The latest iteration of Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class saloon has been named New Zealand’s 2024 Car of the Year.
Following in the footsteps of the previous E-Class, which won the 2016 title, the new E-Class beat ten rival finalists to lift the trophy, which is awarded by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild, the professional body for motoring media from around the country.
Kiwi honours follow overseas success for the latest E-Class, which just last month was awarded the “Best Performer” in 2024 by the European NCAP safety assessors, as the safest car subject to the rigorous NCAP crash test and safety assessment regime last year.
“World-leading safety credentials are but one of many features that helped the new E-Class stand out from very talented rivals for our 2024 Car of the Year crown,” says Guild of Motoring Writers’ president, Robert Barry.
“In an era when many new cars feature blunt, assertive styling, the E-Class is sleekly styled to achieve to-tier aerodynamic efficiency. This and its mild-hybrid powertrain optimise fuel efficiency, but not at the expense of performance, which is more than adequate to fill its brief as an effortless long-distance tourer.”
“Add in outstanding refinement, a sumptuous interior, and the latest in AI-enabled driver support systems, and the E-Class is, above all else, a great all-rounder.”
It’s also important to acknowledge that the latest E-Class is the latest of several Mercedes-Benz vehicles to win the NZ Car of the Year crown. These comprise the smaller C-Class saloon in 2000, the previous E-Class in 2016, and the wholly electric EQC in 2020.
“We are honoured to receive this award and sincerely thank the Guild members for recognising the exceptional qualities of the new E-Class. This accolade is a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to delivering unparalleled design, cutting-edge technology and award-winning safety. We appreciate the Guild’s recognition for everything the new E-Class offers,” says Mercedes-Benz New Zealand general manager, Joerg Schmidt.
The prestigious award, now in its 36th year, was announced live on Seven Sharp by presenters Hilary Barry and Jeremy Wells.
The finalists for this year’s award, in alphabetical order, were:
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Kia EV9
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- MG 3
- Polestar 4
- Subaru Solterra / Toyota bZ4X
- Suzuki Swift
- Toyota C-HR
- Volvo EX30
The Guild’s voting members tested the vehicles in their home environments across the country, which is essential for providing a ‘real-world’ result. They assessed the finalists on a specified range of criteria, including how the vehicle performs its intended role, its styling, interior design, and accommodation, fit, finish, and quality, ride and refinement, performance, road-holding and handling, value for money, active and passive safety, and environmental responsibility.
Previous New Zealand Car of the Year Winners
2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2014 Mazda3
2013 Volkswagen Golf
2012 Toyota 86
2011 Ford Focus
2010 BMW 5 Series
2009 Ford Fiesta
2008 Ford Falcon FG
2007 Mazda3
2006 Porsche Cayman
2005 Mazda MX-5
2004 Nissan Maxima
2003 Honda Accord Euro
2002 Mazda6
2001 Ford Mondeo
2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
1999 Honda S2000
1998 Volkswagen Passat
1997 Holden Commodore VT
1996 BMW 5 Series
1995 Nissan Maxima
1994 Honda Accord
1993 Citroën ZX
1992 Toyota Corona
1991 Lexus LS400
1990 Mazda MX-5
1989 Peugeot 405
1988 BMW 5 Series
