E-Class (W214) 2024 -

Massage function worth it on e450 AT

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Old May 13, 2025 | 07:57 PM
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Massage function worth it on e450 AT

Since I’ll be getting a e450 AT towards EOY, I test drove one.

The massage function barely worked. I felt like I was sitting on my iPad and it was vibrating. The sales person didn’t know much about it beyond how to turn it on.

Does any one know if the massage can be set to be more strong/intense?

Can the massage function be turned on by simply saying, "hey Mercedes turn on the massage"?

Is it worth getting the multi-contour option if not for the massage?

thanks in advance.



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Old May 13, 2025 | 09:17 PM
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I have the E class and I can say Mercedes, turn on massage and it has a moving visual on the main screen and has various modes and vibrations.
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Old May 13, 2025 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by e-wagon
Since I’ll be getting a e450 AT towards EOY, I test drove one.

The massage function barely worked. I felt like I was sitting on my iPad and it was vibrating. The sales person didn’t know much about it beyond how to turn it on.

Does any one know if the massage can be set to be more strong/intense?

Can the massage function be turned on by simply saying, "hey Mercedes turn on the massage"?

Is it worth getting the multi-contour option if not for the massage?

thanks in advance.
There are two things though, seat kinetics and massage, just want to confirm, you chose massage?
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Old May 13, 2025 | 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
There are two things though, seat kinetics and massage, just want to confirm, you chose massage?
Seat kinetics is a separate function and I believe standard. The massage comes with the multi-contour seats and IMO worth every penny. There are around 7 different massage programs and each has an intensity of high or low. I prefer the invigorating massage which does pressure points up your back and seat. You can combine it with seat kinetics and as part of the configuration you can include the bottom, back, and lumbar. You can say "Hey Mercedes, start an invigorating massage" or "turn on seat kinetics" and the respective function will start. I have occasionally had the car say "that massage function is not available" only to start properly if I say it again. Other times it will just go to the massage menu and you have to tap the screen to start. I attribute that to either my pronunciation or background noise confusing the car. Voice works about 80% of the time.
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Old May 13, 2025 | 11:05 PM
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OP, the best way to tell is to look at the head rest. If it's smooth. No Massage. If it has two vertical lines, has massage.
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Old May 13, 2025 | 11:23 PM
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Try it in another car. From your description it does not sound like it was working right. In my E 450 it is not a great massage, but it is great to be able to have it while driving, especially on a long drive when you need a distraction. One of the many ways driving a benz is more enjoyable and relaxing. It came with my cpo, not sure I would have picked it othwise. The cooling, air circulating seats I would not have chosen as I understand there is less cushioning with the fan. The seat is not that comfortable, after an hour I have break out a seat cushion.
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Old May 14, 2025 | 10:52 AM
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Originally Posted by e-wagon
Since I’ll be getting a e450 AT towards EOY, I test drove one.

The massage function barely worked. I felt like I was sitting on my iPad and it was vibrating. The sales person didn’t know much about it beyond how to turn it on.

Does any one know if the massage can be set to be more strong/intense?

Can the massage function be turned on by simply saying, "hey Mercedes turn on the massage"?

Is it worth getting the multi-contour option if not for the massage?

thanks in advance.
There are different massage levels, including one that is just a vibration and it sounds like the salesperson may have picked that one. For me, the massage function is totally worth it. Choose from the menu the one you like best!
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Old May 14, 2025 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by e-wagon
Since I’ll be getting a e450 AT towards EOY, I test drove one.

The massage function barely worked. I felt like I was sitting on my iPad and it was vibrating. The sales person didn’t know much about it beyond how to turn it on.

Does any one know if the massage can be set to be more strong/intense?

Can the massage function be turned on by simply saying, "hey Mercedes turn on the massage"?

Is it worth getting the multi-contour option if not for the massage?

thanks in advance.
The invigorating massage is fairly intense. Intense enough that I can feel my upper back being pushed forward as it digs in there. There is a vibrating one and it's surely the weakest and least favorite of mine, and it sounds like that is the one you experienced. I also agree with what someone has said and I probably rate the comfort at a 6 or 7 out of 10. It's not uncomfortable, but with the massage and circulation components, it surely takes away some of the comfortability.
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Old May 14, 2025 | 11:33 AM
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I don't have it on my AT. Wonder if it's as impressive as the massage function on the Lucid Air. Check out this Throttle House review on YouTube. Start at around the 17 minute mark:


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Old May 14, 2025 | 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by L1Wolf
Seat kinetics is a separate function and I believe standard. The massage comes with the multi-contour seats and IMO worth every penny. There are around 7 different massage programs and each has an intensity of high or low. I prefer the invigorating massage which does pressure points up your back and seat. You can combine it with seat kinetics and as part of the configuration you can include the bottom, back, and lumbar. You can say "Hey Mercedes, start an invigorating massage" or "turn on seat kinetics" and the respective function will start. I have occasionally had the car say "that massage function is not available" only to start properly if I say it again. Other times it will just go to the massage menu and you have to tap the screen to start. I attribute that to either my pronunciation or background noise confusing the car. Voice works about 80% of the time.
Mhmm, that I know, hence why I want to make sure the other forum member didn't try seat kinetics and actually try massage when they were disappointed.
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Old May 14, 2025 | 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by smiles201
Try it in another car. From your description it does not sound like it was working right. In my E 450 it is not a great massage, but it is great to be able to have it while driving, especially on a long drive when you need a distraction. One of the many ways driving a benz is more enjoyable and relaxing. It came with my cpo, not sure I would have picked it othwise. The cooling, air circulating seats I would not have chosen as I understand there is less cushioning with the fan. The seat is not that comfortable, after an hour I have break out a seat cushion.
Someone did a test and realized occupants and drivers driving MB have a lower heart rate given the least amount of stress and are most relaxed, can't find the article was a few years ago, massage adds to that effect dearly.
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Old May 14, 2025 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by webby87
OP, the best way to tell is to look at the head rest. If it's smooth. No Massage. If it has two vertical lines, has massage.
Thank you, good attention to detail.
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Old May 14, 2025 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Someone did a test and realized occupants and drivers driving MB have a lower heart rate given the least amount of stress and are most relaxed, can't find the article was a few years ago, massage adds to that effect dearly.
I guess the article I read a few years ago was just bringing up an article back from 2005, so do you live longer if you drive a Mercedes? Athletes have a low heart rate for example: https://newatlas.com/tests-show-your...mercedes/4486/

