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Models Covered: Third generation E-class saloons and estates- 2002 to date: (E200K, E240, E320, E500, E55AMG, E220CDi, E270CDi, E320CDi]

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

There’s a saying that runs along the lines of "If something looks good, chances are it is good." Although Victoria Beckham may prove the exception to the rule, there’s certainly nothing superficial about the unerringly handsome Mercedes E Class. Whereas its predecessor was a stolid but rather clumsily styled thing, the post 2002 E-Class is a car that has managed to make its BMW and Audi rivals look respectively contrived and outdated. What’s more, the E-Class drives as well as it looks, offering a far more dynamic steer than many mid range Benzes of yore. As long as you can stomach the asking price, it’s difficult to go wrong.

Upon launch in June 2002, the Mercedes E Class range consisted solely of saloon models, customers having to wait another year for estate models to materialise. Two petrol V6s were available, the 175bhp E240 and the 221bhp E320. There was also a range-topping 5.0-litre V8 that powered the 302bhp E500 and two torquey common rail turbodiesel units. The 148bhp E220CDi opened proceedings with the 175bhp E270CDi providing even more in the way of overtaking muscle. Soon to follow was the 204bhp E320CDi that is probably the finest car Mercedes make bar none. Those looking for ultimate power should look no further than the 476bhp (but in reality closer to 500bhp) E55 AMG, a car that instantly made the BMW M5, the Jaguar S-TYPE R and the Audi RS6 look a little gutless. It even managed to outmuscle Porsche’s factory upgrade to the 911 Turbo. That’s serious. An entry-level 163bhp E200K supercharged model was also slotted in to broaden appeal. In the Winter of 2004, the 3.2-litre E320 models were replaced by the E350 and its 3.5-litre V6 engine. Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of this E-Class in the summer of 2006, introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s wasn’t immediately apparent that the new models were such heavily revised vehicles. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering were improved as were the engines and the adaptive braking system was borrowed from the S-Class. In the engine bay, the E200K was boosted to 184bhp and the E500 got an all new 388bhp V8 lifted from the S-Class. An E65 AMG model was introduced at the top of the range while some of the diesels also received power enhancements. Notably, the big selling E220 CDI was increased to 170bhp.

Although Mercedes have been known to play fast and loose with some of their more peripheral models, the E-Class has to offer buttoned-down rectitude. As such, it majors on conservatism, offering an evolution of the bug-eyed design theme Mercedes introduced in 1995. The marque’s ‘family’ styling is most evident from the rear three-quarter where that now familiar coupe-like swoop to the roofline is employed. In this case, familiarity doesn’t breed anything other than admiration. The look that was so right in 1998 with the design of the S-Class has worn well and gives this E-Class an arresting profile. The bevels and scallops in its flanks also create more of a studiously ‘designed’ look than its slab-sided predecessor. The wheel arches are beautifully judged, although the more cynical anoraks may well mutter ‘Volkswagen Bora’ under their breath. Aluminium body panels are used to keep weight down. The bonnet, front wings, boot lid and some strengthening gussets are all made from aluminium and contribute to a significant weight loss. This has been helped by using varying thicknesses in many of the body panels without sacrificing torsional rigidity, which has also been increased. Despite appearances, this E-Class is larger than its predecessor, the width upped by 23mm and the height by 12mm. Although the length has remained the same, interior packaging has been helped by an increased wheelbase. The interior styling is redolent of the S-Class. The fascia bulges outwards as if pumped to 100psi, the E320 test car featuring over 70 assorted knobs, buttons, switches and dials. Open the glove box to access the instruction manual if you want to know what does what or alternatively use it to defend your vehicle against would-be carjackers. It’s a weighty tome

One of the reasons Mercedes E-Class models are traditionally tricky to value is that many of the cars that Mercedes-Benz dealerships have in stock come with desirable factory-fitted options like leather trim, air conditioning and electric seats. Loading a car up with extras distorts the true market value and thus the prices quoted here should only act as an approximate guide. This being so, take £13,600 as a guide price for an ’02 52-plated E200 Classic. The rather overlooked E240 opens at £14,800 in Classic guise, while the E320 starts at £22,375 for an Elegance model on an 02 plate. Opt for the mighty E500 and you’ll need to pony up at least £18,300. The diesel models are well worth looking at and the E220CDi gets the ball rolling at £14,400 for an 02-plated Classic with an equivalent vintage Avantgarde pitching in at £15,800. The E270Cdi starts at £16,200 in Classic trim while to land the super-desirable E320CDi you’ll need access to at least £19,700.

Trade pundits recommend automatic transmission, air conditioning and leather upholstery and to avoid dull non-metallic colours for easy selling on. Buying from a franchised dealership is undeniably expensive, but the selection will be good and this route should take the worry out of purchasing an E-class. Going this route also entitles you to Mercedes' helpful PCP finance scheme and an impressive back-up package of after-sales benefits.

(approx based on an 2003 E200K saloon’) A clutch assembly will be around £185. A starter motor will be about £215 and a radiator around £195. An alternator is around £325, a full exhaust about £755. Brake pads front and rear are about £60 for the front and £45 for the rear. A replacement headlamp is £340.

Buyers who choose the Classic and Elegance trim levels get a soft riding setup whilst those that fork out for Avantgarde get a 15mm closer to terra firma and a stiffer ride. Go for the optional Sport pack and it gets yet more rigid whilst Airmatic suspension is an option on all models bar the E500 and offers a similar pneumatic system to the S-Class. The car’s handling was significantly improved by the 2006 facelift. Other Mercedes trademarks pop up. The manual gearboxes are still best avoided whilst the indicators in the mirrors are slick but promise an expensive misjudgement through urban gaps. Keen drivers will still prefer the BMW 5-Series, the Mercedes instead concentrating on sybaritic luxury. The E-class also offers an estate variant if you need a little extra room. Its sleek styling means that total ‘seats-flat’ luggage capacity has actually fallen by 65 litres over that of the previous model, a shortfall that Mercedes have disguised by adding an extra 90-litre underfloor storage compartment and upping the total carrying capacity with all seats in place to 650 litres. The payload is a useful 575kg.

The Mercedes E Class is a car that’s easy to admire but which may not possess quite the spark of desirability needed to generate a sale until you get behind the wheel. While that hasn’t been true of previous E Class generations, this one has something to offer the keen driver. As practical as ever but with more of a twinkle in its eye, the E Class hardly puts a foot wrong. Finding a good one is easy. Finding a used bargain may, however, be a little more difficult.

POWER GAMES
The Powerful E350 Occupies An Important Place In The Mercedes E-Class Range. Andy Enright Reports…

Spend an extended period in the company of Mercedes-Benz top brass and it’s easy to believe that power has gone to their heads. It’s almost as if they’ve twigged that they can instigate a power race that only they can win, leaving the rest of the market struggling in their wake. At the top end of the model range, that’s probably fair comment, but the overall effect has cascaded down amongst the sort of cars you or I might buy – cars like the Mercedes E350.

