Used Mercedes E Class cars available

Why buy a E Class?Back to top

The Mercedes E Class range is refined, stylish and solid.

The modern day E Class has its roots way back in the 1950s, when the W120 Ponton was launched by Mercedes. Their only mid-sized car in production at the time, it was Mercedes' first car created with the intent of being both practically sized as well as luxurious.

What the modern E Class does, and what Mercedes have always excelled at, is present quality, well-built machines that last. Their design hasn't changed radically over the years (although the recently unveiled new generation claims to have undergone a radical redesign), but has done enough to keep it modern while maintaining the sophisticated Mercedes style. Inside the cabin this is also the case, favouring a no expense spared approach to equipment and finishing, while also managing to make it incredibly spacious. As a result there are few cars in its class that can match its comfort and practicality.

While it leads in the quality stakes, it does fall slightly behind its rivals in terms of its performance and handling, which suggest reliability and refinement rather than excitement. The top seller of the last generation was the 250 CDI, which boasted 201bhp and a 0-62mph time of just under eight seconds - an average figure for the mid-size exec class, but an impressive time nonetheless.

A facelifted model released in 2013 improves on these figures slightly, increasing power in the 2.0 litre turbo petrol from 201 to 208bhp, and torque up from 228lb to 258lb. It's a minor increase, but crucially it is not at the expense of anything. Rather, it improves on emissions by reducing them from 154g/km to 138g/km, and improves fuel efficiency by adding an extra five miles per gallon onto the pre-facelift model's 42.8mpg, to return 47.9mpg. Alternatively there is a hybrid model which, while not coming cheap, does improve fuel consumption to return a little under 70mpg.

Aerodynamic and quiet, the ride is calm, while body roll is subdued without being nonexistent. Along with good handling and forgiving suspension the emphasis is on offering a smooth ride rather than an out and out exciting one. It is again an area where the E Class' refinement gives it its edge over its rivals.

Coming from a brand with a reputation built on quality, it's no surprise that the E Class' strongest elements are its comfort and its solidity. But this is not to suggest that it is not fun to drive. Good engines and a refined ride make it both a sensible car and a lively one - just not market leading in this respect. Mercedes are built to last, so you can be sure to get more than your money's worth, even as the years and miles clock up.