Mercedes-Benz has been making luxury executive cars longer than just about anybody, and that certainly shows with the E-Class saloon car. While the name dates back to the 1990s, the model line has been going since well before that – and with that much development, it’s no surprise the E-Class is popular the world over with everybody from CEOs to taxi drivers.

It’s something of a technological tour de force – brimming with clever safety kit and luxury equipment. Key competitors are the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, but there are less obvious choices such as the Jaguar XF, Lexus ES and Volvo S90, too.

The standard E-Class range is unashamedly focused on comfort, but to compete with such talented and wide-ranging opposition it can’t rely on being a one-trick pony. As such, there’s an E-Class to suit nearly everybody, with pragmatic plug-in hybrids making all the right green noises at one end, and the fire-breathing Mercedes-AMG E-Class making a rather louder noise at the other.

Unusually, both petrol and diesel plug-in hybrids are offered, while all of the conventional combustion engines now come with 48v mild-hybrid technology. Diesel traditionally makes up the bulk of E-Class sales – and for good reason. Superbly refined and efficient yet more than powerful enough for a relaxed cruise, they’re effortless engines and perfectly suited to the E-Class’s character. 

All versions are united by a level of in-cabin luxury and technology rivals struggle to match. Combined with the slightly imperious feeling that comes with the three-pointed star, this is more than enough to ensure the E-Class remains an aspirational and highly coveted automobile.

Keep reading for our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review, which covers all aspects of this premium executive car in expert detail.

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