Mercedes-Benz E-Class road test

Looking at a Mercedes-Benz E-Class as your next company car may seem a little like wishful thinking.

The German manufacturer, however, has added a new fleet-focused model to broaden the car’s appeal and lower costs.

The E-Class BlueEFFICIENCY 220CDI Executive SE is aimed squarely at company car drivers. It offers low emissions, respectable fuel economy and is packed with kit to aid business drivers.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine with the optional seven-speed 7G-Tronic gearbox should be a hit with company car drivers. Due to stop/start and other fuel-saving tech this version emits 132g/km of CO2, with an average fuel economy of 57.6mpg on the combined cycle.

Because of the low emissions this car sits in the 20% Benefit-in-Kind band. The Mercedes-Benz's P11d value is £32,345. This means if you are taxed in the 40% threshold it will cost you £216 per month in company car tax.

From April, however, it moves into the 21% Benefit-in-Kind bracket, meaning company car tax for a 40% tax payer is around £226 per month – a hike of £10 per month.

On the road the Mercedes-Benz E-Class isn't as engaging to drive as the BMW 5 Series, and could do with being a little more responsive. The 2.2-litre diesel engine produces 170bhp, allowing it to complete the benchmark sprint to 62mph in 8.4 seconds. The 400Nm of pulling power makes overtaking slower-moving traffic a straight forward task, and its top speed is 141mph should you ever find a derestricted autobahn.

The optional seven-speed 7G-Tronic transmission is a remarkably smooth gearbox and comes with paddle shifters for changing gear manually. This substantial piece of kit will add £1,520 to the price of the car, though.

What the E-Class lacks in driver entertainment it more than makes up for in comfort. It's one of the most refined cars in its class. Given that it’s up against the BMW 5 Series and Audi's A6, that’s no mean feat.

Inside, the cabin is driver-focused and the materials are all of a high quality. One of the biggest advantages is the level of kit, the driving position and how many safety systems the German maker has installed as standard.

Equipment includes two-zone climate control, 17-inch alloys, active bonnet pedestrian safety measures, Bluetooth, cruise control, heated front seats, a wide range of airbags, parking sensors, leather upholstery and a tyre pressure warning system. It even comes with Attention Assist, which lets you know if the car thinks you’re tired and need a break.

There’s plenty of space for both front and rear passengers. Wind, road and tyre noise are well insulated from the cabin, although the 2.2-litre diesel engine can be a little noisy on start-up.

For practicality it is well ahead of the competition. With 540 litres of luggage capacity, it trumps the likes of the Jaguar XF, with 500 litres, and the BMW 5 Series which offers a lowly 375 litres. There are plenty of storage compartments in the cabin. An optional ski-bag luggage accessory, allowing skis and other long items to be carried between the boot and the cabin, can also be chosen as an option.

So, if your journeys are mainly motorway mileage and you want the most comfortable executive car in the sector, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the pick of the bunch.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is available to order now.

Also consider

Jaguar XF

The XF has hints of previous Jaguars in its design details, but looks and feels every inch a modern, upmarket saloon. The interior is wonderfully stylish.

BMW 5 Series

It's the most complete executive saloon on the market and manages to blend superb handling with limousine-like comfort, as well as unsurpassed cabin refinement.

Audi A6

Offering more interior space than its main rivals, and available with a broad range of efficient diesel engines, the Audi is a good choice if you want a roomy and economical executive saloon.