Mercedes E-Class Estate review - big on equipment and space

Verdict – is the Mercedes E-Class Estate a good car?

The Mercedes E-Class Estate has always stood for refined taste, superb comfort and, above all, masses of space for luggage and people. This latest E-Class Estate does all of that, although the plug-in hybrid models trade a little boot space for their greener efficiency. You’re not going to quibble much about this, though, as the E-Class Estate is still among the best in its class for carrying stuff, and it’s exceptionally comfortable and refined. There’s also a brilliant infotainment system. We just wish it was a bit more engaging to drive.

Mercedes E-Class Estate models, specs and alternatives

There may have been a shift towards SUVs among drivers looking for an upmarket, roomy family car, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need for the Mercedes E-Class Estate. If anything, this cavernous estate car is a better bet for most family needs unless you really covet that higher-riding driving position and all-wheel drive – though you can have the E-Class with four-wheel drive, too.

Mercedes is not alone in seeing the merit of a luxurious estate car as it has a number of multi-talented rivals to deal with. As with the E-Class saloon, there is the old rivalry with the BMW 5 Series Touring continues, as well as the long-running competition from the Audi A6 Avant. It’s also hard to overlook the Volvo V90 in the upmarket estate market. You might also look at the fully-electric BMW i5 Touring, but you’ll have to look to the EQE SUV if you want a Mercedes EV with a big boot, as the E-Class Estate range only comes with hybrid power rather than an all-electric option.

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For some drivers that won’t be an obstacle, as the E200 with mild-hybrid power is the cheapest route into E-Class Estate ownership. As with all E-Class Estates, it comes with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. You can have the E220d that also has mild-hybrid assistance and mid-50s combined fuel economy to appeal to anyone who spends a lot of miles on the motorway. However, company-car drivers will be more drawn to the 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid E300e petrol and diesel E300de models that offer 470.8mph and 565mpg, respectively, though this is based on the assumption that you can make the most of their EV driving range of up to 68 miles.

Both of the plug-in hybrid models are plenty quick enough for most estate car drivers’ needs, but you can up the briskness with the E450d, which comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard. Forget what the badge name might suggest, this model has a 3.0-litre straight-six turbodiesel motor with mild-hybrid help and 362bhp on hand to knock out 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds.

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Want to go quicker still? Then you’ll be looking at the Mercedes-AMG E53 that squeezes 585bhp from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor combo. Use all of that and it will see your Labrador pressed against the back window as the car covers 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. None of this comes cheap and the base AMG E53 costs from £93,000, rising through £99,000 for the Night Edition Premiums Plus to £118,00 for the Edition 1.

Back in the normal world, the E-Class Estate range begins with the AMG Line model, followed by the AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus. There’s also the Exclusive Premium and Exclusive Premium Plus, while the Urban Edition bucks the naming trend. In most instances, the AMG Line will fulfil all of your needs as it comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, Agility Control suspension, heated and cooled front seats, leather upholstery, and Mercedes’ superb infotainment system. A long list of safety kit is also included, so you won’t feel shortchanged.

Where you might wonder if you’ve made the right choice is on the occasions you have a quiet, curvy road in front of the E-Class Estate. While in a BMW 5 Series Touring this would be an invitation to indulge in a bit of fun, the Mercedes’ handling is set up with comfort in mind first and foremost. There’s plenty of grip, but just not much interaction between car and driver. However, the E-Class does a fine job of sifting out any bumps or jolts from the cabin, and the E-Class Estate is in its element on long motorway cruises. The E220d can be a little noisy when worked hard, but the rest of the engines are as hushed as you expect of this Mercedes.

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Whichever Mercedes E-Class Estate you opt for, they all come with some form of hybrid assistance to help with economy, emissions, and even performance. Even the quick-fire AMG E53 now comes as a plug-in hybrid so it can offer carbon dioxide emissions of just 23g/km, though its claimed fuel economy of 30.7mpg is perhaps a more real-world reality than the CO2 figure that depends on making the absolute most of its potential EV driving range of up to 61 miles.

Anyone with even half an eye on affordable running costs will lean more towards the rest of the Mercedes E-Class Estate range. There are mild-hybrid options for petrol and diesel that each use a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, starting with the E200 petrol that delivers a best of 41.5mpg and 147g/km. That’s good going compared to its rivals, but the E220d makes more sense with its 56.5mpg and 124g/km numbers. The other mild-hybrid E-Class Estate option is the E450d 4MATIC with its 3.0-litre six-cylinder motor that serves up very strong performance. The flipside of that is combined fuel economy stated at 44.8pg and 158g/km.

