MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS ESTATE READER REVIEWS

My car

Great car. Mine is 'Executive SE' which is not listed. First car I've owned in 25 years where after 6000 miles I cannot find anything less than perfect in terms of build quality. Handling is better than expected, and performance is good. 7gTronic+ auto can be reluctant to change down but torque is so good it doesn't really matter. Seats are comfortable for me and I'm growing to really love the car. Motorways are it's natural habitat where the ride quality and lack of wind noise are noticeable. Mine has the firmer suspension which helps handling but I'd probably go for the Comfort Suspension next time to make it a little softer in town, though its still comfortable. Nativation 50 APS is standard but has 5 digit postcode entry only. I use it daily and find as long as I have the road and house number then its no problem. The traffic system usually works well routing around blockages too. A TomTom would probably do more for a lot less but it's so convenient and fast to use that I'd definately have it again. Music interface works well with my iPod & USB stick and I find music quality very good. Slight niggles are: central display can't show outside temperature at same time as mpg figures; parktonic LEDs look outdated; visibility from standard headlight system is not great (I would go for adaptive light system next time); whilst economy is great on motorways (48mpg) it drops a lot in town (35mpg). All told this is a spacious, comfortable car which feels like its built to last.

My car

I have had the updated (265bhp) version since March, and have covered approximately 5,000 miles.

I can only assume the negative reviews relate to the pre update engine, as most of the comments here bear no relation to my own experience. I am easily achieving over 40mpg average, despite the car being amazingly quick if required. Following a much loved Audi Q7, the running costs are excellent.

The car is very comfortable, brilliantly thought out (genius seat release) and very spacious - easily as large as the Audi inside. After 15 years of S Line Audis, it's also a pleasure to have a comfortable ride, sport suspension notwithstanding. Niggles include the single stalk control and pretty rubbish parking sensor system, but otherwise I really rate this car.

I may change my views when it starts snowing....

My car

I'm delighted with this car. It's just so relaxing to drive - the engine is freakishly powerful and refined and the gearbox is superb. I think the earlier versions with the 231bhp engines were apparently disappointing with regard to fuel consumption, but my 265bhp Merc has managed 37mpg so far and I haven't been light with the throttle. The gearbox has also been upgraded to a "7G-tronic plus" version to give better economy and lower emissions. The only slight disappointment has been the stereo which is a little boomy. Otherwise I would recommend it as being worth every penny.

My car

What a noisy car!! When on the motorway it sounds as if Niagara Falls are roaring away in the backseat. This is the noisiest estate car that I have ever owned. Mercedes, Stuttgart response was appalling ('....as manufacturers we simply don't know how to make quiet cars...'). So, if you want a large estate car with the acoustics of a delivery van - then this is the car for you. If not, then go elsewhere - anywhere.