Mercedes-Benz E-Class estate

Drive

With such an extensive engine range and power outputs to choose from, the E-Class driving experience can be anything from mild to wild. With the more powerful 168bhp E 220 CDI as the entry-level to the diesel range, the E-Class Estate never feels underpowered. The E 250 CDI is the best all-rounder though, with its 204bhp and plentiful low-down pulling power making the big estate effortless and rapid. Smaller petrol engines need working harder to produce their best - at the cost of economy. The diesels best suit the E-Class Estate's demeanour, which is more about easy cruising and carrying capacity than rushing around. Its steering is accurate and the manual transmission is easy enough - although all but a handful will be ordered with automatic gearboxes.

Comfort

The E-Class Estate majors on refinement and comfort, with almost no wind or road noise to be heard inside. The E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI diesel engines can be a bit noisy when starting up, but they’re quiet when on the move. The front seats offer plenty of adjustment, while the firm cushions provide excellent support and comfort. Rear seat passengers have loads of head- and legroom either side, though sit in the middle and you’re perched uncomfortably on a raised section of the rear seat. SE models offer the most comfortable suspension, with the Avantgarde versions' slightly firmer settings delivering the best balance of fine control and comfort. Sport models can feel a bit firm thanks to stiffer suspension settings. The E 63 AMG version rides very firmly and can be a bit noisy, but it's the right kind of sporting sound that its buyers will appreciate. 

Reliability

The previous E-Class didn’t have a perfect reliability record, but mid-life revisions banished these worries - so much so the E-Class took an impressive eighth position in the 2010 Driver Power top 100 cars. The interior feels solidly built from fine quality materials, but there's no denying that the E-Class's dashboard lacks the flair and visual appeal of rivals from Jaguar and BMW. The E-Class’ safety equipment list is vast and impressive. All cars come with at least seven airbags, electronic stability control and a clever driver drowsiness detection system. There's a pop-up bonnet too, which helps protect pedestrians. 

Practicality

The E-Class Estate's boot is massive, with 695 litres of space with the seats in position and a van-rivalling 1,950 litres when the seats are folded. Access to that big boot is via a wide-opening, electrically operated tailgate. A low loading height and clever automatic luggage cover make using all that space simple. Mercedes offers load retention bars and straps too, while there's even the option of an additional pair of rear seats. They’re strictly for children due to their small size, but they turn the E-Class Estate into a useful occasional seven-seater. They fold flat into the floor when not in use. 

Value for money

The E-Class costs a bit more than its rivals to buy, but all models come well equipped as standard. Included are Bluetooth telephone connection, climate control, alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, electric adjustment on the driver's seat and heated front seats. Avantgarde versions add intelligent bi-xenon headlamps, full leather upholstery and LED running lights, while Sport models gain AMG styling and a more sporting interior specification. All E-Class Estates also feature self-levelling rear suspension - to compensate for differing loads. 

Running costs

Mercedes-Benz has developed fuel-saving BlueEFFICIENCY technology to maximise economy and reduce emissions across the range. The E 220 CDI and E 250 CDI return 49.6mpg, while emissions are 150g/km when specified with a manual transmission. The entry-level petrol engines can’t match the diesels for day-to-day running costs. More expensive V6 turbodiesel and petrol engines - and the range-topping V8s in the E 500 and E 63 AMG - come with increased running costs to match the increased performance - the E 63 in particular being hugely expensive to own and run.