We rack up some serious miles in the best all-round luxury estate car on the market…
I’ve driven 100 or so new cars this year. Most have been 100% electric and petrol-hybrid SUVs – leaving just a few pure petrol and diesel cars.
The subject of this week’s road test, the Mercedes-Benz E 220 d, is one of the “few”. It’s also the only new estate car I’ve driven in 2024, such is the domination of high-riding crossovers.
Thanks to the demonisation of diesels, UK sales have plummeted from a 38% share in 2016-19, to less than 10% now.
What’s more, that could fall to as little as 3% in the next four years due to the “legislative direction” around zero-emissions vehicles, warns industry analyst Cox Automotive.
So, diesels are a dying breed, but there’s no doubt that if you’re a high mileage driver, they still make complete sense.
A round-trip of some 600 miles up to the north-east over a long weekend resulted in fuel economy of around 55mpg, which was even more impressive given that I had four adult passengers and luggage. And with a massive tank capacity, it meant that the whole journey could be achieved without a fuel stop.
Spacious and comfortable inside the cabin, there was also ample room in the boot for the various cases and bags (615 litres, or 1,830 litres with the back seats flipped), while the car itself is a handsome beast. Priced from £57,780, it’s not ridiculously expensive either.
Of course, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is not just available as a diesel. There’s also a choice of petrol and diesel mild hybrids, plus a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
My test car was a 220 d, which has a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 194bhp, though if you’re after more power and a silky six-cylinder, then a 450 d with 362bhp will you tick your box.
The 220 d has ample pulling power (440Nm of torque), and can hit 62mph from standstill in 7.6 seconds, while CO2 emissions are 136g/km. The 450 d gets all-wheel drive and has mild hybrid technology to provide some electrical assistance. It’s capable of completing the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.8 seconds, torque is 750Nm and CO2 emissions are as low as 164g/km.
For me, the 220 d is the sweet spot in the range because it offers value for money, and it’s the best balance between power and economy.
For the record, claimed combined WLTP fuel economy for the 220 d is as high as 56.5mpg, while the 450 d manages 44.9mpg.
At nearly five metres long, you might expect the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate to handle like a barge.
Well, it’s fair to say that it’s at its best effortlessly cruising motorways. It’s fine on twisty roads too, though there is some body lean in more challenging corners. In other words, this is a load-lugger set up more for comfort than outright driving engagement.
It floats over bumps, partly down to the rear axle air suspension, and it rarely becomes unsettled. The steering is on the numb side, but is light and quick.
Obviously, it feels substantial in urban environments and there isn’t the high driving position you get in an SUV, but all-round visibility is surprisingly good, and there are cameras and sensors to help out with manoeuvres.
The Mercedes-Benz E 220 d is refined for the most part with low wind and road noise, and the four-cylinder engine only becomes vocal under hard acceleration.
Drive is to the rear wheels and overall grip is excellent, while the sometimes lethargic nine-speed automatic gearbox makes for low cruising revs.
Overall, it’s a lovely place to be, and with the low driving position, far more involving to drive than an SUV.
Mercedes-Benz interiors are always impressive, and the E-Class estate is no exception.
Classy and faultlessly finished, there’s plenty of leather and soft-touch surfaces, while the technology is a treat.
My car came with a 14.5-inch central infotainment display in the centre, which also incorporates simple climate controls, plus a physical shortcuts strip below for adjusting drive modes, for instance.
Then there’s a 12.3-inch driver’s display and an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger – ideal for surfing or watching videos – and invisible to the driver.
The infotainment screens are slick and clear, but the touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel are a tad frustrating.
Priced from £57,780, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate range is also loaded with safety and driver assistance tech, which helped it gain a maximum five-star Euro NCAP score.
Verdict: Elegant, frugal, safe, spacious, packed with tech and beautifully finished, the Mercedes-Benz E 220 d is a class act. If you travel long distances and you’re looking for a luxury load-lugger, look no further.
