Mercedes E-Class estate (2009-2016) - Interior & comfort
The Mercedes E-Class estate is more stylish than ever on the outside, but inside it’s not as modern as the BMW 5 Series Touring or Audi A6 Avant
While the BMW 5 Series Touring is expected to live up to its manufacturers’ sporty reputation, the Mercedes E-Class estate has to be comfortable, capable and calmly understated above all else. The recent facelift has given it a more stylish look, but inside the styling isn’t as cutting-edge as what you get in the BMW or even the Audi A6 Avant.
However, as an E-Class driver you’ll want for very little. The SE model comes with almost every conceivable standard equipment item imaginable, while AMG Line versions add an extra sporty twist.
Mercedes E-Class estate dashboard
The dashboard is a conservatively styled affair that won’t suit everybody. It’s angular and quite upright, while some controls are fiddly to use, but it’s at least fashioned from high-quality materials. What’s more, it’s packed with features, many of them controlled using a central dial. Unfortunately, the on-screen menus are complicated and distracting. The steering wheel and the driver’s seat (both front seats are electrically powered and heated) are hugely adjustable, although the latter could do with going lower down.
Mercedes E-Class estate equipment
Once you’ve chosen your engine, picking a trim level is simple: there are only two and both are well equipped. We prefer the SE’s generous yet sensible array of features, including part-LED headlights, heated leather seats, parking assistance, lowered suspension, twin exhaust pipes and DAB digital radio.
The AMG Line model adds nothing but a sporty body kit, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and AMG interior detailing, as well as a sports suspension package that only makes the ride stiffer. Unfortunately, our favourite version, the E350 BlueTEC, is only available in this trim, otherwise we’d order it in SE and save around £3,000 – the typical saving elsewhere in the range.
Mercedes E-Class estate options
If want to lose even more money on your E-Class (surprisingly, it depreciates faster than both the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant) you can choose from two option packs. At least they’re better value than buying the extras separately. Premium includes an electric-seat memory package and reversing camera, plus a panoramic sunroof. Premium Plus adds keyless entry and a superior stereo system, neither of which is really worth having.
