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

4 out of 5

Safety

The E-Class scored a maximum five stars for occupant protection in the Euro NCAP crash tests and cars built from 2006 onwards have extra safety features including Pre-Safe. First seen in the Mercedes S-Class in 2002 this works with the stability control to adjust the seating position of the front passenger (to maximise the benefit of the airbag) as well as closing any open windows or the sunroof and activating the seatbelt pretensioners. There are also anti-whiplash head restraints, adaptive brakes which prime themselves to act quicker in an emergency as well as provide a self-drying system (both features available in the 2003 version of the car), and a hill-hold function to prevent the car rolling backwards during hill starts.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
3 out of 5

Reliability

Some early models from 2002 suffered from some electrical glitches, but Mercedes has eliminated most of the problems for the 2006 revisions. It's certainly mechanically robust and interior quality has improved in the last few years.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

A recall in 2006 for a possible problem where the engine may revert to 'limp home' mode. Another in 2008 for an electrical connection fault which could cause the engine to lose power.

Other

Electrical problems can affect earlier models. A recall in 2004 for the possibility of a brake fault and another in 2005 for a possible issue with the Sensotronic Brake Control, where the brake pedal may require more effort than expected. Another recall in 2008 for a possible problem with the SAM unit which may cause an engine emergency shut off.