Mercedes E-Class saloon - MPG, running costs & CO2 (2016-2023)

Every model of E-Class boasts impressive fuel-efficiency considering their engine power. The E 220 d is a good all-rounder for performance and efficiency, while the latest plug-in hybrids are sure to appeal to company-car drivers. AMG versions are searingly quick but also likely to burn a hole in your wallet.

Mercedes E-Class MPG & CO2

The E 220 d is the most fuel-efficient diesel. Mercedes’ latest 2.0-litre diesel engine claims an official combined economy figure of up to 57.7mpg, with the AMG Line model emitting 128g/km of CO2 giving it a Benefit-in-Kind rating in the 30 per cent bracket for company-car users. During our test in heavy traffic it still averaged more than 51mpg, with a predicted range of 750 miles from a full tank of fuel.

Above the base diesel model, the E 300 d uses a more powerful 2.0-litre engine with Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid electrical assistance system. It also has four-wheel drive, with the additional driven wheels and increased power output making it far less efficient, managing claimed fuel economy figures of 44.1 to 48.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 152g/km.

Most economical of all is the E 300 de plug-in hybrid, with an electric motor and 13.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack allowing the E-Class to be driven using electricity alone or as a hybrid. Its official fuel-efficiency figure of up to 217.3mpg will depend on how often you can charge and make use of the battery, but its 33g/km CO2 emissions place it in a low BiK banding and grant you free access into low emissions zones like the one covered by the London Congestion Charge. If you'd prefer a petrol plug-in hybrid, the E 300 e costs just a few hundred pounds less to buy and should cost around the same to run, with similarly low 35g/km emissions.

The E 300 e and E300 de plug-in hybrid models are also the most affordable in the E-Class range for company-car drivers. Their low emissions figures place them in the lower BiK bandings for business drivers. Both are significantly more expensive to buy than the conventional petrol and diesel counterparts, however.

Costing almost £10,000 less to buy, the entry-level E 200 2.0-litre petrol could suit private customers, returning up to 39.2mpg. Emissions from 165g/km result in a high BiK banding, which will be a big turn off for company-car drivers.

The other non-AMG petrol is the E 450, which has a larger 3.0-litre petrol engine and four-wheel drive, and is only available in the range-topping trim. It manages up to 31.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 204g/km, making it an unattractive proposition for business drivers.

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If fuel economy and emissions are less of a priority than performance, the other petrol-powered E-Class is the Mercedes AMG E 53 4MATIC. It’s very fast, boasting a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 429bhp. That’s not the end of the story, either, because unlike the outgoing AMG E43, this is a mild-hybrid ‘EQ’ model with a significant torque boost from its electric motor. This is more for improving performance than fuel-efficiency, though, but you’ll pay for that power with a 30.4mpg fuel consumption and 215g/km CO2 emissions.

Expect to pay the standard VED (road tax) rate for regular E-Class models, with the ‘EQ Power’ plug-in hybrids and ‘EQ Boost’ mild-hybrids eligible for the discounted VED rate. There is also an additional annual surcharge that applies to every single E-Class model because they all start from over £40,000; this is payable in years two to six of the car’s life.

Insurance groups

The Mercedes E-Class is a desirable, relatively expensive car and all models offer impressive performance, so insurance isn’t cheap. Expect models to fall into insurance groups starting from 34 out of 50, depending on which engine and trim level you go for.

Servicing

Mercedes is a luxury brand and servicing them isn’t particularly cheap. The manufacturer does however offer fixed-price service plans and you can pay for these on a monthly basis to take the sting out of the bills. Your local Mercedes dealer will be happy to run through the choices available.

Warranty

Mercedes gives a three-year warranty on all its cars, with no restriction on mileage. This is exactly the same as you’ll get with the E-Class’ most direct rival, the BMW 5 Series. Roadside assistance is also included.