Luxury estates don't come better than this

Mercedes E-Class Estate
Review: Sam Hardy
Date Posted: 08/03/2010

Mercedes E-Class: best luxury estate on the market

Mercedes E-Class Estate E350 CDI Avantgarde BlueEFFICIENCY G-TRONIC

What is it?

POTENTIALLY the best prestige-badged estate car you can buy. All-new Mercedes E-Class Estate arrives boasting huge amounts of boot space, brilliant new super-efficient petrol and diesel engines, even more safety kit and a more luxurious driving experience. Tested here in E350CDI Avantgarde trim, priced at £37,585.

What's hot?

Enormous boot offers 1,950 litres with the rear seats folded...
...that's 300 litres more than the 5-Series Touring and A6 Avant
Electric tailgate makes loading so easy
Seats fold flat with just one button push
Steering is silky smooth and handling composed
Air suspension and self-levelling springs bring a pillow soft ride
Mighty 3.0-litre diesel produces 231bhp and 540Nm of torque...
...resulting in 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds
Decent running costs with 39.2mpg and 191g/km of CO2
Slick seven-speed automatic is standard on this model
Safety kit includes auto braking, drowsiness detection and nine airbags
Stunning build quality
Brilliant residuals

What's not?

Not much really...
...but if you want a sporty drive, wait for the 5-Series Touring
Auto can be a little hesitant from a standstill
Desirable options like satnav cost £1,175 while a DVD system is £2,870
And metallic paint is still an option at £620

What you need to Know

P11D Value:	£37,315
Monthly Rental*:	£n/a
What will it be worth **:	£n/a
Tax Band 08/09 and 09/10:	29%
Monthly BiK:	£180 (20%)/£361 (40%)
Engine:	3.0 V6 turbo diesel
CO2 Emissions:	191g/km
Power/torque:	231bhp/530Nm
Economy:	39.2mpg

*Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

** Trade value of car if purchased after three years and 30,000 miles.
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Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

Until the all-new BMW 5-Series Touring arrives next year, this is without doubt the best luxury wagon on sale right now. The new Mercedes E-Class Estate is incredibly usable, beautifully constructed and about as relaxing to drive as cars that cost three times as much.

TAGS: Mercedes E-Class Estate