Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon road tests and consumer car reviews

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 2011

We got the E-550 version with 380hp very powerful 0-60 in 5.3 seconds extremely quiet. The seats are like sitting on a cloud. The sat nav works well and is voice controlled. Dual moon roof lets in lots of light. The back seats are comfy but is too slanted backwards for little ones.

Responses to this review

I got the new E500 with the 4.6 L, 406Hp engine, I feel that it does not sound as muscular as the old 5.5 L engine - Chi Yam Kwong from Hong Kong

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 2010

This is my first Benz and it is an absolute joy to drive. Many features, I love the built in telephone. very powerful engine that has fantastic acceleration. Fuel consumption is very good. Interior quality is fantastic and trunk space is very good. Takes all my golf equipment with space to spare. I look for every excuse to drive this car.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 320CDI Sport 2006

I purchased my E-320 CDI Sport new in 2006. Considering I usually change my car at the outside every 3 years and usually 2 years you can tell how happy I have been with this mile munching motorway express. I had been totally against diesel until I was persuaded by the Merc agent to try it. I pulled away and challenged the sales guy that it was Petrol. I can’t believe what an all rounder it is. If you want acceleration especially mid range it is there. If you want more economy it is there. On a trip at reasonable speed I have returned over 44 MPG, not bad for the weight. I do intend to change it soon for the latest E-Class but I have to say it will be a sad day when this one goes. Saying that I am thinking of selling my wife’s Mondeo and keeping my baby. Yes with everything I chose on it it was £44,000 but when you arrive after a 3 hour journey as chilled out as when you left it is worth it in my opinion. I have to say the only outlay I have made for it is servicing and tyres oh of course diesel. I quickly worked out that you don’t have to pay main dealer prices and found a small garage fully Merc approved at nearly half the cost with a Merc trained mechanic. Merc did go through a rough patch a few years back but now I feel they are back at the top where they belong.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon E320 CDI 2007

This car (I bought from Mercedes of Brighton - used), is an absolute gem. I have never had a diesel before, but this has definitely converted me, MPG fantastic on a run (43mpg indicated by trip computer), and very smooth and quiet in operation. I quite often try to find traffic queues to be in the car longer, and am generally a 60mph cruiser on dual carrageways, but she has power (torque - almost 400ft/lbs or for the Europeans 540nm) in buckets. Definately a car to keep for a few more years, no serious problems except for a handfull to drive in black ice roads during the terrible snows in the UK in early 2010 (if that happens again, i’ll let the train take the strain). Had to abandon my "baby" by the roadside, where there is a camber, during the snowfall, and came back a few days later. A testament to the durability of Mercedes, another car had hit the rear o/s wing, and left only minor laquer scratches, no dents. Used the recession too to lever a good APR rate (3.8%) over 5 years and 17k purchase price @ 27K miles.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 2002

Please don’t buy a 2002 E class I have spent more than £2000 on the bushes, suspension, springs, arms. I have a panoramic roof, the blind failed to work on it . The paint falls of the car with the slightest scratch. The warning lights come on telling the engine has problem when nothing is wrong, 4 new tyres, all the brakes and discs needed replacing. I am paranoid to drive this car over speed bumps, the suspension is too fragile for such a large car. Mercedes are a nightmare to deal with, the head office are arrogant and refuse to help with past problems. The wheels have been replaced 3 times and the lacquer is going again. I would not buy a Mercedes again, had a honda for 6 years nothing went wrong . I would have have given the car a 0 star rating. Mercedes should actually read this site as you get an honest review of their cars rather than Clarkson driving the car when new and other journalist who think the car is brilliant. The seats are uncomfortable and the car is boring to drive it has sports suspension on a car that is not sporty.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 320CDI Avantguard 4-Matic 2008

This is a super car and I only regret that I did not buy the 4-Matic years ago. The road holding has to be seen to be believed especially in the mountains on snow and ice. This is a 211 model with a diesel engine which is quiet and powerful (224 HP.) The fuel consumption is impressive, but astonishingly seems to be less at high speeds (driving in Germany,) compared with the more gentle 70 MPH. The comfort is superb and it is only a pity that the safety features are not incorporated on all cars. The APS - Command makes long distances a lot easier. The traffic messages which are always shown in English (if one wishes,) regardless of country and update the system do a great job. Finally, the Airmatic, Distronic and superb as are the dynamic seats. It is an expensive car, but worth every penny. My Wife and I find it a joy to drive.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 2003

I have a 270cdi avantgarde. This is one of the worst cars I have ever bought. The car has done less than 50000 miles and it has been in and out of garages. Amongst the work done is a new head light because the bulb had blown, cost £800! Front suspension, lower ball joints, EGR valve and fan control switch, rear coil spring; the car is currently in the garage again to have new front suspensions put in, cost in parts only £891 and labour similar amount! I have now decided to part exchange this car for either a BMW or an Audi. Mercedes have sacrificed quality and more importantly after sales service. After having driven mercs for a long time it is time to move on. We have 5 mercs in the family and all will go soon as there are reliability issues.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon s320 2009

I have heard reports of problems with auto box problems with S-class and M500 auto problems not changing up or down.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 220CDI 2009

What a car! It drives so well and has good grip on our Australian roads. It is so comfortable, it makes you feel safe and it responds easily to different driving conditions. This is my third purchase of a new Benz and the E 220CDI is by far the best I have had the pleasure of owning.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 220 CDI Avantgarde 2006

Absolutely delighted with this car. This is the new generation model and it just has that something special about it. Only one thing niggles me, why is the steering wheel not central to the driver; it is offset about 1 1/2 inches to the left (RHD) and although you get used to it I just find it hard to accept in this otherwise excellent car. Dealers have been reasonable but they really could do better. The fixed pricing isn’t really fixed as there is always an extra required, however they are way cheaper that Citroen in every respect. Plus I always get a free valet and coffee with the local dealer. Didn’t get that from Citroen... never even got a free wash. That said I still rate this as 10/10. By far the best car I have ever owned. This is my 45th car. Think I will keep this for a long time yet. 58,000 effortless comfortable miles. The wife liked it so much she recently converted to buy a Merc too.

