Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 1999 - 2003 review

What's the used Mercedes-Benz E Class like?

This generation of Mercedes E-Class simply got on with providing executive buyers with what they wanted. That was a cabin with huge amounts of space in the front and rear, superb build quality and a range of engines that catered for all needs.

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Overview

The Mercedes E-Class is a lot of car for the money

Pros

• Masses of interior space
• Comfortable and safe

Cons

• Hasn't got the sporty drive of a BMW 5 Series

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Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.2 E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr

£1,499

Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS

3.0 E320 CDI Avantgarde G-Tronic 4dr

£1,895

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.0 E280 CDI Elegance G-Tronic 4dr

£1,990

Mercedes-Benz E Class

2.1 E220 CDI Avantgarde 4dr

£2,000

Mercedes-Benz E-CLASS

3.2 E320 Avantgarde 4dr

RRP £34,070

£2,195

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.2 E320 CDI Avantgarde 4dr (Euro 4)

£2,395

Mercedes-Benz E Class

2.7 E270 CDI Elegance 4dr

£2,495

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.0 E280 Elegance G-Tronic 4dr

£2,689

Mercedes-Benz E Class

3.0 E280 CDI Avantgarde G-Tronic 4dr

£2,995

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The clean-cut exterior styling is suitably restrained and elegant, and this is matched inside, although some think the centre console looks too slab-like. Regardless of that, the interior is well appointed with luxury and safety equipment, the boot is enormous and comfort is top-notch.

Helping the comfort side of things is the E-Class' well-judged ride quality. The Merc may not be as agile through the bends as a BMW, but it could make any road surface seem perfectly flat, which also underpins the E's credentials as a fine long-distance motorway cruiser.

Our recommendations

Which used Mercedes-Benz E Class should I buy?

The diesels were the most popular models when the car was new and they remain so with used buyers, thanks to their ability to cover huge distances with reasonable economy and good refinement. Our choice is the E320 CDi, with its 3.2-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel that's capable of 36.0mpg.

The smaller E220 CDi turbodiesel is the best bet for anyone who wants good economy because it can manage up to 46.0mpg with a manual gearbox.

We'd avoid the smallest petrol engine, the 2.0-litre, as it just isn't strong enough. Much better are the 2.6, 2.8 and 3.2-litre V6 petrols, with the 3.2 the pick of the bunch and handily the most common of this trio. The petrol V8s are slick and silky in their delivery, but too thirsty to be recommended.

Classic trim comes with all of the luxury and safety kit you'd expect, so it should satisfy most buyers. But, if you want more, Elegance throws in alloy wheels and Avantgarde adds sportier suspension.

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