Mercedes Benz E300

Highlights

• Top-tier audio system standard
• Most advanced ADAS standard
• 5-Star NCAP safety rating

Summary

This 2017 Mercedes Benz E300 represents a sophisticated choice for buyers seeking the executive prestige and modern design language of the W213 generation. Finished in a deep Blue that holds its character well in the bright GCC sunlight, this sedan offers a perfect balance of fuel efficiency from its 4-cylinder engine and the aggressive styling of the AMG package. While the mileage reflects a history of significant highway travel, these vehicles are engineered for long-distance durability and high-speed stability across the Emirates. The E300 stands out from its competitors by offering a cabin environment that feels significantly more advanced and luxurious than anything else in its segment from the same era. For a buyer in the GCC, this listing provides an opportunity to own a high-spec European sedan that has already undergone its steepest depreciation, making it a savvy entry point into the premium segment. The single most important factor for a buyer is the exceptional comfort and tech suite that makes the long commutes between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah feel effortless.

This Car vs Other 2017 E300s

When looking at the 2017 E300 market in the GCC, this specific vehicle has clearly been a dedicated long-distance cruiser. With 300,000 km on the odometer, it has been driven significantly more than the average GCC annual usage of 25,000 km, which usually places a car of this age around the 150,000 km mark. However, in the local market, high mileage on a Mercedes Benz often indicates a life spent on well-maintained motorways like the E11 or E311 rather than stressful stop-start city traffic, which can be easier on the transmission and cooling systems. The Blue exterior is a refreshing and professional alternative to the common white or silver cars found in the UAE, often fetching a quicker resale due to its unique but conservative appeal. This car offers the visual impact of the modern E-Class at a much more accessible price point than lower-mileage examples, without sacrificing the core luxury features that define the model. Buyers will find that the mechanical integrity of these 4-cylinder turbo engines is well-documented for high-mileage endurance when serviced correctly. Choosing this car means prioritizing the updated W213 body style and interior tech over a low-mileage example of an older generation.

AMG vs Lower Trims

Choosing the AMG trim level on an E300 completely transforms the character of the car compared to the standard Avantgarde or Exclusive lines. This trim adds the iconic AMG body styling, featuring more aggressive front and rear bumpers, deeper side skirts, and larger alloy wheels that give the car a planted, sporty stance on the road. Inside, the AMG treatment continues with a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel and often features upgraded upholstery with contrast stitching that elevates the cabin atmosphere. One of the biggest advantages for GCC buyers is the inclusion of the premium Burmester surround sound system, which is standard on high-spec trims and offers acoustic clarity that easily cuts through highway road noise. Additionally, the AMG trim usually includes the high-resolution dual-screen cockpit display, which was a segment-first at the time and still looks contemporary today. These aesthetic and functional upgrades are highly sought after in the used market, ensuring that the car remains desirable to future buyers who prioritize the 'top-of-the-line' look. The enhanced braking system and sport-tuned suspension included with this trim also provide more confident handling during high-speed lane changes on busy UAE highways.

E300 vs Segment Rivals

The Mercedes Benz E300 competes directly with the BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6, but it carves out its own niche by focusing heavily on interior luxury and ride quality. While the BMW might offer a more driver-centric feel, the E-Class leads the segment with its 'S-Class Lite' interior design, using higher-quality materials and more ambient lighting options that create a superior evening driving experience. For the GCC driver, the E300 offers a very large fuel tank relative to its efficient 4-cylinder engine, allowing for impressive range on long-distance trips across the desert. The air conditioning system in the W213 is notoriously robust, cooling the cabin significantly faster than some of its European rivals during the peak summer months. Furthermore, the E-Class boot space is among the most generous in its class, easily accommodating golf clubs or large suitcases for family trips between emirates. The inclusion of the 9G-TRONIC transmission also gives it an edge in smoothness and highway efficiency compared to the older gearboxes found in some competitors from the same year. It remains the gold standard for anyone who wants a prestigious badge paired with class-leading cabin technology.