Responses to this review

Great car, what about the new Mercedes S-class 250 cdi and maybe S 200 cdi - world best car for 2012? Hope they sell them in England and Ireland. All the best - Colin McDonnell from England

Looking forward to Mercedes S250 cdi and the S200cdi in 2012’s world best car. Road tax for S Class in Ireland is 1,500 euros a year, with low CO2 100 to 300 euro. The new S Class with 40 to 60 mpg will make a big difference here in Ireland, England and worldwide. Why not have the best of both worlds? A top class car with the running cost of a small car. Times are hard worldwide so how about making life a lot better with great cars? Regards - Colin McDonnell from Ireland

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 220 CDI Avantgarde Auto 2007

Absolutely superb. Very comfortable car, great to drive. Safety and economy are also excellent.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 280 CDI Avantgarde 2005

I bought the car January 2007 with 14000 miles on the clock (now 39000). Since then I have had nothing but bother with it. Repairs as follows: March 2007 OCP draining battery August 2007 Turbo Charger and Inlet Port Motor replaced - September 2007 Holding in gear (not repaired) - April 2008 Holding in gear (not repaired) - October 2008 Glow plugs replaced January 2009 Ball joint and O2 sensor replaced and oil leak at camshaft repaired - February 2009 Inlet Port Motor replaced - March 2009 (today): When I stopped the car after about 15 minutes the fan came on and would not go off until I re-inserted the key. The sidelights switched themselves on and the car would not start. I had to call the service engineer. It is off tomorrow to the dealer again. Since I bought the car it holds in 5th gear. I have tried kick-down, accelerating, manual but nothing helps. I just have to wait until it decides to change itself. When taken to the dealer ’Computer says No’ Re February 2009 Inlet Port Motor above I was in the process of an overtake when the power just died. I nearly had a head on with an oncoming car. I have complained both to the dealer and Mercedes with no luck. I have to say I love driving the car but the reliability leaves a lot to be desired. First and last Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon E 220 CDI 2006

Recently purchased an E 220 CDI automatic (Dec 2006) after running a C class for 5 years and have to say I’m over the moon with the car. Performance is very impressive considering the size and weight of the vehicle. MPG is quite amazing considering how my wife drives it! Overall a beautifully engineered car that just loves motorways. No problems to date with the mechanics and electrics and the finish is what I would come to expect from a £34000 motor car. Being a good 6 feet 2 inches tall there is ample room in the front and no problems with large persons in the rear. I definitely think that the one very positive item required on this vehicle is Parktronic. When fitted parking is a doddle! Without it, you have to just hope that you judgement is good enough not to bump the back in those tight parking spaces. Overall an excellent car and one I’m very pleased to own and run.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 200 Classic Kompressor 2008

The E-class was a real return to form for Mercedes. They went back to basics and made everything practical and efficient. This is the Mercedes-Benz quality that I had until recently become accustomed to, I fully expect the engine to outlive me. Performance is stunning on either A-roads or motorways and Mercedes have taken the safety element very seriously, there are airbags in every important position and the 5 star EuroNCAP rating backs up the large feeling of security. The number one luxury saloon.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 2007

Just changed from a C Class to E Class also from petrol to diesel. All I can say is fantastic car very comfortable and smooth which is a suppose what you get with a Mercedes complete "driveability"

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 2005

Lovely to drive, mpg outstanding, can’t fault it but reliability does let it down to be fair. Mercedes do sort it out but previous motor a subaru legacy never missed a beat never mind three electrical failured in three years on a 40 grand car just ain’t good enough. WOULD I BUY ANOTHER ONE, YES. JENNY COOKE

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 1998

Extraordinary design, comfort, reliability, and is classically the Best of Cars so far!!! Thank You!!!

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon

latest model is certainly the best E-Class to date. Rear head room is not great, but everything else is excellent. I leased mine. Because the residual values are very good the leasing prices were reasonable. Very pleased.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon

I now have the best e class ever. Having had 2 previously - both 270 CDI I was always happy despite the odd electrical fault on the early production. Now I have just bought a 320 CDI Sport & quite frankly nothing compares - an absolute joy to drive and it handles superbly. If you’ve never had paddle gear change then you don’t know what you are missing. A superb vehicle - well done Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon 220 CDI Elegance

I'm on my third Mercedes now. Overall they are excellent cars but the only reason I have not given a 5 star rating is due to reliability. I have had electrical problems with all three, but even so, the Mercedes aftersales service is excellent, speedy call out service, free courtesy car, etc.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon Mercedes-Benz E 280

This isn’t my first Mercedes but is my first E Class having previously driven two C Class cars before this. My father has driven Mercs for the past 20 years and it was he who was looking at buying one of the latest E Class cars. I was so impressed when I tagged along (as you do) to the dealership with him that I ended up arranging a test drive and…well, you can guess the rest. Beautiful car.