Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (02-08) - Review

Thanks to a wonderfully compliant ride the E-Class is sublime when it comes to covering long distances in comfort. It soaks up bumps and rough surfaces well and is well insulated from engine and wind noise. It's also roomy inside (although it loses out slightly to the Audi A6 in terms of rear passenger space) and electronic climate control and electric windows are standard. It's also possible to specify advanced comfort functions for the front seats, such as varying the level of side support, a dynamic setting which inflates the side bolster under load when cornering, or a massage function which operates through the lumbar support settings.

The E-Class saloon has a decent sized boot with 510-litres - that's more than the Jaguar XF but it loses out slightly when compared to the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series. The wide boot opening means it's easy to load however and there's minimal intrusion from the load lip, plus it comes with a luggage net and load anchors as standard to help restrain any heavy loads in the boot. There's also decent storage up front with good sized door bins and a large central cubby.

The Mercedes interior may not have the modern style of the Jaguar XF or the chunky look of the BMW 5-Series but it's far from dated - the materials are all high quality and the dash layout is simple and straightforward to get on with. The narrow A-pillars help give a great view forward plus there's a decent range of adjustment in both the driver's seats and steering column. There's a wonderful ambience to the cabin that few alternatives can match, helped by the sophisticated night-time soft lighting.