Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (09 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on 19 June 2009

Last Updated: 31 January 2012

The E-Class is a mainstay of the Mercedes-Benz range demonstrating exactly what the company can achieve with a saloon. The previous version, launched in 2003, was perhaps an example of Mercedes-Benz trying too hard to include the latest technology - there are many stories of early cars plagued with reliability problems. For the 2009 E-Class, Mercedes-Benz seems to be emphasising the solidity and durability of the car, while bespoke UK equipment grades make the vehicle attractive to company car drivers, particularly in conjunction with new low-emission diesel technology. The majority of the engines in the line-up are impressive, particularly the CDI diesels, although some of the smaller petrols are a little lacklustre in comparison.

4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£29,125 - £40,975

View all new prices

Used price range:

£14,182 - £38,280

View all used prices

See 3 new models for sale from £29,174

Get a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (09 on) information pack

Next steps

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 370 models like this for sale, starting at £10,900.

Find used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloons for sale

Exceptional refinement, solid feel, roomy interior, range of tax-efficient diesels, excellent on the motorway, sharp styling

Slightly noisy four-cylinder diesel, smaller petrol engine rather lacklustre

Driving & Performance

Performance

4 out of 5
"Four diesel engines (labelled BlueEFFICIENCY) and two petrol engines were offered from, or within a..."
Handling

4 out of 5
"Comfort seems to have been given greater priority than responsiveness with SE and Avantgarde..."

Comfort

Comfort

4 out of 5
"SE models come with Artico artificial leather and Mercedes-Benz has added an extra layer of padding..."
Practicality

4 out of 5
"Luggage capacity of 540 litres is about as generous as anyone could expect for a large saloon like..."
Equipment

4 out of 5
"The E-Class has a (perhaps) surprisingly good level of equipment in the entry level model. SE, which..."
Behind the wheel

4.5 out of 5
"Mercedes-Benz has been deliberately bold with the exterior styling of the E-Class, insisting on a..."

Costs

Running costs

2.5 out of 5
"Although certain options are expensive, the base models are well equipped and the four-cylinder..."
Green credentials

3 out of 5
"Four cylinder diesels offer low emissions for such a large car and most of the E-Class saloons will..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4.5 out of 5
"The E-Class received the maximum five star safety rating from Euro NCAP and along with everything..."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"Many owners of the previous E-Class suffered niggling problems with their cars which embarrassed..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

3.5 out of 5
"A discount from a dealer would be hard work, particularly on a diesel, but you might get lucky if..."
Buying used

3.5 out of 5
"Diesel models will hold their value best of all, while automatic models are far more desirable than..."
Selling

3.5 out of 5
"Diesel automatic models will be most desirable, but a well maintained petrol will have more appeal..."