– Detroit, Michigan

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Although the car-shopping public disagrees and doesn’t buy them, we fussy car reviewers often prefer wagons to equivalently sized crossovers. The new 2017 Mercedes-Benz E400 Wagon is no exception. It’s roomy, it has all-wheel drive for inclement weather, and it can even seat seven people in a pinch – yet it gives you more car-like driving dynamics than a crossover that would be equally utilitarian. For all those reasons, as well as the inherent goodness of all W213-generation E-Class models, I’ll love this wagon no matter how poorly it sells.

Pros

It’s great to drive. From its super-smooth V6 and slick automatic, to its plush air suspension and delicate steering, the E400 does exactly what I ask it without any fuss. My overall sense is just one of ease and comfort from behind the wheel. Whether you’re stuck in traffic or hustling in Sport+ mode, the E400 is thoroughly viceless to drive.

Gorgeous interior. The design of this cabin is fantastic, though I’ll admit I hate the Macchiato Beige/Saddle Brown color treatment of this particular test car. But otherwise, I adore the elegant layout of every control in here. The massaging seats are otherworldly comfortable, and the huge widescreen displays make monitoring and using the myriad on-board technologies a cinch.

Great active safety tech. As our other reviews of the E-Class have noted, the car is a smorgasbord of electronics intended to keep you safe. My favorite fe...