In a previous incarnation, this vehicle was 224bhp worth of Mercedes E320. Although this was ample power for most, Mercedes developed a far more powerful 3.5-litre engine that found its way into bright young things like the SLK350 and it was only a matter of time before they spread it a little further across the range. With 272bhp on tap, this is a serious piece of metalwork. Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of this E-Class, introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s not immediately apparent that the current model is such a heavily revised vehicle. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking.

"This 272bhp 3.5-litre engine is a serious piece of metalwork"

The E350’s aluminium 3.5-litre V6 engine supplies a sporty soundtrack to the E-Class. Whereas the old E320’s powerplant was rather lazy in its power delivery, this engine is markedly different in nature, with a more infectious feel and sharper responses. The engine’s four-valves per cylinder are permanently optimised, thanks to the continually adjusting intake and outlet camshafts – a world first feature for a V6. An enhanced two-stage variable inlet manifold, which automatically adjusts the length of the inlet tract for improved output and emissions control, operates without the driver noticing any changes. Drop into the driver’s seat and you’ll be greeted by buttons, hundreds of the things, slathered all over the centre console, on the front of the steering wheel, on the fronts of the seats, by the doors, up on the head lining. Inveterate fiddlers will have found their nirvana. Almost everything seems to be adjustable, heated, ventilated, tweakable and tuneable. The test car we drove was fitted with seats that could not only roast your backside but also waft it with cool air and massage your lower back to keep your spine supple. The side wings of the seat could even be inflated to generate a sort of Teutonic death grip. You may need them too. Rumble up behind a dawdler, spot a clear section of road ahead and plant the throttle and an extraordinary transformation occurs. Instantaneously. The clever gearbox can drop a couple of gears and the E350’s power will despatch unwary Sunday drivers with real alacrity. As with any E-Class, the faster you go, the happier the car feels. It’s almost as if it’s shrinking around you until it feels no larger than a Focus-sized hatch. This is a trick only the best cars can pull off and is a result of a superb chassis. The performance figures speak for themselves. With an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, the E350 will be fast enough for all but the most committed autobahn stormer. 60mph from rest will detain you for just 6.7 seconds whilst the overall fuel consumption figure of 29.1mpg is, in the light of these figures, pretty remarkable. Even around town you should see over 20mpg while on a gentler run over 40mpg is achievable. The estate version isn’t quite so economical but it’s still a very creditable performance. Emissions are reasonable at 231g/km for the saloon and 236 for the estate. The estate’s sleek styling means that total ‘seats-flat’ luggage capacity has actually fallen by 65 litres over that of the old E-Class, a shortfall that Mercedes have disguised by adding an extra 90-litre underfloor storage compartment and upping the total carrying capacity with all seats in place to 650 litres. The payload is a useful 575kg. Your dealer will want you to pay extra for the optional ‘EASY-PACK’ retractable load compartment floor – an idea ‘borrowed’ from BMW’s 5 Series Touring. Here, the base of the estate compartment can be moved 400mm towards you at the push of a button, allowing easier reach of items at the back of the boot or creating an optional picnic bench from which you can watch the kids play football. Should you be carrying heavy loads, you should appreciate the benefits of the hydro pneumatic self-levelling suspension, a system based on fully supporting air reservoirs that keep the vehicle at the same level, regardless of load. Mercedes have tried for some time to replicate the class domination they’ve enjoyed with their S-Class in other model ranges. The E-Class has long been the unsung star of the range and the E350 is possibly the most impressive model in the whole line up. If you don’t get on with the looks of the latest BMW 5-Series or Audi A6, count yourself very fortunate indeed.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E350 range PRICES: £37,577-£40,847 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17 CO2 EMISSIONS: 231-236g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.7s/ Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 20.2/ (extra urban) 39.2 / (combined) 29.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm

SPACE MOUNTAIN
The most prestigious estate in the world is these days even better. Jonathan Crouch reports

The world’s finest estate car is a Mercedes-Benz. There’s never been any debate about that. The E-class estate has always been the biggest, plushest and most prestigious station wagon you can buy – and at first glance, it appears that little has changed with the latest model.

Just because you have a car that’s big, plush and prestigious, however, it doesn’t mean you also have a strong seller. There are still people who perceive rivals from Audi, Saab and BMW as being faster, better looking or more technologically advanced. These potential buyers (wrongly as it turns out) imagine the largest ‘E’ to have something of a frumpy image that’s fine for well-heeled families and antiques dealers but a little ponderous for almost anyone else. Hence the considerable care given to the recent update of the current generation version, priced from £29,950. It has the looks, the speed (514bhp anyone?) and enough high-tech gadgetry to fill a whole series of Tomorrow’s World. Take the optional ‘Intelligent Light System’ which increases visibility by up to 50 metres. Then there’s the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. And the NECK-PRO head restraints which move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. We could go on but you get the idea.

"Looks, speed and enough high-tech gadgetry to fill a whole series of Tomorrow’s World…"

And what about that alleged stodgy feel? Well, handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking system provides better safety and comfort features. And engine response? Well it’s better across the board. The entry-level E220CDI diesel engine that many E-class Estate customers buy is now substantially more powerful, offering 170bhp – which should make you question the need for stumping up over £3,500 more for the 190bhp E280 CDI variant. The petrol units are also enhanced, the E200 Kompressor now good for a healthy 184bhp. At the other end of the range, there’s a 5.5-litre eight-cylinder unit with 26 per cent more go than the old V8. This latest E500 model will accelerate to 60mph in 5 seconds flat, 0.7 seconds quicker than the old E500. As well as the engines already mentioned, E-class Estate buyers can opt for the superb 224bhp E320 CDI and the 272bhp petrol-powered E350. You don’t buy a large estate car to go road burning however – unless you represent the E63 AMG model’s target market. So traditional estate car buyers will be pleased to hear that this is still the largest station wagon you can buy – bar none. Not that size is the be-all and the end-all: if it was, you wouldn’t be buying this car anyway but rather a Renault Grand Espace or a Chrysler Grand Voyager. But at the same time resigning yourself to forever being mistaken as the executive mini-bus service at the airport. E-class Estate customers like the idea of having up to 1910 litres of luggage space but, truth be told, they’re probably more interested in what Mercedes grandly call "technological exclusivity at the highest level". So what exactly is that? Well what about this car’s more sophisticated take on the kind of self-levelling air suspension that manufacturers like Citroen have offered for years? The hydro pneumatic self-levelling suspension used here is a system based on fully supporting air reservoirs which keep the vehicle at the same level, regardless of load. If you want to go further, there’s the option (that word again) of AIRMATIC DC air suspension: this constantly adapts the force of the shock absorbers and the spring rate to suit the current driving situation. There are also plenty of clever touches too. Like 90 extra litres of underfloor storage compartment space that ups the total carrying capacity with all seats in place to 650 litres. The payload is a useful 575kg. Your dealer will want you to pay extra for the optional ‘EASY-PACK’ retractable load compartment floor – an idea ‘borrowed’ from BMW’s 5 Series Touring. Here, the base of the estate compartment can be moved 400mm towards you at the push of a button, allowing easier reach of items at the back of the boot or creating an optional picnic bench from which you can view Georgina’s Polo pony. With most of the mainstream models, there are three familiar (and expensive) upgrade trim packages – Elegance, Avantgarde and Sport – but even basic Classic variants include executive sector basics like climate control, alloy wheels, wood trim, side and curtain airbags and a decent CD stereo. All in all, Mercedes-Benz has set its load-lugging customers quite a dilemma in recent times. If you want a lifestyle estate, you buy a C-class. If you want to go anywhere with your baggage, you buy a 4-wheel drive M-class. If you want sheer versatility, you opt for the Viano people carrier. And if you want sheer size and style, the E-class Estate is the car you buy. All of these models however, will share the one thing that hasn't changed with Mercedes-Benz over the years; enviably low depreciation. An E-class Estate will never be a cheap car but nor will it punish you financially for its manifold talents either. If you're considering the merits of rival manufacturers, that could be decisive.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes-Benz E-class Estate range PRICES: £29,950-£69,880 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-20 CO2 EMISSIONS: 188-345g/km PERFORMANCE: [E200K] 0-60mph 9.5s/ Max Speed 140mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [E220CDI] (urban) 29.4mpg / (extra urban) 50.4mpg / (combined) 39.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, SBC, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4850/1822/1496mm

