Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB Wins Car of the Year - autoX Awards 2025

It’s rare for a car to win the coveted ‘Best of’ award by being understated, yet the Mercedes-Benz E450 does exactly that – an absolute masterclass in sleeper performance. At first glance, it seems like a standard E-Class – elegant and comfortable – and as our first drive review noted, its AMG Line cues are so subtle that if you blink, you might miss them. The 18-inch AMG wheels look small and uninspiring. This car doesn’t shout; it whispers. There are no aggressive wings or carbon-fibre splitters. And then you see it in action on the track – it clocked a lap time of 1:10.1 at the BIC. That’s not just fast – that’s staggering. This lap time is a testament to its chassis engineering, considering this is a long-wheelbase luxury sedan, not a lightweight sports car. In fact, it’s faster than many dedicated sports coupes and hot EVs.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz E450 vs BMW 530Li LWB | The Long Game of Luxury Sedans | autoX

The secret lies in the ‘450’ badge. Beneath the unassuming exterior sits a formidable 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine. Paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, it produces 381bhp and 500Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 – 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It’s a big, heavy car, but the way it masks all that mass when you floor the throttle is mesmerising. Power delivery is smooth and assured, climbing beautifully up the rev range. While it does feel slightly more front-heavy than the four-cylinder E200, the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system manages the power with such competence that it remains balanced. It’s not only quick in a straight line but also tackles corners with unexpected poise, only showing its limits if you attempt an aggressive, high-speed direction change.

But performance alone didn’t seal the E450’s victory. It’s a ‘Best of 2025’ winner because it’s a complete package, one that refuses to compromise. It offers AMG-level excitement for the driver—fronted by the full MBUX Hyperscreen and a 4D Burmester sound system—while spoiling rear passengers with indulgent comfort. This is, after all, a long-wheelbase cabin with reclining seats, electronic sunblinds, and S-Class-like legroom. The hydro-pneumatic Airmatic suspension is the heart of its dual nature. This system is the true enabler, providing a cushioning effect over potholes that no rival can match, while simultaneously preventing the body roll that would otherwise plague a car of this size on a fast lap. The result? You come out grinning after every drive.

Also Read: 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 450 First Drive Review

The E450 is built for the evolved Indian market – a car that proves that you don’t have to completely sacrifice S-Class-like comfort for AMG performance. It’s the ultimate sleeper – it knows that real speed doesn’t shout; it simply moves. It might just be the most complete, desirable, and effortlessly impressive car of 2025.