Company car drivers, and those looking to make every gallon of fuel go as far as possible, will more than likely look to the E300e petrol and E300de plug-in hybrid models. The E-Class Estate in E300e form claims 470.8mpg and 13g/km CO2 output, with an EV driving range of up to 70 miles. The E300de, which is something of an outlier nowadays as a diesel hybrid, is even more impressive with its 565.0mpg and 11g/km, coupled to an identical 70-mile EV range. Of course, these superb fuel figures do require you to spend as much time as possible using the EV option.

How much will the Mercedes E-Class Estate cost in tax?

With even the cheapest new Mercedes E-Class Estate coming in at a shade more than £55,000, every model attracts the £425 expensive car supplements applied to any new car costing more than £40,000. That charge remains every year until the car has passed its fifth anniversary from registration.

From 1 April 2025, the discount for hybrid cars no longer applies, so E300e, E300de and AMG E53 all pay a first-year road tax of £110 for cars that sit in the 1-50g/km bracket.The E220d is next with a first-year Vehicle Excise Duty levy of £440, while the E200 sits in the bracket above at £540. Priciest of the lot is the E450d 4 MATIC that will cost you a hefty £1360 for the initial 12 months of road tax. There's some comfort here that all E-Class Estate models then cost the standard rate of £195 per year.

What will the Mercedes E-Class Estate cost to insure?

The least expensive Mercedes E-Class Estates to insure will be the E200 and E220d models. They sit in groups 41 to 44, depending on which options you choose. Choose the E300e and its in group 50, which is the highest you can go. Mercedes was yet to confirm insurance groups for the other models in the line-up at the time of writing, but it’s safe to assume the E300de, 450d 4MATIC, and AMG E53 versions will all reside in that same group 50 ranking.

The E-Class Estate is no more expensive to insure than any of its key rivals, and the base E220d estate sits one group lower than its saloon sister.

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While Mercedes customers can pick a fully electric EQE saloon or SUV, the E-Class Estate has not embraced full electrification in the same way the BMW i5 has as a parallel line to the 5 Series Touring. Don’t panic, however, as Mercedes is very much on the front foot with the E-Class, as all engines in the range come with some form of hybrid power - even the mighty AMG version.

This has a bearing on how the E-Class Estate drives and, just as always with this model, it’s much more about comfort and calm than being quick or overtly sporting. That’s not to say the E-Class Estate is saggy in the corners, just that a BMW 5 Series Touring feels more alert and fun to drive. Even with the Sport mode engaged in the Mercedes Agility Control settings, which tones up the suspension and gearbox responses, the Estate prefers to be driven in a more considered manner. Sure, there’s ample grip if you really want to dash through a bend, especially in those versions with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but you won’t find it putting a smile on your face the way a BMW does.

Settle back and what you get is a much more knowing smile of appreciation for just how well the E-Class Estate dabs away road imperfections. Even large potholes and pitfalls are dismissed and the Comfort setting for the suspension will soon become your preferred choice. The Mercedes’ weight that makes it less keen on corners seems to help dampen out ruts in the road, while the steering remains light and responsive at all speeds. The turning circle is also good for a car of this length, so parking and narrow city alleys are nothing to fret over.

Anyone who wants the ultimate in hush inside the E-Class Estate will be best served by the AMG Line Premium Plus as it comes with noise reduced tyres as standard. However, there’s not much difference between this trim and the AMG Line that rides on standard 18-inch wheels compared to the larger rims of other versions.

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Around town, there’s barely any noise of note inside the E-Class Estate other than if you have the radio on or you’re chatting with a passenger. Head on to the motorway and the E-Class remains reassuringly whisper quiet thanks to little wind or tyre noise. You’ll only hear the engines if they are revved hard, which isn’t necessary to make decent progress, though the 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the E220d has a coarser note when pushed.

The AMG E53 is a different prospect as it’s a car where you want to be able to hear the engine. You will have to push hard on the accelerator pedal to stir the engine into making some noise and even then it remains a surprisingly muted, sophisticated whirr rather than the outlandish bark that AMG models have previously emitted when provoked.

It’s a similar story when you head on to a favourite road with the E53. It’s undeniably hugely able and will keep pace with the likes of the Audi RS6 or BMW M5, but there is a nagging feeling you’re just not having as much fun as the drivers in those other cars.

