Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 2006 - 2009 review
Category: Estate car
The Mercedes E-Class Estate is a great estate car with bags of class
What's the used Mercedes E-Class estate like?
This Mercedes E-Class Estate might look similar to the previous model, but it's better to drive and more refined. It also gets some advanced driver aids and safety technology.
The E-Class places the emphasis on ride comfort, but it's still enjoyable to drive with reasonable handling.
There's plenty of space to stretch out inside the E-Class, but a large transmission tunnel means the rears seats are better for two people, rather than three. The Mercedes is one of the best estates available, however with up to 1950 litres of boot space and easy-to-fold rear seats.
Ownership cost
What used Mercedes E-Class estate will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Mercedes E-Class estate?
When it comes to depreciation the diesels are king and, as a result, highly attractive to used buyers. Only consider a petrol model if it's cheap and you don't intend to cover many miles.
The smallest diesel averages 39.8mpg, while the E280 CDI achieves 37.2mpg and the E320 CDI 34.9mpg. The petrol models aren't as efficient, with the E220K at 31.7mpg, the E280 at 29.1mpg, the E350 28.4mpg, the E320 CGI 31.7mpg and the E500 23.9mpg.
Emissions for the diesels range from 188g/km to 215g/kM, but the petrols don't far as well, starting at 212g/km, and rising to 280g/km.
Mercedes dealers are an expensive place to service an old car, and you won't harm the car's value if you use a reliable independent garage.
Our recommendations
Which used Mercedes E-Class estate should I buy?
Of the eight engines available, the diesels are by far the best options.
The 168bhp E220 CDI is a great starting point to the range, and the most common on the used market. Although it's not fast, it has enough power for a car of this size. The 187bhp E280 CDI is more enjoyable to drive, and a good trade-off between power and economy. There's also an E320 CDI with 221bhp, but it's not that common.
If you really want a petrol E-Class, consider the supercharged 182bhp E200K or the 228bhp E280. There is also a 255bhp E350 and a 388bhp E500. The fuel-efficient 288bhp E350 CGI was introduced in 2008.
The majority of E-Class examples are automatics; manuals are less desirable unless fitted to the smaller-capacity engines.
Classic models get climate control, wood trim, cruise control and alloys, while Elegance adds chrome detailing and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Avantgardes have xenon headlamps, part-leather seats and window glass that reflects bright sunlight.
Sport models get lowered and tuned suspension, upgraded alloys and full leather trim. In mid-2008 the Executive SE edition was added, based on the Classic but including upgraded wheels, exterior and cabin trim.
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