Mercedes E-Class
The E-Class offers everything you should expect from an expensive executive car like a Mercedes. It's available as a saloon, estate, coupe or convertible, and all models boast huge, well made interiors, offering lots of space for passengers and their luggage. The E-Class has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which backs up the car's solid feel. All cars come well equipped, and Mercedes offers trim levels designed with company car buyers in mind. There's a wide range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from. The smallest petrol unit does sound a little strained, but otherwise, all engines deliver a quiet and comfortable drive.
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Pros:
- Incredible performance
- High-quality, comfortable interior
- Understated looks
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Cons:
- Light steering
- Dark inside
- High asking price and running costs
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Pros:
- Extensive range
- Draught-free open top driving
- Easy and comfortable to drive
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Cons:
- V6 and V8 engines are expensive to run
- Fabric roof instead of some rivals' folding hard tops
- Interior feels a little claustrophobic with the roof up
The E-Class Cabriolet mixes style with comfort, and is surprising practical. The electrically operated fabric roof stows quickly, while a wind-deflecting 'Aircap' on the top rail of the windscreen keeps the cabin draught free. SE models offer best value for money, while Sport versions feature firm suspension. The E-Class Cabriolet is only available with the best engines from the E-Class saloon line-up - all except the 6.2-litre V8 of the E 63 AMG, which Mercedes doesn't offer in the E-Class Cabriolet.
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Pros:
- Wide range of well equipped models
- Easy to drive and comfortable
- Relatively practical for a two-door coupe
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Cons:
- No AMG model for performance fans
- BMW 3 Series Coupe feels nimbler
- Interior lacks the exterior’s flair
It's a low-slung two-door car, but the E-Class Coupe is surprisingly sensible and practical for such an indulgent purchase. The rear seats are useable, while a big boot and choice of fuel efficient engines make it a viable day-to-day proposition. It feels bigger and classier than its obvious BMW 3 Series Coupe rival, while Audi's A5 lacks the Mercedes’ edgy style. All versions come well equipped, with SE more comfort orientated than the sharper Sport models.
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Pros:
- Plentiful choice, decent equipment
- Safe, comfortable
- Vast luggage space
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Cons:
- Performance models expensive to run
- Cabin lacks rivals’ flair
- 5 Series is more fun
All the classy attributes of the E-Class saloon, but with a massive luggage area added at the rear. The E-Class Estate appeals to business drivers with families or more active lifestyles. The easily accessed, large boot can hold masses of luggage, family paraphernalia or sports equipment. As with the saloon, diesels make the most sense.
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Pros:
- Wide choice, lots of kit
- Emphasis on safety and refinement
- Quality, badge appeal
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Cons:
- High-performance models costly to run
- Not as agile as rivals
- Interior short on flair
A business buyer's favourite, the E-Class is recognised worldwide as a classy, comfortable executive saloon. Three trims are available, with SE appealing to cost-conscious fleet buyers, Avantgarde adding more luxury equipment and Sport giving the E-Class sporty AMG styling and sharpening up the driving experience. The diesel engines make the most sensible choice, with even the smallest providing acceptable performance and pump-friendly fuel consumption. For the ultimate performance E-Class, seek out the E 63 AMG.
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