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CAP Blog > CAP Blog > Martin's Blog
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Oct
21
Written by:
Martin Ward
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
 This is the 5th generation E Class estate, with the first one being launched in 1977, but Mercedes had produced many large estate models before this date and these had various names. Mercedes has always had success with estate cars as they have always been luxurious and roomy; the new one continues the same story. Over 18,000 of the current car have been sold in the UK since its launch in 2003, with the best year being 2004 when 4176 were sold.
Most cars that come to market that replace the current models are at best the same price, but they usually cost more. The new E Class estate is being launched with a 4% reduction over the previous model when coupled to an increase in equipment.
The usual reason people buy an estate is because they want additional space to carry goods, parcels or luggage. The E Class now leads the pack in terms of volume as it has 695 litres of space with the rear seats up, compared to the Volvo V70 with 575 litres, Audi A6 avant with 565 litres, BMW 5 Series with 500 litres and Saab 9-5 Sport combi with 416 litres.
 The model line up in the UK will mirror the saloon with SE, Avantgarde and Sport. The estate will be launched in January with a choice of two diesel engines: 220 CDI 170hp and 250 CDI 204hp, and four petrol engines: 200 CGI Blue EFFICIENCY 184hp, 250 CGI Blue EFFICIENCY 204hp, 350 Blue EFFICIENCY 292hp and E500 387hp. The E63 AMG V8 525hp will be available from March 2010. The current split of petrol and diesel falls very heavily to the diesel which accounts for 94% of sales, with automatic gearboxes taking a massive 98% of sales.
We drove the estate on a variety of roads around Frankfurt and for such a large car we found the handling to be as good as most sports saloon models. It drove around the bends up in the hills as though it was on rails. On the autobahn it was smooth and quiet, with endless power from the two diesel engine variants we drove. The 220 CDI with 170hp was more than adequate, although the 4 cylinder engine was not in the same league as the 6 cylinder 250 CDI with 204hp, which was so effortless. Both these engines produce CO2 emissions from 150g/km.
All new E Class estate models have air and self levelling suspension at the rear, so the stability is still good with any load of any weight and it will always remain level, which increases its safety and handling despite carrying a load. This feature is so useful on this type of vehicle and really helps the driver to stay in a straight line and stops the front lights pointing up to the sky.
 Also standard is the electric tailgate that with the touch of a button goes up or down. A £1,500 option on the E Class, and something which is almost unique, is the third row of rear facing seats that turn the car into a seven seater. Admittedly, they are not designed for two adults; for occasional use then two large people could squeeze in, but only just. They are ideal for children and I’m sure most kids would enjoy travelling in them. To some they may seem dangerous, but they are no nearer to the rear window than most small cars. When these seats are stowed away, there is a flat floor and you would never know that there are two seats under the floor. The only give away is the two seat belts hanging from the roof.
Mercedes-Benz did go through a bad patch a few years ago when quality and materials used were in question, but over the past couple of years, they have got their act together and we have seen things improve. They are back to where they should be.
The new E Class estate is bound to continue the tradition of its former relations. It is as solid as a rock, the quality is exceptional and it is comfortable and refined. It is every bit a Mercedes-Benz.
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