Mercedes E220 CDI Elegance

Luxurious. Words can't describe. Probably the best styled interior dashboard in the world! No joking!

The estate is the king of all estates. spacious, luxirious and handsome too.

Having owned all versions of Mercedes estates since the mid-80's, I can safely say the current W211 version is the best. Although there are those who suggest build of current models is not up to the previous genration of cars, I can say from own experience this is not the case with the E-Class; but my previous genration C-class was very good, unlike the current C. My car is the four-pot 220 diesel with a VanAarken smart box fitted. It have averaged over 42mpg, which is impressive for a big automatic, and it goes well with the 'black box' set at its second most powerful setting. My last E-Class was the 320 CDI, a faster car for sure but as I do mostly long trips I do not need the ooomph of the larger six. The 320 averaged a still fantastic 38.9 over 96,000 miles. But the car was showing rust when I sold it and it felt 'tinny' when compared to the later model. Main gripe is lack of room for my left leg and noises from the brake system. But the brakes and stability control are simply superb. The W211 is also more like a BMW to drive - meatier steering and firmer ride - and it holds the road remarkably well for such a large lump. Mercs are not cheap and the company is still saddled with some poor dealers. But despite that I would recommend an E class estate to anyone. Seven seater versatility matched to limo class ride and decent handling. Auto 'box is not the must everyone insists, but having tried a manual I know that auto is better for most users. Oh, nearly forgot. Sloping rear tailgate does rob some room at the back. A chest that would fit in my old E needed a bit of juggling to get in the current car. But the old car was a bit of a brick to look at. Also spare on lives under the floor and not to the side. Retrograde move and only a spacer saver with 7-seats fitted. By the way, 42 mpg is based on odo reading and log of fuel purchased. Computer mpg reading gives spot consumption and is misleading as a result. Average annual service - sit down please - £575. Interim oil change - £156. Deep pockets or empty head, you decide!