FRUGAL FUN
In The E320 CDI, Mercedes Has A Diesel Engine So Good That It Will Steal Sales From Pricier Petrol Models, Thinks Jonathan Crouch

As you'd expect from a company that virtually invented the diesel-engined saloon back in the Thirties, Mercedes knows a thing or two about making cars for this sector of the market. Having allowed neighbours BMW a brief period as diesel-meisters over the last decade, Stuttgart is attempting the wrestle market leadership back. And with the latest E320 CDI, they could well have the car to do it.

This is one of the latest generation of 'common rail' diesels which, in six cylinder form, arguably make more sense than their petrol counterparts. The straight-six direct injection unit develops a healthy 224bhp, enough to propel it to sixty in just 6.8s on the way to 155mph. Just as quick, in other words, as an E350 V6, a petrol-fuelled E-Class which, unaccountably, costs more. Asking prices for the E320 CDI start at £36,895 (or £38,695 for the estate version), nearly £4,000 more than the 190bhp E280 CDI variant which marks the next step down in diesel-powered E-Class ownership. On the road however, this CDI sweeps all before it, thanks to an amazing 540Nm of torque, upped from 510Nm with the most recent set of revisions. This explosion of power means that almost instant acceleration is available in almost any gear, from as little as 1,600rpm. At this point, the standard automatic gearbox simply changes up and you're catapulted towards the horizon once more. Thanks to common rail, it's quiet and frugal too (you should average over 38mpg in normal use). This is thanks to a system where fuel is precisely bled off from a highly-pressurised reservoir 'commonly' shared by every injector along the feedpipe or 'rail'. Exactly the correct amount of diesel is injected when required: not too much (hence the lack of the usual puff of black smoke on acceleration) but just enough to enable the car to respond to your slightest throttle feather.

"Owners used to big petrol V6s will find the E320 CDI to be a smoother drive..."

The result of all that pulling power is that owners used to big petrol V6s will find the E320 CDI to be a smoother drive, mainly because the advanced automatic gearbox has to do less shifting up and down. If you miss all that cog-swapping, you can drive it manually by tapping the selector to the left to downshift and to the right to change up, watching your gear selection via a digital indicator in the instrument cluster. This 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine is part of the third generation of common-rail direct injection systems from Mercedes and excels with improved efficiency, smoother power delivery and reduced consumption, exhaust emissions and combustion noise. Light weight is also a key feature – this was the first all alloy diesel engine in its class, totalling only 208 kg. The clever injector system it uses is equipped with fast acting piezo-ceramics, which have a response time of only 0.1 milliseconds. This new piezo technology means the normal number of fuel injections per power stroke has increased from three to five. To assist in a finer, and so more accurate, distribution of fuel, the common-rail pump pressure was increased from 1350 bar to 1600 bar. The combination of swifter injection and higher fuel pressure has led to Mercedes developing its unique pilot injection process. This introduces small amounts of fuel to the combustion process to preheat the combustion chambers. The result is a smoother combustion and reduced engine noise. With a single turbo tucked into its Vee format, the compact and lightweight engine powers the E320 CDI through 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Speedtronic cruise control and the user-friendly Tipfunction are standard. ‘Parameter Steering’, 17in wheels and larger rubber aim to provide a sure footed package. Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of this E-Class, introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s not immediately apparent that the current model is such a heavily revised vehicle. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. Go for the Estate model and total carrying capacity with all seats in place is 650 litres, while the payload is a useful 575kg. Your dealer will want you to pay extra for the optional ‘EASY-PACK’ retractable load compartment floor – an idea ‘borrowed’ from BMW’s 5 Series Touring. Here, the base of the estate compartment can be moved 400mm towards you at the push of a button, allowing easier reach of items at the back of the boot or creating an optional picnic bench from which you can view Georgina’s polo pony. Overall, the E320 CDI certainly offers every encouragement to press on, a diesel you can really claim to have bought for the sheer joy of driving. Whoever would have thought it?

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E320 CDI PRICES: £36,895-£38,695 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 17 CO2 [g/km]: 194g/km PERFORMANCE: [4dr] 0-60mph 6.8s/ Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [4dr] (urban) 26.7mpg/ (extra urban) 47.1mpg/ (combined) 37.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4795/1799/1439mm (saloon)

INCONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION
Want All That’s Best About Modern Mercedes Encapsulated Into One Vehicle? Andy Enright Reckons You’ll Need An E280CDI

Forget about the SL, ignore the all-conquering S-Class – if you want to distil the essence of Mercedes-Benz design and engineering excellence into an easily digestible aperitif, the Mercedes E280CDi is the tipple of choice. It surfs the zeitgeist, offering quality and economy. It’s modern, it’s understated and above all it’s got true Mercedes DNA running right through it.

There was a time, let’s pinpoint it as mid-1998, when Mercedes seemed to be losing its way a little. Customers complained of inconsistent build quality, the A-Class had its teething problems and the S-Class was starting to look a little old. The traditionally crystal clear brand values dulled. If this represented a latter-day nadir for the Stuttgart company, the turnaround has been swift. 2000’s C-Class Range was well received, quality problems evaporated as manufacturing issues were ironed out. More recently, the SLK then the CSL were introduced to rave reviews and the E-Class now generates routinely BMW-bashing headlines. Although it’s possible to push the design envelope with those low volume image building models at the fringes of your model Range, when it comes to the core models – C, E and S class, Mercedes have got it taped and the opposition licked. The E-Class still represents the star around which the entire Mercedes-Benz firmament revolves, the model Range which has shifted nearly a quarter of a million units worldwide. The pick of the Range is the E280CDI, a model that is as close to functional perfection as Mercedes have ever managed.

