The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E 450 ushers in a new era for the mid-size luxury sedan bringing significantly-upgraded styling, comfort and driving experience.

One of the biggest enhancements of the sixth generation is the premium oversized grille. Still housing the signature single blade, roundel and 3-D mesh, chrome trim and a gloss-black frame surrounds the unit and connects it to the larger automatic-adjusting DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlights. The latter is part of the $4,500 Pinnacle Trim package that also bundles an illumination effect for the grille.

From the side the car appears slightly stretched out thanks to a two-centimetre longer wheelbase, and the classic “cab-backward” design with a short front overhang and long hood remains present. Wheel options are between 18 and 21 inches — our press loaner had the 20-inch silver AMG multi-spoke alloys — and the rear taillamps now have a contoured shape and display a three-pointed star when lit up. A new Verde Silver Metallic paint is offered, though I’m partial to the MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey Solid (+ $2,275) found on the tester.

Inside, the available MBUX Superscreen infotainment display (+ $1,600) stretches from door-to-door, and younger users may enjoy the included novel selfie and video camera feature. My aging bones was more delighted by the $2,600 Multicontour Seating Package adding heated and, ventilated and massaging front seats. The uninterrupted sections of ambient lighting that basically outline the entire dashboard and console area look pretty neat.

A Burmester 4D Surround Sound stereo, part of the aforementioned Pinnacle Trim, has 17-speakers installed all around the cabin. They are even located in the headliner and seats and when turned to a moderate volume, expect your kidneys to vibrate (in a good way) every time the bass-line hits on song.

Powering the vehicle is the uber-smooth 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six mild-hybrid mill mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Making 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, turbo lag and the engine start/stop function is virtually imperceptible due to the assistance of 48-volt system. Finally, the standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and dynamic damping suspension provides sharp handling and a supple ride in varying conditions.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E 450 starts at MSRP $83,900.