Costs & verdict
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2
Our recommended Mercedes E-Class Estate is the E220d in AMG Line Premium trim. It will set cash buyers back a similar amount to the equivalent BMW 5 Series Touring (the 520d M Sport). The Audi A6 Avant 40 TDI S line and Volvo V90 B4(D) R Design are a bit pricier. However, the E-Class Estate has better resale values than the V90, and should lose about the percentage of its list price (over three years) as the A6 Avant and 5 Series Touring. It's not a cheap car to service, though. PCP finance costs are generally competitive with its rivals, but check out our New Car Deals pages to see the best prices available.
The E220d will average 45mpg without too much trouble in the real world. That's pretty competitive, as are its CO2 emissions. It's also RDE2 compliant, which is good for your company car tax bill, but if you're looking for the cheapest benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax, you should seriously consider the E300de plug-in hybrid.
Equipment, options and extras
Every E-Class Estate comes brimming with kit. The entry-level Sport trim features cruise control, power-folding door mirrors, two-zone climate control, 17in alloy wheels (these offer the best ride), heated front seats and leather seat trim (plus the safety kit, infotainment features and visibility aids we've already mentioned).
If you can stretch to the upper-mid-spec AMG Line Premium trim, we think that's the pick of the range. It's roughly the same price as a 5 Series Touring M Sport and adds extras including keyless entry, 19in alloys and a gesture-controlled powered boot lid.