"The pick of the Range is the E280CDI, a model that is as close to functional perfection as Mercedes have ever managed"

The 190bhp engine is much more than a development of the old five cylinder 177bhp unit used in the E270 CDI model this variant replaced and has more in the locker than its 170bhp E220 CDI stablemate. That’s necessary of course to justify a price premium of nearly £4,000, meaning that the starting figure for this variant is £32,650. Like its BMW and Audi rivals, this unit now has six cylinders – and it effectively matches them for both refinement and power. If 190bhp isn’t enough, the obvious answer is to trade up to the monster 224bhp E320 CDI, but the price differential of around £4,000 ensures that the smart money tends to go on the E280 CDI. Though it still lags slightly behind BMW’s punchy 530d in most of the important performance increments, it’s good enough to out-pace the 180bhp Audi A6 2.7 TDI, whose horsepower disadvantage is compounded by the need to cart around its Quattro four wheel drive system. Rest to sixty occupies 7.6 seconds on the way to 148mph. More impressive than these largely irrelevant figures is this car’s real world performance through the gears and the Mercedes doesn’t disappoint, being equivalent to a petrol E350 in terms of sheer pull. Fuel consumption of course, that is in a different league. Whereas the E350 driver will eke an average of 29.1 miles from every gallon of unleaded the E280CDI turns in an average of 39.2mpg, making those occasional foot to the floor overtaking moves far less wince worthy. Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of this E-Class, introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s not immediately apparent that the current model is such a heavily revised vehicle. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. The interior styling is redolent of the previous generation S-Class. The fascia bulges outwards as if pumped to 100psi, the our test car featuring over 70 assorted knobs, buttons, switches and dials. Open the glove box to access the instruction manual if you want to know what does what or alternatively, use it to defend your vehicle against would-be carjackers. It’s a weighty tome. It’s also indicative of the thorough approach Mercedes have taken. Consider the suspension. Buyers who choose the Classic and Elegance trim levels get a soft riding setup whilst those that fork out for Avantgarde get 15mm closer to terra firma and a stiffer ride. Go for the optional Sport pack and it gets yet more rigid whilst Airmatic suspension is an option on all models bar the E500 and offers a similar pneumatic system to the S-Class. Should you wish to collect your E280CDI from the factory at Sindelfingen, Mercedes will waive the UK delivery charge. One word of warning. Don’t try to shake the assembly staff by the hand. Even a German can grow fatigued of congratulation.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E280CDI Range PRICES: from £32,650 [saloon] / from £34,450 [Estate] - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 191g/km PERFORMANCE: [saloon] 0-60mph 7.6s / Max Speed 148mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [saloon] (urban) 27.2mpg / (extra urban) 47.9mpg / (combined) 37.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm

ON THIS ROCK I BUILD MY CHURCH
Mercedes is looking to recover its reputation for best in class quality with the current E-Class. Andy Enright reports…

Believe it or not, this current Mercedes E-Class is looking to be as good as a Toyota. Mercedes aren’t the only ones. At a number of recent press launches, various car manufacturers were aiming at the Japanese giant. Why? Mercedes used to be synonymous with peerless quality but these days when it comes to reducing warranty claims, Toyota is king. Mercedes is looking to change that and the E-class is the car that does more than any to achieve that goal.

Most won’t realise that this car has been changed in recent times. They’ll see the familiar shape and those who get inside will need to be very familiar with the E-Class to spot the revised steering wheel and climate control panel. Otherwise it looks very similar to the E-Class we know so well. Under the skin is where most of the changes have been made and a huge proportion of the parts have been altered in the name of improved reliability. Prices start at £28,150. The post-2002 E-class was always a reasonably reliable car but that’s not good enough for Mercedes. They wanted terms like peerless bandied about when E-Class reliability was on the agenda and set about changing half the car’s 4,000 or so parts in this quest. On the outside there’s precious little to advertise the car’s step-change in quality. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it. The headlights offer true next-generation technology and feature refinements that seem obvious now but which no other car maker has really thought about this deeply.

"E-Class quality has to be top notch"

Available as an option, the ‘Intelligent Light System’ features a five discrete modes. ‘Country mode’, for example, provides brighter, further illumination of the offside verge than normal low-beam. This increases visibility by around ten metres, crucial for spotting cyclists or pedestrians on narrow lanes. The motorway mode can be engaged above 56mph and provides an even cone of light that extends out to 120 metres. In the centre of this cone, drivers can see around 50 metres further. The ‘Active Light System’ has been improved too, offering an improved ability to see round corners. Enhanced fog lamps also improve visibility while reducing glare from fog. Pop the bonnet of this revised E-class and chances are you’ll be looking at some unfamiliar powerplants. Over 90 components in the entry-level E220CDI diesel engine have been replaced with improved parts, improving driveability and durability. This unit is also now substantially more powerful, offering 170bhp – which should make you question the need for stumping up over £3,500 more for the 190bhp E280 CDI variant. The biggest changes are, however, on the near horizon. Very soon, Mercedes will introduce BLUETEC technology which will further reduce nitrogen oxides emissions to make the E320 CDI model the world’s cleanest diesel. The petrol engine choice has also come in for a refettle. Again, the entry-level engine has been boosted, this time by 12.5 per cent, the E200 Kompressor now good for a healthy 184bhp. At the other end of the range, there’s a 5.5-litre eight-cylinder unit with 26 per cent more go than the old V8. This latest E500 model will accelerate to 60mph in 5 seconds flat, 0.7 seconds quicker than the old E500. For those who see 388bhp as somewhat weedy, there’s a range-topping E63 AMG variant that churns out no less than 514bhp and 630Nm of torque. The most powerful E-Class of all time, the E63 AMG even manages to trump BMW’s mighty V10 M5 in the power stakes. There have been a multitude of detail changes aimed at sharpening up the E-Class’ act. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking system provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. The interior styling is redolent of the previous generation S-Class. The fascia bulges outwards as if pumped to 100psi, the E320 test car featuring over 70 assorted knobs, buttons, switches and dials. Open the glove box to access the instruction manual if you want to know what does what or alternatively use it to defend your vehicle against would-be carjackers. It’s a weighty tome. It’s also indicative of the thorough approach Mercedes have taken. Consider the suspension. Buyers who choose the Classic and Elegance trim levels get a soft riding setup whilst those that fork out for Avantgarde get 15mm closer to terra firma and a stiffer ride. Go for the optional Sport pack and it gets yet more rigid whilst Airmatic suspension is an option on all models bar the E500 and offers a similar pneumatic system to the S-Class. The E-class also still offers an estate variant if you need a little extra room. Its sleek styling disguises impressive practicality that runs to a 90-litre underfloor storage compartment. Total carrying capacity with all seats in place is 650 litres, whilst the payload is a useful 575kg. Immensely reassuring and now with the engineering to back up the premium reputation, the E-Class will continue to be the rock upon which the Mercedes range is founded. Long may that continue.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E-class range PRICES: £28,150-£69,880 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 14-20 CO2 EMISSIONS: 160-345g/km PERFORMANCE: [E500] 0-60mph 5s/ Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [E200CDI] (combined) 44.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, window bags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist, PRE-SAFE, NECK-PRO WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height (saloon), 4818/1822/1452mm

THE RISE OF MODERN CIVILISATION
The Mercedes E220CDI offers typical Mercedes quality in one beautifully understated package. You can probably tell Andy Enright is impressed

Hot. Too hot. I’m standing by the side of the road at Badwater Basin in Death Valley. I think I can hear myself sweating. The mercury is topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the sun is just about to dip behind Telescope Peak in the west. The shadow of the mountain creeps across the salt flat, casting a five mile shadow towards the deserted road, finally drenching the silver grey Mercedes with relative cool. I can’t see another soul. I haven’t seen another car for seventy miles since I turned off the US395 at Lone Pine. Sometimes you need your car to be there for you.

