Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 2002 - 2006 review

The Mercedes E-Class lopes along with regal smoothness, smothering bumps and shutting out noise almost completely. Good as it is to drive, though, the BMW 5-series is definitely better.

The huge and very comfy cabin is adorned with wood, even on the entry Classic. It isn't as barge-like as previous Es, so while passenger space remains good, rear headroom is perhaps a touch tight. That said, the boot is still a cavern.

The huge range of engines and trims makes buying any E a maze. And, if that's not enough, the number of options available when the car was new means you'll rarely find two used cars alike.

The smaller engines and lower-spec models are the most common and also represent strongest value. Most have auto gearboxes and they're so smooth we'd shy away from manual shifts. In any case, the foot-operated parking brake makes hill starts a wrestle if you also have a clutch to deal with.