Mercedes-Benz E-Class review

The E-Class has always been a car with a broad remit – you could buy the previous generations as a saloon, estate, coupé or even a cabriolet. The saloon, in particular, has always been one of the best cars of its type, despite competing in a class full of very strong contenders.

Together, those previous generations have built the E-Class a deserved reputation as a discreet, comfortable and well-built executive car. To read about those older models, click here.

This latest model continues that theme. It has a smart interior and delivers a comfortable ride – particularly if you steer clear of the larger-than-standard alloy wheels.

The saloon range comprises two 2.0-litre diesel versions, a more expensive V6 diesel and a plug-in hybrid petrol-electric model. In the Mercedes-AMG range, there’s a V6 petrol sports model dubbed E43, as well as the top-of-the-range E63, which you can read about here.

So can this latest E-Class build on its illustrious predecessors and does it still stack up against the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF in this ultra-competitive set? Read on over the next few pages to get our in-depth impressions on the E-Class, along with our final recommendations for trim levels and engines.