The Mercedes E220CDI is just that car. Get in, fire the four-pot diesel engine up and the air conditioning atomises the beads of sweat forming on your brow in seconds. The radio is playing some country dirge about a guy who lost his wages in Las Vegas. I switch the source over to accept input from my iPod and turn the three-pointed star on the bonnet towards Vegas, some eighty miles away. Xenon lights cut a pool of bluish light in the inky blackness. A coyote scuttles across the road ahead, disappearing into the sagebrush and scrubby, stunted creosote bushes. Joshua trees dot the horizon as if in supplication. I glance down at the speedometer. If there was a local sheriff anywhere around here, I’d probably get a night in the cooler but in Death Valley speeds are checked by aircraft and when the sun goes down, the planes retire too. If there was anybody around to see it, this car would likely pass unnoticed, despite not being officially imported to the US, where the Range begins with the larger E320CDI. High quality but low key is how its owner describes it.

"The E220CDI isn’t a car that grabs your attention right away. It doesn’t do superficiality very well."

Mercedes has certainly come a long way very fast in terms of quality. Sitting in the E220 CDI, it’s tempting to recall bulletproof Mercs of the past but as recently as 1998, Mercedes seemed to be losing its way a little. Customers complained of inconsistent build quality, the A-Class had its teething problems and the S-Class was starting to look a little old. The traditionally crystal clear brand values dulled. If this represented a latter-day nadir for the Stuttgart company, the turnaround has been swift. 2000’s C-Class Range was well received, quality problems evaporated as manufacturing issues were ironed out. More recently, the SLK then the CLS were introduced to rave reviews and the E-Class now generates routinely BMW-bashing headlines. Although it’s possible to push the design envelope with those low volume image building models at the fringes of your model Range, when it comes to the core models – C, E and S class, Mercedes have got it taped and the opposition licked. The E-Class still represents the star around which the entire Mercedes-Benz firmament revolves, the model Range which has shifted nearly a quarter of a million units worldwide. The E220CDI is a supporting player, a foot soldier in the E Class success story but no less impressive for that. Seventy miles out of Las Vegas it’s possible to see the 41.5 gigacandela power light of the Luxor Hotel shining straight up to the heavens, acting as a visual marker in the desert night. The E220CDI still has over half a tank of fuel left which, in a quick bit of mental arithmetic, works out at 475 miles Range available. I do the maths and then prod the column stalk to bring the Range up on the computer. It reckons I have 420 miles. Maybe I need to easy up on the throttle to bring the car back towards its 44.8mpg combined fuel figure. I blame the lousy quality of American diesel and keep it planted. Back in Blighty, where we get better fuel, this car will sprint to 60mph in 8.4 seconds and keep going until 141mph. It’ll also chug out just 167g/km of carbon dioxide, less than a Focus 1.8 Zetec. Saving the planet isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when entering Vegas, where millions of light bulbs turn night into day. I duke it out with the obscene superstretched Cadillacs and rented by the hour Vipers on the Strip for a while before heading north through down-at-heel neighbourhoods to return the car to its keeper at Nellis Air Force Base. Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of this E-Class, introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s not immediately apparent that the current model is such a heavily revised vehicle. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. I park the car at the fence line at the end of the runway and watch a pair of F-117 Nighthawks blast off into the Nevada sky. The car has to go back and I’ll carry on the rest of my journey in an Alamo rental box. Sometimes it takes this sort of perspective to appreciate deeply ingrained quality. The Mercedes E220 CDI might talk quietly but there’s genuine depth of character here. Maybe it takes a city as superficial as Vegas to appreciate that.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E220CDI Range PRICES: from £28,965 [saloon] / from £30,765 [Estate] - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 167g/km PERFORMANCE: [saloon] 0-60mph 8.4s / Max Speed 141mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [saloon] (urban) 32.5mpg / (extra urban) 56.5mpg / (combined) 44.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm

THE QUIET REVOLUTION
Whisper It But Mercedes AMG Products May Well Be Undergoing A Radical Change In Philosophy. Andy Enright Takes A Look At their E63 AMG Model To See Why

It’s taken seven years but right now we’re seeing the first real fruits of the changes that occurred at AMG on January 1st 1999. Product planning cycles being as long as they are, it’s taken this long for the first truly clean sheet AMG models to arrive and they’re rather different to that which has gone before. The reason? Since January 1st 1999, Mercedes-AMG GmbH – as it is now titled – has benefited from closer liaison with the product development boffins in Stuttgart. No longer are they seen as after-market go-faster masters. An AMG Mercedes is now an integral part of the Mercedes design process and in the E63 AMG, the Stuttgart company have a car that’s able to mix it with the very best in the class.

You don’t need to be fluent in doublespeak to realise that means the BMW M5 V10. The old Mercedes E55 AMG did its best but was outmuscled and left for dead in the technology stakes. What was needed was a fundamental; reappraisal; a way of delivering a product that didn’t attack BMW head on but which stood out as an exemplar of engineering excellence and dynamic ability in its own right. Mercedes started to make its own rules and the E63 AMG is a better car as a result of this refusal to play constant catch up with the Bavarians. You pay £66,545 for the saloon and £68,045 for the Estate version. Think of what an ‘old’ AMG model meant. Usually it would deliver a thunderous wallop of low-end torque thanks to forced induction. This made the car feel effortlessly quick but when you were really pushing on, it was easy for the sudden onrush of torque to overwhelm the rear tyres. Then things became rather suboptimal. The traction control system would work furiously to try to keep the car on the island, a telltale light on the dashboard reminding you that your rear rubber was waving the white flag. The intervention of the electronics was never particularly subtle either, and there was a frustrating lack of fluency about the controls. Most AMG models felt a million dollars when you were driving them at up to eight tenths of maximum attack. Drive harder and you started to fall into the voids between AMG and Mercedes’ relationship. That’s no longer the case. AMG’s latest philosophy is to develop an engine with an altogether different power delivery. Instead of twin turbochargers that pour an unmanageable tsunami of torque, they have instead resorted to good old fashioned normal aspiration in the E63 AMG, a car which uses a big 6.2-litre V8 engine to make the figures. In this case it’s a full 503bhp, up from the 476bhp the old 5.5-litre V8 churned out.

