes as well as a minor, variable increase in ride height thanks to an air suspension setup at all four corners.

In keeping with this mild transformation, the E 450 All-Terrain loses next to nothing of its paramount asset — serenity. At 4.95 metres in length, the nearly full-sized wagon — and to call it anything else would be disingenuous — is a paragon of fluid motion and supreme comfort. If more motorists could afford the family hauler’s $80,900 base price ($94,100 as tested), there would be no road rage as everyone would be in a heightened state of mellow.

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The most notable aspect to the E 450’s refresh is the retirement of the twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine in favour of a new, über-smooth, 362-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0L inline six, complete with an integrated starter generator (ISG) and 48-volt on-board electrical system. The ISG produces up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque assistance, which helps the 2,055-kilogram wagon accelerate with a surplus of get-up-and-go, getting to 100 km/h in about five seconds in Sport+ mode — quick enough for something without any of the AMG go-fast stuff.

Conversely, for something of its size and weight, the All-Terrain is relatively frugal, thanks to energy recovery and what Mercedes says is the ability to “glide” with the engine switched off — NRCan rates the wagon at 10.6 L/100 in the city and 8.4 L/100 on the highway. The inline six is hooked up to a nine-speed automatic, which betrays its smooth, barely perceptible shifts only in Sport+ and with an extremely firm foot on the gas pedal.

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Wagons are an increasingly rare commodity these days: If more looked like the All-Terrain they would be a ton more popular. Simply, the wagon is stunning — long, lean, clean, and aerodynamic, certainly a more attractive (literally and figuratively) proposition than most box-shaped SUVs. The only somewhat controversial styling element are the hood’s two pronounced power domes, an unnecessary affectation.

One of the reasons for making the educated decision to go with a wagon might include use as a family vehicle. Look under the All-Terrain’s cargo floor and — surprise — there’s a pair of hidden jump seats, making the Mercedes, if not a proper seven-seater, at least a 5+2, replete with seatbelts and headrests. In truth, the rear-most perches are meant for rug rats and is a great place to stow them when they get unruly or whiny. With no junior humans aboard, cargo capacity is quite generous, from 640 litres to 1,820 litres, depending on the seat configuration.

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Meanwhile, up front, the cabin is where high-tech meets blissful comfort. Typical of most Mercedes, the dash area is dominated by a large 12.3-inch centre screen atop air vents that look like a turbine engine. Then there’s the buttons in the steering wheel, which enable drivers to control the instrument cluster and multimedia system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. Additional controls come in the form of a touchpad with controller in the centre console, which, for better or worse, has replaced the familiar rotary knob.

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The E-Class has been upgraded with new colours and materials, the tester swathed in black leather and optioned to the tune of $1,000 in something called “design Piano Black Flowing Lines,” essentially glossy black trim on the dash and doors with horizontal lines running through it. Offset with brushed aluminum accessories, it’s quite the classy environment.

Naturally, all E-Class models are fitted with the latest generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system. In other Mercedes products, MBUX has proved sometimes entertaining but often frustrating, slow to respond, and sometimes inserting itself into a conversation between driver and passenger without being asked. In the All-Terrain, the AI voice behaved itself and was quite helpful, changing radio stations and finding the nearest Mickey D’s when requested, though flummoxed when queried to the existential meaning of life. Ah, maybe the next update!

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Whether a schlep to the supermarket for groceries or a drive through the countryside, the E was a delightful companion, certainly one of the most satisfying rides in a year still fraught with compromise. There was just one niggling question spoiling the fun: Is it too cynical to believe the only reason Mercedes added the All-Terrain name is to suggest there is more sport-ute to this wagon than the regular E 450 it replaced (the term “station wagon” is literally sales suicide in North America)? Looking at the car’s optional 20-inch AMG 5-Twin Spoke wheels ($1,250) and harder-riding the Pirelli P Zero rubber, I don’t see the capability of tackling anything more demanding than a cottage road. Surely, no discerning Mercedes customer would be fooled at such a marketing ploy.

Then again, should it result in more sales, Mercedes will no doubt be happy with its decision.