MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SALOON REVIEW

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Most E-Class buyers choose diesel power. The E200 CDI gives adequate performance, but we prefer the extra poke of the E220 CDI. For more poke still, you 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.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

There are different suspension systems for various versions. The soft SE is comfy, but a little slushy for our tastes, while the lowered Avantgarde is more controlled, with little sacrifice in comfort, but the stiffened Sport is a little firmer than a Merc should be. The air-sprung E500 has a brilliant blend of abilities, but it comes at a hefty price.
Refinement

3 out of 5 stars

An executive saloon should be a haven of peace, and although the E-Class isn’t as quiet as some rivals, it’s still a very refined car. Wind noise is minimal and the six-cylinder engines are silky smooth. The four-cylinder diesels can be a bit grumbly when they’re revved, though, and there’s some road noise at speed.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The Mercedes E-Class is a little pricey compared to its rivals, but with strong residual values, it’ll protect your investment well. The E-Class is also competitive on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, which means company car drivers won’t pay the earth to run one.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

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 feel a bit cheap.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

The E-Class comes with all the safety aids you expect – stability control and umpteen 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 suit the flow of oncoming traffic. Lane-change- and blind-spot warning systems are optional, as is a night-vision camera.

Behind The Wheel

3 out of 5 stars

All versions have some form of electric seat adjustment, which helps you find your favoured driving position easily. Some will find their seat won’t go low enough, though. 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.
Space & Practicality

4 out of 5 stars

There’s plenty of space in the back of the E-Class, with impressive head-, leg- and shoulder-room. That means it makes life comfy for four people, but a fifth won’t be so well looked after because there’s a bulky transmission tunnel that the middleman will have to straddle. The boot is big with a square floor, but folding rear seats are an option that costs extra.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

As usual with Mercedes-Benz, the spec meets expectations for a car of 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 versions.