Running Costs & Resale

Running an E300 in the GCC is surprisingly economical for a car of its size, with the 2.0L turbocharged engine returning excellent fuel economy in mixed driving conditions. You can expect roughly 7.0 to 8.5 liters per 100km on the highway, making it an efficient choice for daily commuters. As an American spec vehicle, buyers should be aware that while the car is mechanically identical to local versions, it may have different infotainment frequencies and won't carry a local manufacturer warranty, which is reflected in its more competitive asking price. Service intervals are typically every 15,000 km, and there is a massive network of independent specialists across the UAE and Saudi Arabia who can maintain these cars cost-effectively outside of the main dealerships. Parts availability is excellent, with both OEM and high-quality aftermarket components readily available in major hubs like Sharjah and Al Quoz. In terms of resale, the E-Class remains one of the most liquid assets in the premium used car market, though it typically sees a depreciation of 15% annually. Because this car has already reached high mileage, its value has largely stabilized, offering the next owner a very low cost of entry with minimal further depreciation risk.

Performance & Capability

The performance of the 2017 E300 is defined by its smooth power delivery and effortless highway cruising. The 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is tuned for torque, providing plenty of punch for overtaking at highway speeds without the fuel penalty of a larger V6 or V8. It can comfortably sprint from 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds, which is more than enough for urban driving and merging onto fast-moving UAE roads. The 9-speed automatic transmission is a highlight, keeping the engine at very low RPMs during steady cruises to maximize cabin quietness and fuel efficiency. This sedan handles the extreme heat of the region with ease, thanks to a cooling system designed to maintain optimal engine temperatures even in stop-start traffic during 45°C afternoons. While it is a rear-wheel-drive sedan not intended for the sand, its stability control systems are excellent at managing traction on sandy or rain-slicked tarmac. The AMG-tuned suspension provides a slightly firmer, more controlled ride that feels exceptionally stable when traveling at the 140 km/h speed limits found on major inter-city routes. It is a car that feels just as comfortable navigating the tight streets of Downtown Dubai as it does on a five-hour journey to the border.

Comfort & Cabin

The interior of the 2017 E300 is widely considered the best in its class for that model year, featuring a wrap-around dashboard design and premium materials throughout. This 5-seater sedan offers ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it a genuine executive car capable of carrying four adults in total comfort. For the GCC climate, the air conditioning is exceptionally powerful, with dual-zone climate control and dedicated vents for rear passengers to ensure everyone stays cool during the summer. The cabin insulation is top-tier, effectively sealing out the wind noise and the roar of surrounding traffic on busy highways. Ambient lighting with 64 color options allows the driver to customize the interior mood, a feature that has become a signature of modern Mercedes Benz luxury. The seats are highly adjustable and designed for long-range support, preventing fatigue on extended drives across the region. With the AMG trim, the interior gains a more purposeful, sporty feel without sacrificing the 'floating' ride quality the E-Class is famous for. Technology is integrated seamlessly, with a large central display providing clear navigation and media controls that are easy to use while on the move.

Safety

Safety is a hallmark of the Mercedes Benz brand, and the 2017 E300 was a pioneer in bringing semi-autonomous safety features to the mass market. It carries a 5-star NCAP safety rating, bolstered by a comprehensive suite of airbags and a rigid passenger cell designed to protect occupants in any collision scenario. Standard features on this trim include Active Brake Assist, which can detect impending collisions and apply the brakes automatically if the driver fails to react. For GCC drivers, the Blind Spot Assist is particularly valuable on multi-lane highways, providing a visual and audible warning when a vehicle is in the adjacent lane. The Attention Assist system monitors driver behavior for signs of fatigue, which is a critical safety addition for those frequenting long desert stretches between cities. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance also reduce the stress of long commutes, helping the car stay centered and maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. This level of safety tech was ahead of its time in 2017 and remains highly competitive against much newer vehicles on the road today.

The bottom line

This E300 is the ideal choice for an executive or frequent commuter who wants the prestige and technology of a modern Mercedes Benz at a fraction of the cost of a new model. Despite the high mileage, its AMG styling and robust engineering make it a standout value proposition in the current UAE used car market.

AI insights generated from market expert data. Always inspect the vehicle before purchase.