The three-link front axle makes a key contribution to relaxed driving and safe vehicle control. The Estate’s rear axle is air-sprung and equipped with a level control system to ensure consistent ground clearance and suspension comfort irrespective of vehicle load.

The direct steering system has a more direct steering ratio and reduces the steering effort required for large steering angles, e.g. when parking or taking tight bends. Direct steering is included as standard with the V6 and V8 models (E 63 AMG with AMG sports parameter steering).

The AIRMATIC air suspension – standard in the E 500 and optional for 6-cylinder models – automatically influences the effect of the shock absorbers on each wheel and adapts them to the current road, load and driving characteristics. The driver can manually switch between a comfortable and a sporty setting. When necessary, the system can switch independently to a more rigid option – for example when the driver has to make an evasive manoeuvre. The vehicle height can be regulated with a push of a button: on poor sections of the road the vehicle height can be raised by 25 millimetres and at higher speeds it is automatically lowered by 15 millimetres – for more driving stability and less air resistance. Even when the vehicle is loaded the ground clearance remains constant thanks to the level control system.