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

Equipment

Some of the important things are standard, but you have to pay extra for leather seats, an automatic gearbox, satellite navigation and so on. Classic models have the lowest specification but include electric windows, cruise control, air conditioning, and front, side and curtain airbags. Elegance models add lumbar support for the front seats and rain-sensing windscreen wipers. Avantgarde models also include xenon headlamps. Sport models were launched in 2005 and include larger alloy wheels and sporty styling features. The Executive special edition launched in 2007 includes the same kit as the Classic, plus a six CD changer and Artico imitation leather seats among other things.

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Compare Equipment

Trim

Equipment

Key:

Standard item

Optional item

  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • CD Multichanger
  • Climate control
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • DVD
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric mirrors
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Headlight washers
  • Heated mirrors
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Leather seat trim
  • Lumbar support
  • Metallic Paint
  • Partial leather seat trim
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Rear electric windows
  • Remote locking
  • Sat Nav
  • Service indicator
  • Side airbags
  • Space saver spare wheel
  • Sports seats
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Telephone
  • Traction control
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