Should you buy one?

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the default executive car choice to many people. It’s practical, stylish, and more than a match for the likes of the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series in key areas such as interior quality and comfort. We thoroughly recommend giving it a try if you’re considering either of those rivals – or indeed, more left-field competitors such as the Lexus ES or Jaguar XF.

One of the E-Class’s strengths is its range of engines – though we suspect most will be more than satisfied with the smooth and economical E220d, that you can still get a selection of other diesels and petrol-power remains available for lower mileage drivers make this a very complete offering. And once you’ve sampled the E300de you’ll wonder why there aren’t more diesel plug-in hybrids.

What we like

Show-stopping interior design backed up by quality construction. Comfortable over long distances and available with some excellent powertrains. First-class image.

What we don’t like

If you prefer a sporty drive we’d point you at the BMW 5 Series instead. Petrol engines are a bit of a weak link (even the plug-in hybrid), the options quickly mount up, and the plug-in hybrids have limited boot space.

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