"The E63 AMG is a model that rewards the well-informed customer"

That’s still a thunderous amount of power, but control is aided by the fitment of the excellent AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission. With seven forward speeds and the most spectacularly clumsy name, this is probably the best automatic transmission currently made. No, scrub that. It’s undoubtedly the best. Paddles behind the steering wheel allow you to control up and downshifts so that the engine isn’t turning on the taps just when you want to rein the car in. Talking of which, the E63 AMG also features high performance AMG composite brakes to guarantee retina-detaching retardation. This is an entirely different powerplant to those which have gone before it. Instead of using forced induction or relying on low-end lugging power, this 6.2-litre unit is like a scaled-up version of a hot hatch engine. Mercedes call it the high-revving concept and that gives you a clear idea of the character of this engine. Maximum torque doesn’t arrive until 5,200rpm at which point you get a whopping 465lb/ft and maximum power arrives at a nosebleed 6,800rpm. The advantage of this is that even before you include any electronic control devices, the throttle pedal travel is acting as a traction control system. It takes some determination to hit 6,800rpm so when you get the goods, you’ll probably know all about it. That’s a smart move. Cars like the S65 AMG could give you the most almighty dollop of Newton metres just when you weren’t expecting it. The raw figures are impressive, this heaviest of all E-Class hitters getting to 60mph in 4 seconds and runs into its electronic limiter at 155mph. Mercedes Benz engineers reckon that without the limiter, this car would top 190mph, so slippery are its aerodynamics. Built entirely in-house at AMG, this 6,208cc behemoth feels utterly different to its predecessor. Although ultimately quicker it’s much less dramatic. The linear nature of the power delivery makes for a more fluid, involving driving style. The bonecrushing wallop of the supercharged car is gone, replaced by a more scalpel-sharp tool. The steering is better resolved than the slightly vague helm of the BMW and body control feels tighter too, although turn-in isn’t quite so rapid. The engine note lacks the NASCAR roar of the supercharged E55 but comes good at the top end of the rev Range – a place you’ll spend quite a bit of time – with a keening yowl. Ultimately, this car will be purchased by customers who are impressed by its cerebral nature and its tactility rather than headline numbers. I didn’t think I’d ever hear myself saying so, but the automatic box fitted to this car is, for most people most of the time, a better and far more durable alternative than BMW’s sequential manual. If you’ve got over £60,000 to spend on a car, apparently inconsequential things like fuel tank size take on greater relevance. You’ll manage 294 miles between fills in an M5 while the E63 AMG will keep on for 388 miles. Crediting the public with intelligence is a risky strategy for manufacturers of big ticket items and Mercedes has gone out on a limb with this car. It’s time to reward their faith.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG PRICE: £66,545-£68,045 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 20 CO2 EMISSIONS BAND: 341g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 155mph / 0-60mph 4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 12.7mpg / (extra urban) 28.8mpg / (average) 19.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags, ABS+BAS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1420mm

MERCEDES BUILD A CINQUECENTO
The Mighty Mercedes E500 Is All The Car Most Will Ever Need And Revitalises Mercedes’ Reputation. Andy Enright Reports

Let’s get straight to the point. The Mercedes E500 is a magnificent thing. With a 388bhp V8 engine under the bonnet and boasting a state of the art chassis, it would be a genuine turn up for the books if it were in any way disappointing. Certain things we can take as read: that it will be quick, beautifully styled, achingly desirable and so on, but what comes as a surprise is quite how well it all gels together as a serious driving machine.

Let’s face it, despite its other admirable qualities, the Mercedes E-Class has never really cut it as a sports saloon. Yes there have been very quick models in the past, but none of them could hold a candle to the E-Class’ nemesis, the BMW 5 Series, when it came to generating driving satisfaction. Build quality, resale value, outright power, yes, but in the subtle areas that separate a good sports saloon from a great one - steering, handling, braking, transmissions, consistency of effort across all the major controls - BMW was always that increment better. That’s no longer the case. The latest E-Class has junked all that, confining it to the sort of barroom wisdom that holds that Fords and Skodas are rubbish, that Porsches are driven by red-braced yuppies and that nothing gets from A to B quicker than a Bedford Astramax van. The Mercedes E500 is available as a saloon or an estate in three trim levels, Elegance, Avantgarde or Sport and there really is little to choose between the first two, the Avantgarde offering a slightly lower ride height and correspondingly sportier feel, the Elegance being more of an executive wafter in appeal. The Sport is the variant that tries to recreate some of what the BMW 5-Series has got, making greater play of the car’s dynamic attributes. The E500 is a good-looking car, the big alloy wheels and monster tailpipes giving some hint as to its potency, but it’s still a massive 126bhp shy of being the most powerful model in the E-Class line up, that honour being reserved for the E63 AMG.

"The E500 doesn’t just beat its established rivals. It sends them back to the drawing board."

Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of this E-Class, introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s not immediately apparent that the current model is such a heavily revised vehicle. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. Drop into the driver’s seat and you’ll be greeted by buttons, hundreds of the things, slathered all over the centre console, on the front of the steering wheel, on the fronts of the seats, by the doors, up on the head lining. Inveterate fiddlers will have found their nirvana. Almost everything seems to be adjustable, heated, ventilated, tweakable and tunable. The test car we drove was fitted with seats that could not only roast your backside but also waft it with cool air and massage your lower back to keep your spine supple. The side wings of the seat could even be inflated to generate a sort of Teutonic death grip. You may need them too. Like most Mercedes models, the automatic gearbox and stiff throttle pedal of the E500 defaults the driver to a casual cruising mode, but this gives little indication as to the potential of the E500. Rumble up behind a dawdler, spot a clear section of road ahead and plant the throttle and an extraordinary transformation occurs. Instantaneously. The gearbox drops a couple of gears, the engine gives a deep bark and this seemingly sybaritic barge takes wing and just flies. The speedometer starts cranking out some scarcely believable figures and a very stRange thing happens. The faster you go, the happier the E500 feels. It’s almost as if it’s shrinking around you until it feels no larger than a Focus-sized hatch. This is a trick only the best cars can pull off and is a result of a superb chassis. The performance figures speak for themselves. With an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, the E500 will be fast enough for all but the most committed autobahn stormer, although Mercedes sources claim that without the electronic nanny, the E500 will best the 170mph barrier, so good is the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. 60mph from rest will detain you for just 5.3 seconds whilst the overall fuel consumption figure of 24mpg is, in the light of these figures, pretty remarkable. Another key reason why the E500 feels so quick is the 530Nm of torque that the car generates. Aluminium body panels are used to keep weight down. The bonnet, front wings, boot lid and some strengthening gussets are all made from aluminium and contribute to a weight loss of some 20kg for the E500. This has been helped by using varying thicknesses in many of the body panels without sacrificing torsional rigidity, which has also been increased. Mercedes have tried for some time to replicate the class domination they’ve enjoyed with their S Class in other model Ranges. It looks like they’ll accomplish that mission with the latest revised E Class, and the E500 contributes notably to that cause.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E500 PRICES: £47,135-£50,105 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 19 CO2 EMISSIONS: 276g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 5.9s/ Max Speed 155mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 16.7/ (extra urban) 33.6/ (combined) 24.6mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm

COLD KOMPRESS?
Although It Represents The Opening Rung On The E Class Ladder, The E200K IS Still A Class Act. Andy Enright Reports

Think for a moment what the Mercedes-Benz brand stands for. If you come up with solidity, depth of engineering, technical excellence and a sophisticated European image, you’re also describing the E Class Range, a true exemplar of all that’s best about the three-pointed star. Few, however, will equate this image with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. The entry level E200K model may change the details but the underlying values remain. This is an engine shot right through with the aforementioned technical excellence.

