Mercedes-Benz E-Class running costs and reliability

• Diesel models offer fuel economy in the 40s and 50s
• Plug-in hybrids have capacity to be amazingly efficient
• Steer clear of AMG models unless you have deep pockets

The E-Class has an impressively diverse range of engines, and fuel economy spans a similar range of figures, with miles per pound ranging from 2.7 - 27.0 .

Company car drivers keeping an eye on carbon dioxide emissions may look towards the E 220 d, but of course, for the very lowest emissions, the E 300 de and E 300 e plug-in hybrids should be your first port of call. Meanwhile, the 277g/km E 63 is best avoided by company car users, and attracts a hefty first year’s tax bill for private buyers, too.

Petrol engines

• E 200: 39.8mpg, 162-163g/km CO2
• E 450 4Matic: 31.4mpg, 204g/km CO2

Diesel Engines

• E 220 d: 47.1-53.2mpg, 139-156g/km CO2
• E 300 d 4Matic: 44.1-48.7mpg, 152-167g/km CO2
• E 400 d 4Matic: 39.2-42.2mpg, 176-189g/km CO2

Hybrid models

• E 300 e (petrol): 39.2-39.8mpg, 35-36g/km CO2
• E 300 de (diesel): 50.4mpg, 33-34g/km CO2

AMG models

• E 53 4Matic: 29.7-30.4mpg, 208-215g/km CO2
• E 63 S 4Matic+: 23.3mpg, 277g/km CO2

The lower-powered petrols and most of the diesel range offer really good economy for such a large car.

The six-cylinder E 400 d still offers a good figure when you consider the vast torque on offer. As ever with diesel engines, you’ll find the best economy comes on steady, long journeys – these cars have the capacity to even exceed their WLTP estimates on a lengthy motorway cruise, with the basic E 220 d claiming 53.3mpg during our time of testing – equating to a range of more than 600 miles from its 66 litre tank. The nine-speed gearbox with its ultra-long top ratio helps out here, as the engine’s barely ticking over at 70mph.

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But you don’t necessarily have to opt for a diesel, as even the petrol engine can return decent numbers.

These figures are broadly in line with those you’d see on rivals such as the Audi A6 and Jaguar XF. Certain variants of the BMW 5 Series can perform even better, though, such as the 56.5mpg of the 520d.

Fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid models

Opt for the E 300 e or the E 300 de – both plug-in hybrids – and you’ll likely be drawn in by the electric range of 31-34 miles on offer on a full battery. With most commutes in the UK being shorter than that, and increasing numbers of workplaces installing charging points of their own, it’s totally possible that you may go for days or even weeks without ever troubling the combustion engine.

Of course, if you head out on a longer journey, the batteries will help out but soon become depleted, at which point the cars become less efficient than the conventional models on which they’re based – as they still have heavy battery packs and electric motors to lug around. However, if you plan your route on the built-in sat-nav, the car can choose where to use its electric charge and where to save it. This maximises economy, and on a 300-mile journey with the E 300 e we saw around 50mpg combined.

On an even longer journey in the E 300 de we found figures over 60mpg possible to achieve, which is seriously impressive for a big heavy car, though these figures are based on starting your journey with a fully-charged battery.

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Both of these models can be topped up from a home charge point, a public charger or, at a pinch, a three-pin plug socket. Charging times from 10-100% battery capacity ranges from 1hr 30mins with a wallbox, to five hours with a domestic socket.

… and fuel-chugging AMG ones, too

At the other end of the scale you’ll find the AMG E 53 and E 63 S. Both offer truly ballistic performance at the expense of fuel economy. Obviously, if you drive the cars as they’re intended, those official figures will tumble, too. Thankfully, the larger 80-litre fuel tank means you can travel a useful amount of miles before having to refuel each time.

Is it reliable?

• Quite a few official recalls
• Mercedes products tend to feel well put-together
• Wide-ranging and well-rated dealer network

Apart from a difficult period in the mid 1990s and early 2000s, Mercedes has been known for building quality cars that feel well put-together. The same is true of the E-Class, which feels solid as a rock wherever you look.

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Despite this, it’s been subject to quite a few official recalls, including two related to the seatbelts, one to the airbag, and one relating to an oil leak from the turbocharger’s feed pipe. It’s definitely worth making sure these issues have been dealt with if you’re buying a used model.

• You can check what recalls have been made specific to your vehicle here

Plus, a few of our owner’s reviews have highlighted difficulties with the sat-nav and questionable longevity of the E 220 d engine for high mileage drivers.