Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
The Mercedes E-Class is now I believe in its 10th generation. It is a very important model for Mercedes and one that they cannot afford to get wrong. Despite the trends for plug in hybrids and even EV’s (though the latter seems to be faltering rapidly) Mercedes wisely decided to stick with a proven formula for the E-Class.
So this new car is powered by a superb 2.0 litre diesel turbo with power going to the rear wheels. There is some mild hybrid tech to boost power but thats it. No plug in here and its all the better for it.
The model on test this week is the E 220D saloon in Exclusive line Plus specification.
So has it got street cred?
Its great to see the 3 pointed star back on the bonnet in this test car but then I realised its an extra cost option and part of the Exclusive pack. Come on Mercedes!
The style of the new E-Class is suitably conservative but it works very well. This really is a truly elegant and stylish saloon and unlike its rival the BMW 5-Series which has rather questionable looks this new E-Class will impress. Indeed it drew many admiring glances during my tenure. So it is definitely a winner in the beauty stakes!
Whats it like inside?
The cabin of the new E-Class is simply excellent and has a superb air of class and quality that is unrivalled in this segment. There are one or two disappointments. For example the use of “Artico” (basically vinyl) on top of the dash and doors instead of extending the gorgeous real leather in which the seats and door cards are upholstered. Also the air vents in the rear feel very cheap and flimsy. Otherwise though this cabin is top notch.
I like the way in which they have used the latest technology such as the centrally mounted 14.4 inch iPad style infotainment screen which rests sloping on the centre console while the driver gets a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster which rather nicely can be configured to look like analogue instruments. Way nicer than their BMW rivals unintelligible digital mess. There is selectable mood lighting, lovely black ash trim and beautiful real leather upholstery which in my test car was finished in beige on the seating and steering wheel.
The build quality is simply excellent and the level of standard equipment in the Exclusive Line Plus model on test is luxurious.
Standard kit includes, a host of safety features, “Hey Mercedes” voice activation which works very well, sports suspension, Interior light package, keyless go, heated front seats, and much more. Features worth special mention include the Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Reversing Camera, memory seats, and parking package with 360 degree camera to name but a few.
What is under the bonnet?
The E 220d is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo diesel. Max power is 197bhp and this is mated in this test car to a 9-speed G-Tronic auto box with paddle shift levers. An extra 23 hp and 205 Nm of tongue is available on demand from the mild hybrid tech.
Performance is good reaching 100kph from a standstill in just 7.6 seconds and cruising onto a top speed of 238 kph. In reality this translates to a very useable spread of power with good reserves for safe and swift overtaking.
On the economy front it is mighty impressive burning just 5.4 litres per 100km, giving the E 220d a range in excess of 1200km between refuels! Road tax is just €200.00.
Will I enjoy driving it?
In short yes! The new Mercedes E-Class is not a sports saloon by any means. It prefers a more sedate pace. However push it on along a twisty country road and it surprises with nimble surefooted handling and very little in the way of body roll. The BMW 5-Series is definitely more dynamic but the new E Class will please you 99% of the time. The ride is a nice blend between comfort and agility. The car remains composed on even the most challenging roads.
So what is the final verdict?
Priced here from €81,185 and in Exclusive Line Plus as tested here it costs €89,318 so its quite pricey. Nevertheless this new Mercedes E-Class retains its crown as the benchmark in premium luxury saloons.