The E Class proposition was once straightforward. Petrol engined versions had either six or eight cylinder powerplants. Then the E200K shook things up a bit. In common with the 3.0-litre E280, its moniker is misleading, but where the larger-engined car understates its case, the E200K is powered not by a two-litre lump but by a 1.8-litre four. Isn’t this a little like strapping a two-stroke outboard to the back of a luxury yacht? Think about how the E-Class’ main rival, the BMW 5 Series, was once hobbled by the puny engine of the 518i. The portents aren’t good. Whereas the BMW had to make do with 113bhp, thanks to a series of revisions that came with the latest facelift the Mercedes E200K now boasts a healthy 184bhp. The Kompressor supercharger fitted to the Twinpulse engine makes up for a good percentage of that advantage but there’s more to it than that. Whereas in 1995, the 518i returned an average of 32.2mpg, the E200K can nowadays turn in an average of 34.4mpg, a almost identical figure for a car that’s over half as powerful again. Let’s call that progress.

"The E200K is distinctly affordable For A Mercedes."

So what is Twinpulse? It’s a big bundle of technology really, resulting in the twin benefits of higher performance and lower fuel consumption. The smaller engines offer lower friction losses and better thermodynamic efficiency, whilst the Kompressor Eaton-style supercharger has been redesigned with better engineering tolerances and advanced rotor coatings. Crankshaft driven, this supercharger allows the engine to run with wider throttle openings, again improving efficiency. A cylinder head with variable valve timing and double adjustable overhead camshafts are also refinements ushered in with the Twinpulse engine. Smoothness is a given due to two contra-rotating Lanchester balancer shafts, and engine weight has been decreased by 10% through the use of aluminium on items like the crankcase. So how does it feel on the road? It depends on how you drive. Changes to the engine management software mean that this car attempts to learn your driving style. Punch the accelerator hard and the response is instant and spiky. Unlike turbocharged cars there’s no annoying lag as you wait for the blower to spool up, the E200K offers drive on demand. If you’re smoother with the throttle the software takes the edge off the rate the throttle valves are opened, making the car seem creamy smooth. It’s an impressive showing. The E200K opens at £27,520 in Classic trim with Elegance, Avantgarde and Sport variants adding another £2,100, £2,600 and over £3,570 respectively. If you need more space, an Estate version is also available. The E200K turns in a sprint to 60mph of 9.1 seconds, can reach a 147mph top speed and emits 195g/km of CO2. It’s pretty good all-round really. These prices may be OTR (on the road) but they are also FAM, in that the E200K is affordable For A Mercedes. There are also the traditional rock-solid residual values to help sway your buying decision in the E-Class’s direction. Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of this E-Class, introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s not immediately apparent that the current model is such a heavily revised vehicle. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. The interior styling is redolent of the previous generation S-Class. The fascia bulges outwards as if pumped to 100psi, the our test car featuring over 70 assorted knobs, buttons, switches and dials. Open the glove box to access the instruction manual if you want to know what does what or alternatively, use it to defend your vehicle against would-be carjackers. It’s a weighty tome. It’s also indicative of the thorough approach Mercedes have taken. Consider the suspension. Buyers who choose the Classic and Elegance trim levels get a soft riding setup whilst those that fork out for Avantgarde get 15mm closer to terra firma and a stiffer ride. Go for the optional Sport pack and it gets yet more rigid whilst Airmatic suspension is an option on all models bar the E500 and offers a similar pneumatic system to the S-Class. The E200K might sound a stRange proposition in being an executive class car with a small capacity engine. It is, however, a car that works superbly in these times of emissions based taxation. It’s clean, quick, beautifully built and will hold onto its value tenaciously. If you’re looking for the most sensible petrol powered Mercedes around, this could well be it.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E200K Range PRICES: £27,520-£32,890 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 15A CO2 EMISSIONS: 195-224g/km PERFORMANCE: [saloon] 0-60mph 9.1s/ Max Speed 147mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [estate] (urban) 22.8/ (extra urban) 42.2/ (combined) 31.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side & windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm

MORE PUNCH FOR YOUR POUND
Mercedes Does Powerful Better Than Any Other Car Manufacturer. Here, Andy Enright Tries The Mid-Range E280 Model For Size…

This car ought to be utterly forgettable. Mercedes even seemed to think so, launching it with no fanfare. Even the press release that accompanied the original introduction (unveiling would be a notable exaggeration) of the E280 only ran to four lines of copy. It’s almost as if this was a car Mercedes were rather keen you didn’t know existed. That would be understandable if it were akin to those tedious filler tracks that sully otherwise enjoyable albums, but the E280 is anything but. In underplaying this car, the German company may have created an intriguing automotive secret.

Even the name underplays the E280’s hand. Look at the badge on the back and you’d be forgiven for thinking this was a 2.8-litre car, but pop the bonnet and there’s a healthy 3.0-litre V6 staring back at you. Why this wasn’t called an E300 is frankly beyond me, but trying to second guess Mercedes is often a thankless task. This engine even punches above its weight, generating a healthy 231bhp. The E280 has another surprise up its sleeve. It’s available from just £31,770 which looks very competitive against an equivalent BMW. Yes, this is in Classic trim, but even the Plusher Elegance version retails at £33,870 and the Avantgarde model weighs in at £34,370. Bear in mind that you’ll need over £34,000 to get a BMW 530i with an automatic gearbox. What’s more the E280’s transmission is no ordinary automatic slushbox. This engine is mated to the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, making the most of the engine’s 300Nm of torque, which is available as low down as 2,500 rpm. This seven-speed automatic makes the E280 even more economical and further boosts acceleration. In addition, the gearbox also considerably enhances shifting comfort still further. 7G-TRONIC has replaced the conventional five-speed automatic ‘box and allows significantly quicker intermediate sprints from 30 to 70mph. At the same time, shifting is even smoother, and therefore more comfortable, than with the old automatic transmission.

