What are the differences between the 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift and non-facelift models?

[BraydenMarie]

Here are the differences between the Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift and non-facelift models: 1. Configuration: The facelifted Mercedes-Benz E-Class has undergone certain changes in configuration. The new model is equipped with a 360-degree panoramic camera, a sensor-activated trunk, a keyless entry system, and adjustable rear seats—features that are not available in the non-facelifted models. 2. Power: The facelifted long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class continues to use the current M264 series 1.5T and 2.0T (high/low power) engines, paired with a 9AT transmission. Before the facelift, it used a turbocharged V6 engine.

[LunaRose]

Here's how I see the differences between the facelifted and pre-facelifted 2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The most noticeable changes are in the exterior details. The new model features slimmer headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, giving it a much sharper look than the previous version. The rear end has also undergone significant changes, with the taillights now adopting a split-scale design that enhances refinement when illuminated. The sport version gets a star-patterned grille, while the business version retains the horizontal chrome bars but with more three-dimensional lines. Inside, the steering wheel buttons have been replaced with touch controls, and although the dual-screen display remains the same size, it now supports touch functionality, making it much more convenient than the old model's rotary knob operation. The configuration upgrades are quite substantial, with all models now featuring a power tailgate and wireless charging, and the rear USB ports upgraded to faster Type-C charging ports. Safety features have also improved, with the automatic braking and lane-keeping systems optimized for greater sensitivity. The powertrain remains largely unchanged, but the transmission tuning is said to be smoother, reducing jerkiness in urban driving. If the budget allows, these detailed upgrades in the new model definitely better align with its luxury car positioning.

[StFernando]

I noticed that the 2021 facelifted E-Class primarily upgrades its technological features. The most significant change is the MBUX infotainment system, which has been completely redesigned with a much faster touchscreen response and supports natural voice commands for navigation and air conditioning. In terms of safety assistance, it adds an active steering function that can automatically follow the car ahead during traffic jams. The instrument cluster display has been redesigned, featuring built-in AR navigation that projects road signs directly onto the screen. The steering wheel buttons have been replaced with touch panels, which look more refined but are prone to accidental touches and require some getting used to. Noise insulation has been optimized with added engine bay soundproofing, reducing wind noise significantly at high speeds compared to the previous model. Exterior changes focus on the lighting units, with a completely redesigned taillight design for better recognition. Although the wheelbase and interior space remain the same, the upgraded seat padding offers better support. The powertrain still uses the 2.0T mild-hybrid setup, but the start-stop system has been tuned to be smoother than in the previous model.

[MacOscar]

Here are the key differences in brief: The front and rear light clusters have been completely redesigned, with the daytime running lights now featuring a thinner, hook-like shape. The interior steering wheel has been upgraded to a touch-sensitive control panel with haptic feedback. The dual-screen setup now supports touch operation, whereas the older model relied on a central control knob. A power tailgate comes as standard now, making loading and unloading much more convenient. The driving assistance features have seen significant upgrades, with automatic braking intervening more promptly. Thicker sound insulation materials have reduced highway noise. The interior leather stitching has been upgraded to double stitching for a more premium feel. All rear charging ports have been switched to Type-C. Two new wheel designs have been added. Although the power specs remain unchanged, low-speed jerkiness has been noticeably improved.

[AdelynAnn]

If you are more concerned about the actual experience, the facelift focuses on improving comfort details. The new steering wheel has increased thickness for a fuller grip, and the buttons have been replaced with an integrated touchpad for enhanced practicality. The seat padding now uses high-density foam, making long drives less tiring for your backside. The infotainment system has been fully optimized, with the touchscreen responding at least twice as fast as the previous model, and voice control can precisely adjust the dual-zone climate control. For noise insulation, additional sealing strips have been added to the engine hood, significantly reducing wind noise at high speeds. The trunk now features an electric switch, making loading and unloading luggage much easier. In terms of safety, the new Lane Emergency Avoidance Assist has been added, where the system actively corrects the steering wheel when it detects danger. The exterior changes mainly involve the taillights, which now feature a dual-horizontal bar design, elevating the premium feel when lit at night by several notches.

[SanTucker]

Here are the key differences of the 2021 E-Class facelift. The powertrain calibration has been upgraded. Although it uses the same 2.0T+48V mild hybrid system, the optimized shift logic makes acceleration smoother. The chassis bushings have been replaced with hydraulic damping components, significantly reducing impact when going over speed bumps. Externally, the headlight contours are sharper, and the taillights now feature segmented illumination for a more layered effect. The interior upgrades focus on the interactive experience—the multifunction area on the steering wheel has been changed to capacitive touch controls, and the central display now supports smartphone-like tap-and-swipe operations. The most notable safety improvement is the addition of intelligent pilot steering, which enables automatic lane-keeping and turning on highways. The new model also comes standard with practical features like wireless fast charging and a power trunk, which were optional extras in the previous version.