Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate full 9 point review
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Performance
Most E-Class buyers choose a diesel engine, and the entry-level E220 CDI will be plenty powerful enough for the majority of them. For more poke, though, they can also choose the E250 CDI or the E350 CDI. Petrol fans have five engines to choose from, ranging from the E200 CGI to the mighty E63 AMG.
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Ride & Handling
Every E-Class Estate has self-levelling rear suspension to stop heavy loads affecting the way it drives. However, you’ll still need to choose carefully because Mercedes offers four different set-ups: entry-level SE cars are softly sprung, Avantgardes are lowered to improve composure, Sport models are stiffer again, and the V8-engined E500 has air suspension. We’d avoid the overly firm Sport model, but the SE and Avantgarde set-ups work well.
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Refinement
There's some wind noise down the sides of the E-Class Estate, but it's still a refined cruiser. Only Sport models disappoint, because their big wheels generate a bit too much road noise. The bigger engines are smooth and quiet at all times, and the automatic gearboxes shift seamlessly, but the four-cylinder diesels sound a bit gruff when you're accelerating hard.
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Buying & Owning
An E-Class Estate will cost you about the same as the comparable Audi model, while Mercedes' emissions-cutting Blue Efficiency technology makes most versions pretty cheap to fuel and lowers your company car tax bills. The strong resale values will appeal to private buyers, as well as keeping leasing rates competitive.
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Quality & Reliability
There’s no denying that the E-Class’ cabin is a nice place to sit, but it doesn’t have the sheer money-no-object quality that you’d associate with a Mercedes. Sure, everything fits together well and most of the materials look and feel smart, but one or two panels just feel a bit cheap.
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Safety & Security
The E-Class comes with all the safety aids you expect – stability control and a shedload of airbags – plus one or two things you don’t: a driver-drowsiness detector and a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians in collisions are both standard. Avantgarde and Sport models have headlights that automatically switch between main and dipped beam to match the flow of oncoming traffic. Lane-change- and blind-spot warning systems are available as options, as is a night-vision camera.
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Behind The Wheel
All versions have some form of electric seat adjustment, which helps you find your favoured driving position easily. However, some will find their seat won’t go low enough. Many functions are controlled with a central dial, but the on-screen menus can be distracting. The foot-operated parking brake and single stalk for the indicators and wipers might annoy you, too.
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Space & Practicality
The E-Class Estate has a cavernous boot, and access is easy because the tailgate and luggage cover are electrically operated. If you need even more space, the rear seats can be folded flat from the cabin or by tugging handles in the boot. There's plenty of head- and legroom in both the front and rear seats.
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Equipment
As usual with Mercedes-Benz models, the E-Clsss's spec meets the expectations for a car in this class without going the extra mile. However, there's an options' list as long as your arm to let you tailor the car to just how you want it. Three spec levels are available – SE aimed at corporate fleets, Avantgarde for buyers seeking a bit of modern luxury, and the self-explanatory Sport.
E-Class rivals
E-Class used car reviews
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate E350 CDI BlueEFF. Avantgarde 5dr
The fuel economy and high list price may be seen as drawbacks by some buyers, but we think this is the best model in the range. It's worth the extra it costs to buy and run.
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