Mercedes E-class information: everything you need to know if you own it, are thinking of buying one or just want to find out more about Merc’s exec. Click on the links below for all of CAR magazine’s news, reviews, videos, scoops and spy photos of the E-class car range.
Background
The Mercedes-Benz E-class comes as a saloon, estate, coup or cabriolet – squaring up to the BMW 5-series and Audi A6 hegemony. All four models are a real return to form for Mercedes: quality, style and dynamics to die for. For more information on the Merc E-class, click on our further stories on the links below.
60sec road test
The E-class is the linchpin of the Merc range - powering businessmen, taxi drivers and families in the embrace of dependable quality for several decades. The latest model is back on top, after a quality wobble with the 2002 W211 era model. It feels well made and the signs are that reliability is up and gremlins down. Good. That leaves us to concentrate on a large executive car available in a variety of bodystyles to meet your every whim. The convertible has four seats and a slick roof; the coupe a more sporting vibe; but most E-classes are the stock-in-trade saloons and estates. The wagon is huge - its echoing 600-litre boot is beaten only by vans, and that swells to 1855 litres with the rear seats flopped forward. They drive well, focusing on comfort and refinement rather than outright corner-carving. Which is exactly how it should be for a Mercedes. We also love the technology now on offer, including amazing active headlamps which remain on full beam at all times, shielding approaching cars from glare. Pick the E63 AMG bahn-stormer if you want to pose a real threat to the M5 and its ilk.
The one we’d buy
E300 Bluetec Hybrid
The one we’d avoid like the plague
E400 AMG Line Edition if you value your bank balance
Rivals to consider
Audi A6, BMW 5-series, Jaguar XF, Lexus GS
For
Refined, well built, tax efficient, a good drive, some amazing tech
Against
Four-cylinder diesels not the most refined; reach for larger engines for proper Merc quality