"Quite why Mercedes are keeping a car this good under their hat is anybody’s guess"

Drop into the driver’s seat and you’ll be greeted by buttons, hundreds of the things, slathered all over the centre console, on the front of the steering wheel, on the fronts of the seats, by the doors, up on the head lining. Inveterate fiddlers will have found their nirvana. Almost everything seems to be adjustable, heated, ventilated, tweakable and tuneable. The test car we drove was fitted with seats that could not only roast your backside but also waft it with cool air and massage your lower back to keep your spine supple. The side wings of the seat could even be inflated to generate a sort of Teutonic death grip. You may need them too. Rumble up behind a dawdler, spot a clear section of road ahead and plant the throttle and an extraordinary transformation occurs. Instantaneously. The clever gearbox can drop a couple of gears and the E280’s power will despatch unwary Sunday drivers with real alacrity. As with any E-Class, the faster you go, the happier the car feels. It’s almost as if it’s shrinking around you until it feels no larger than a Focus-sized hatch. This is a trick only the best cars can pull off and is a result of a superb chassis. The performance figures speak for themselves. With a top speed of 154mph, the E280 will be fast enough for all but the most committed autobahn stormer. 60mph from rest will detain you for just seven seconds whilst the overall fuel consumption figure of 29.1mpg is, in the light of these figures, pretty remarkable. Even around town you should see over 20mpg while on a gentler run nearly 40mpg is achievable. The estate version isn’t quite so economical but it’s still a very creditable performance. Emissions are reasonable at 224g/km for the saloon and 232 for the estate. Mercedes took extensive measures to improve the quality of the E-Class introducing more advanced technology across a number of its systems but it’s not immediately apparent that the current model is such a heavily revised vehicle. True Merc anoraks may spot the front bumper, v-shaped grille and revised headlights but that’s about it externally. Inside, it’s more of the same with a revised steering wheel and climate control panel being about the size of it. Under the skin, it’s a different story. Handling and steering have been improved and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. There’s something hugely refreshing about the pleasant surprise a car like the Mercedes E280 serves up. So many manufacturers launch a new model with enormous hype, only for the end result to feel curiously flat. Even cars which, with some hindsight, were really rather good can feel somewhat flat after getting the big build up. In underplaying its hand, Mercedes introduced a car that doesn’t have anything to live up to. Exceeding expectations shouldn’t therefore be difficult yet the Mercedes E280 is a better car than it has any right to be. Next time you see one, take a good look at the person inside. Now you know what informed people look like.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E280 Range PRICES: £31,770-£37,160 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 225-230g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7s/ Max Speed 154mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 20.5/ (extra urban) 38.7 / (combined) 29.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm

EXECUTIVE DECISION
If you’re a business motorist with a £30,000 executive car budget, you might well be tempted by a Mercedes E-class if it was rather better specified. If so, then you need to know about the E-Class Executive. Jonathan Crouch checks it out

If you’re looking for an executive saloon to support a hectic, high mileage lifestyle, then there are plenty of options at just under £30,000. Chances are however, that you or your company accountant will have narrowed the choice down to just three: BMW’s 5 Series, Audi’s A6 and the car we’re looking at here, Mercedes’ E-Class.

Given the budget and the business lifestyle, you’ll be wanting the entry-level diesel versions of these three, namely BMW’s 520d, Audi’s A6 TDI TDV SE and Mercedes’ E220 CDI Classic. When it comes to equipment, all have one thing in common: you need to spend a significant amount of extra money to get the features you’d really like. Business buyers have got pretty fed up with this, which is why when Mercedes consulted some of them to find out how they might shift a few more E220 CDI models, the answers were pretty much based around the need to spec it up to a higher level than that akin to a Bulgarian thrift store. The result is the E-Class Executive model we’re looking at here. This car comes as a saloon costing £28,515, that’s £677 less than the standard E220 CDI Classic on which it’s based. Despite this, based on their business survey feedback, Mercedes have shoe-horned in £2,543-worth of extra equipment. So where to start? Well, when you’re trying to keep a business deal on the boil and you’ve a long motorway drive to face, you don’t want to have to bother with ‘phone earpieces and wires everywhere. Hence the telephone pre-wiring installed into this model which means that with the addition of a suitable cradle, a mobile can be controlled using the ergonomic multi-function steering wheel. There’s also a 6-disc CD changer with MP3 compatibility which should prove invaluable on long motorway journeys. You’ll want to stand out in the carpark of course, so there’s a choice of three special colours – Iridium Silver, Obsidian black or limited edition Palladium silver (who thinks up these names?). There are also 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels unique to this car. Moving inside, there are chromed door sills with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering to remind you that you’ve ‘made it’ at the end of a long day battling with antagonistic clients. And the seats are trimmed in black Artico. No, I didn’t know what that was either but all that’s really important is that it’s a material so like leather that the difference isn’t worth talking about.

"Attention to design detail has at last has been matched by an attention to what the British business buyer is looking for…."

You’d also be disappointed to do without an adjustable driver’s lumbar support for your seat (essential to avoid costly osteopath appointment after long cross-country motorway dashes) and electric seat adjustment to go along with two-zone climate control. Otherwise, it’s the normal E220 CDI recipe. Under the bonnet sits a 2.2-litre four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine developing 170bhp at 3,800rpm and a useful 400Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm. At the pumps, owners should return 44.8mpg on the combined cycle (or 42.2mpg in the automatic version it’s more likely that they’ll be driving). The E220 CDI will sprint to 60mph in 8.4 seconds and keep going until 141mph. It’ll also chug out just 167g/km of carbon dioxide, less than a Focus 1.8 Zetec. Key features of this engine include balancer shafts for added refinement, improved piston and cylinder head cooling for a reduced compression ratio and improved turbocharger responsiveness at low engine speeds. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, while a five-speed automatic gearbox with ‘Tipfunction’ (to enable you to flip up and down the ‘box yourself) and Speedtronic cruise control is available at a premium of around £1,500. Although Mercedes have tried to push the design envelope with low volume image building models at the fringes of their model range, when it comes to their core models – C, E and S class, the Stuttgart maker has got it taped and the opposition licked. The E-Class still represents the star around which the entire Mercedes-Benz firmament revolves, a model range which has shifted nearly a quarter of a million units worldwide. The E220 CDI is a supporting player, a foot soldier in the E Class success story but no less impressive for that. The interior styling is redolent of the previous generation S-Class. The fascia bulges outwards as if pumped to 100psi, our test car featuring over 70 assorted knobs, buttons, switches and dials. Open the glove box to access the instruction manual if you want to know what does what or alternatively use it to defend your vehicle against would-be carjackers. It’s a weighty tome. It’s also indicative of the thorough approach Mercedes have taken. Handling and steering have been improved in this generation E-Class model and the adaptive braking system has been borrowed from the larger S-Class. This hydraulic dual-circuit braking set-up provides better safety and comfort features. Safety is a standout E-Class feature and the latest models feature the PRE-SAFE system which primes the seatbelt and airbag if it thinks the car is about to be involved in a collision. The NECK-PRO head restraints move forward within milliseconds of a rear shunt, protecting the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries. Flashing brake lights are also featured, illuminating during particularly heavy braking. It all represents a level of attention to detail which at last has been matched, in the E-Class Executive at least, by an attention to what the British business buyer is looking for. Other Mercedes models would benefit from a similar approach.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Mercedes E-Class Executive PRICES: £28,515 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 167g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.4s / Max Speed 141mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 32.5mpg / (extra urban) 56.5mpg / (combined) 44.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, windowbags, ABS, ESP, Brake Assist WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height, 4818/1822/1452mm