Mercedes-Benz E-class review – executive tour-de-force still one to be reckoned with

The Mercedes E-class is a cornerstone of the executive class, one that not only embodies the class’s core attributes, but which has also informed them over a period of decades. It comes as little surprise to see the E-cass always at or near the top of the class for executive shoppers, and in its current generation, it’s easy to see why.

> Click here for our review of the BMW 5-series

The current W213 Mercedes E-class has a vast range, from airport minicab-spec four-pot diesels and company car-friendly plug-in hybrids to boulevard-cruising cabrios, brawny diesel estates and six-figure AMG hot rods. It’s difficult to generalise the E-class in one verdict, but burrow through the range and you’ll find plenty of highlights, all the time maintaining the key attributes of engineering excellence, solidity and class.

Mercedes E-class: in detail

Performance and 0-62mph time > Performance varies widely. Four-pots are forgettable, new in-line six and V8s are hugely rapid

Engine and gearbox > The powertrain line-up continues to develop, new in-line six engines are particularly impressive

Ride and handling > Feels big because it is big. Not as interactive as some rivals, but formidable in its capability

MPG and running costs > MPG for the economy-focused models is deeply impressive, but V8 AMGs require shares in BP to fund them

Interior and tech > Initially impressive, the interior is well built, but can be a bit befuddling to use on the move

Design > Subtlety is key here. AMG models are wonderfully aggressive though

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Prices, specs and rivals:

The Mercedes E-class range is hugely varied, starting at £36,895 for the entry-level E200 SE and rising to a whopping £94,250 for an E63 S 4Matic+ estate. Model for model, prices are competitive with equivalent rivals from BMW and Audi, but neither offers quite the same spread of options or powertrains.

Diesel models kick off at £37,145 for an E220d SE and are topped by the wonderful E400d at £53,140. As of 2019, new plug-in hybrid models with the E300e and E300de nomenclatures are priced at £46,735 and £46,985 respectively. These two new models, as you may have guessed, are powered by either petrol or diesel four-cylinder engines paired to an electric motor and battery pack.

The E43 AMG has gone the way of the dodo, making way for the new AMG E53, which combines the rapid new turbocharged in-line six petrol engine with a mild hybrid system. This tech leader of the range starts from £68,285, nearly £30k less than the full-fat E63 S. Four-cylinder versions are all specified in SE trim as standard, while the optional AMG Line models generally have a premium of around £2500. Swap out the saloon body for the commodious estate and it’ll set you back an extra £2000. Coupe and Cabriolet models are also available with selected engines and AMG Line-only body trim. Coupes are £500 more than the equivalent saloons, while the Cabrio has a steeper £5000 premium.

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For an E-class with a more rugged appeal, the E400d estate is also available in an Audi Allroad-like All-Terrain specification, with cladded wheelarches, unique body styling, and oddly oversized 20-inch wheels. Perfect for light off-roading.

Specification is generally high throughout the range, although if you want the widescreen cockpit you’ll need to plump for the Premium Pack on four-cylinder models. A higher-specification Premium Plus Pack is also available for most models, bundling the most desirable options into one, such as the panoramic sunroof, Burmester hi-fi and Multibeam LED headlights, among others.

Using a popular variant like the four-cylinder AMG Line E220d saloon as a reference point at £39,640, the equivalent competition from Audi (A6 40TDi S-Line) and BMW (520d M Sport) both come in at over £41,000, although they do have more standard equipment. 

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