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Old May 14, 2025 | 01:32 PM
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I've been driving Mercedes for over 60 years. My heart rate is in the mid-to-upper 40's.
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Old May 14, 2025 | 04:40 PM
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Originally Posted by ua549
I've been driving Mercedes for over 60 years. My heart rate is in the mid-to-upper 40's.
I think that is a good thing
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Old May 15, 2025 | 05:37 AM
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I have a massage chair at home - very deep. I also have Hydro massage at the gym. Wife just got a zero gravity one to replace it - worth every penny (about 400,000 of them). About the same cost as the Merc. The various massages are all MUCH shallower and softer than the two chairs or the hydro. But still - I would want to keep the massage in the E. I WANT it when I am driving - especially over 30 minutes. It keeps you alert and just invigorates the body enough...

So - different purposes. If you are looking for a happy ending to this story (sorry)... the massage function does NOT replace a real person massage or great massage chairs... but is good to have.
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Old May 15, 2025 | 11:04 AM
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I take long highway trips frequently and it's a must-have for me. Had it in my previous E450 and can't live without it now. Mercedes massaging function is so much better than BMW's IMO.
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Old May 15, 2025 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by WZ214
I have a massage chair at home - very deep. I also have Hydro massage at the gym. Wife just got a zero gravity one to replace it - worth every penny (about 400,000 of them). About the same cost as the Merc. The various massages are all MUCH shallower and softer than the two chairs or the hydro. But still - I would want to keep the massage in the E. I WANT it when I am driving - especially over 30 minutes. It keeps you alert and just invigorates the body enough...

So - different purposes. If you are looking for a happy ending to this story (sorry)... the massage function does NOT replace a real person massage or great massage chairs... but is good to have.
Sums it up! Different use cases.
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Old May 15, 2025 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by WagonAllTerrain
I take long highway trips frequently and it's a must-have for me. Had it in my previous E450 and can't live without it now. Mercedes massaging function is so much better than BMW's IMO.
Except when you compare 7 series and S-Class apparently.
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Old May 15, 2025 | 01:20 PM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post9115560
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Old May 15, 2025 | 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by RoadrunnerHerm
I have the E class and I can say Mercedes, turn on massage and it has a moving visual on the main screen and has various modes and vibrations.

Well that's promising. The idea of touching a screen 3 to 4 times (accurately) while driving to turn on the massage function... would be sad. I'm getting more impressed by MB and luxury.

Thanks!
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Old May 15, 2025 | 10:22 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
There are two things though, seat kinetics and massage, just want to confirm, you chose massage?

Yes - thanks for checking. I saw the different types of massage settings on the screen. The sales person didn't even mention the kinetics function.
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Old May 15, 2025 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by L1Wolf
Seat kinetics is a separate function and I believe standard. The massage comes with the multi-contour seats and IMO worth every penny. There are around 7 different massage programs and each has an intensity of high or low. I prefer the invigorating massage which does pressure points up your back and seat. You can combine it with seat kinetics and as part of the configuration you can include the bottom, back, and lumbar. You can say "Hey Mercedes, start an invigorating massage" or "turn on seat kinetics" and the respective function will start. I have occasionally had the car say "that massage function is not available" only to start properly if I say it again. Other times it will just go to the massage menu and you have to tap the screen to start. I attribute that to either my pronunciation or background noise confusing the car. Voice works about 80% of the time.

That's promising. I will have to go back in and "educate" the sales person.
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Old May 15, 2025 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Rick_H
The invigorating massage is fairly intense. Intense enough that I can feel my upper back being pushed forward as it digs in there. There is a vibrating one and it's surely the weakest and least favorite of mine, and it sounds like that is the one you experienced. I also agree with what someone has said and I probably rate the comfort at a 6 or 7 out of 10. It's not uncomfortable, but with the massage and circulation components, it surely takes away some of the comfortability.

This is very promising. I've got massaging function on my 2017 Volvo v90 cross country and it can get a little uncomfortable depending on seat position - which is what I want.

I defintely need massaging seats & auto steer for long trips.

Thanks everyone.

Last edited by e-wagon; May 15, 2025 at 10:40 PM.
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Old May 15, 2025 | 10:48 PM
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Originally Posted by e-wagon
This is very promising. I've got massaging function on my 2017 Volvo v90 cross country and it can get a little uncomfortable depending on seat position - which is what I want.

I defintely need massaging seats & auto steer for long trips.

Thanks everyone.
I had a V60 with massaging a couple of years back and it's night and day versus Mercedes. Definitely get it.
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