Mercedes-Benz E-class Estate BlueEfficiency auto14 | 08 | 2010Scotcars rating

    Big Mercedes load-lugger is still the one to beat

    Overview

    I got this test car only a matter of weeks after driving the saloon version with a manual gearbox, and it came as a surprise. With the saloon I was disappointed it wasn’t an automatic, yet when I got the estate with just that, it felt disappointingly timid. True, it was effortless to drive but seemed reluctant to get up and go. Like the manual, the build quality is excellent and it’s a big car but looks great with some really nice touches of design to give it real character rather than just a boxy version of the saloon. 

    I especially liked the loadspace in the back – a vast cavern in which to cart around any amount of baggage and any number of bags. What made it even better was the automatic rear door lift with a simple press on the key fob, and closed by pressing the red button on the raised door. It’s so simple, yet so handy when returning to the car park loaded down with supermarket bags.

    It's a vast cavern in which to cart around any amount of baggage

    On the road

    Apart from what I felt was the aforementioned sluggishness – which I have to say isn’t backed up by the performance figures – the car feels great on the road. It is a big car with huge tyres which keep it firmly anchored, whatever the surface. The auto box is silky smooth and the economy — getting on for 50mpg — is impressive for such a large car and I suspect the feeling of it taking a while to get going is down to the clever engineering which has economy and low emissions as the prime aim. Anyway, it must have been on my mind because 0-62 mph in just over eight seconds isn’t exactly hanging about.

    Comfort & Safety

    Yes, it is comfortable and I’m sure it’s very safe. Thankfully I didn’t have to call on its safety features but I did like the touch of the seatbelt tightening snuggly after it was engaged. That added to the overall feeling of being snug and secure, added to by the superb leather seats. It’s a very nice car – big, secure and the Merc name still carries a lot of status. It’s a clever trick that Mercedes has conjured up, combining the luxury and status of the executive range without it being damaged by the same three-pointed star appearing on a huge range of vans and trucks.

    Should I buy one?

    If you can afford it and you need a big, well built estate, then the nice man at the Mercedes dealership will be happy to accept your cheque.

    Alan Douglas

    Quick Stats
    Price OTR/As Tested £36,255
    Engine / Power: / 204bhp
    How fast?: 0-62mph 8.1secs Max 143mph
    How big/heavy?: H2057mm  W1854mm  L4895mm / 2420kg
    How thirsty/CO2?: Combined 46.3mpg / CO2 163g/km
    InsGP/Road tax: 38E / Band G
    Alternatives: BMW 5 Series Touring; Audi A6 Avant

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