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

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 16 April 2009
Luxury executive travel doesn't come any better than the E-Class. With it's understated and elegant looks, superb ride comfort and sophisticated image it's little surprise that the Mercedes saloon is such a hugely popular model. The main alternatives are the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series - but neither is able to match the effortless cruising ability of the E-Class, nor its supreme levels of comfort. This does of course come at a price if you're buying new and the Mercedes isn't the most involving of saloons to drive, especially when compared to the BMW. However there's a huge choice of engines including some strong yet frugal diesels and passengers in the back get plenty of space. Changes in 2006 promised an end to the electrical problems of earlier cars and added yet more technology along with new engines.
4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

2.5 out of 5

Running costs

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class isn't cheap, but the model does hold its value well. Of course, this is dependant on the right specification which usually means paying extra. The good news is that the diesels are exceptionally frugal, although insurance groups from 15 to 19 are typical for this class. And it's important to be aware that although Mercedes-Benz dealers are upmarket, their labour rates when servicing or repairing a car are renowned for being among the highest in the industry.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,805 - £2,557 *

Diesel

£1,393 - £1,781 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Variable according to on-board computer.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£170.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    157
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    280

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Look at the E-Class model line-up overall and it appears to be quite a polluting model, emitting an average of 208g/km of CO2 - not helped by the larger petrol models. However there are some greener models like the E220 CDI which puts out 160g/km of CO2 (with the standard manual gearbox) and can return 46mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2