Petrol models

The E200 and E300e share the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but the E300e is a plug-in hybrid compared to the E200’s mild-hybrid setup. The difference is the E300e has 108bhp more and is noticeably more lively when you want to accelerate quickly. It’s very well suited to the E-Class Estate and you also get an EV driving range of up to 70 miles, while 0-62mph takes a nifty 6.5 seconds to surprise hot hatches. By comparison, the E200 needs 7.8 seconds for the same dash and, while not slow, it does feel more leisurely by comparison.

There’s nothing leisurely about the AMG E53’s 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds - only 0.1 seconds slower than its saloon sister despite weighing 45kg more. Top speed in the E53 is electronically pegged at 155mph, but it feels capable of much more thanks to the 585bhp on offer from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and electric motor combination driving all four wheels.

Diesel models

While rivals like BMW have dropped diesels from their model ranges, Mercedes continues to give drivers this option in the E-Class Estate. It’s a good choice, too, as the E220d will suit many who cover larger miles but don’t want to spend the £10,000-plus it would cost to step up to the E300de plug-in hybrid model. The E220d’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine can be a little noisy when it’s giving its all to get up to speed, such as when joining a motorway from a slip road, but it’s generally refined and does a good job considering the size of the E-Class Estate it’s powering.

You’re not left wanting for more power or punch with the E450d, which has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder motor with mild-hybrid help. It packs some 362bhp and has four-wheel drive to make sure it’s deployed without any scrabble from the tyres. Make full use and it sees off 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds. Most of the time, you’ll luxuriate in its effortless cruising with barely any noise coming from under the bonnet.

Plug-in hybrid models

The E200 and E300e share the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, but the E300e is a plug-in hybrid compared to the E200’s mild hybrid set-up. The difference is the E300e has 108bhp more and is noticeably more lively when you want to accelerate quickly. It’s very well suited to the E-Class Estate and you also get an EV driving range of up to 70 miles, while 0-62mph takes a nifty 6.5 seconds to surprise hot hatches. By comparison, the E200 needs 7.8 seconds for the same dash and, while not slow, it does feel more leisurely by comparison.

There’s nothing leisurely about the AMG E53’s 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds - only 0.1 seconds slower than its saloon sister despite weighing 45kg more. Top speed in the E53 is electronically pegged at 155mph, but it feels capable of much more thanks to the 585bhp on offer from its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and electric motor combination driving all four wheels.

Mercedes is unusual in offering a plug-in hybrid diesel model with the E300de. It has strong performance, low emissions, good economy and works very well in all conditions. As with every E-Class Estate, it drives through a nine-speed automatic transmission that you won’t notice as it moves from one gear to the next.

Electric models 

Mercedes does not offer an EV version of the E-Class Estate. The closest you’ll get to that in the company’s line-up is the EQE SUV for carrying luggage and people using battery power alone. The plug-in hybrid versions of the E-Class Estate offer an electric-only driving range of up to 70 miles, but that’s not going to worry a BMW i5 Touring driver, who has an EV range of as much as 343 miles on a full charge. Remember, however, you’ll be paying considerably more for the BMW than the Mercedes.

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Is the Mercedes E-Class Estate’s infotainment and sat-nav system easy to use?

Mercedes has put itself in the vanguard of the large luxury estate class when it comes to infotainment. Its 14.4-inch central touchscreen display is called a Superscreen, and it deserves the name. A 12.3-inch screen can be specified on AMG Line and above trims, which puts another touchscreen directly in front of the passenger to control many functions and save the driver from being distracted. It also offers video streaming to the passenger which the driver cannot seat and a selfie camera mounted in the top of the dash.

Using the latest MBUX system is simple and allows you to use voice commands to ask the car to perform many operations, such as adjusting the cabin temperature, radio, and making phone calls. It also learns your preferences, such as if the driver likes a massage seat, so it will turn this on when you tend to want it. The only small irritation is the system can ping into life whenever you say the word “Mercedes”. Maybe this was us using the name more than normal.

As you’d expect, there’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to pair with your smartphone and all E-Class Estates come with wireless phone charging to keep your devices topped up. There’s also a very good head-up display for the driver to beam vital info onto the windscreen to keep your eyes on the road ahead.

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The Mercedes E-Class Estate has a reputation for being vast inside and this latest model will do nothing to upset its traditional core of buyers. Rivals have caught up, however, and the BMW 5 Series is now fractionally longer overall even if this doesn’t translate to any more noticeable room for those in the front or back seats compared to the Mercedes.

Up front, the E-Class has plenty of space for drivers of all shapes and heights, and there’s a whole variety of adjustment in the steering wheel and seats to accommodate this. However, it can feel a little snug due to the high centre console that imparts a slightly hemmed-in feeling for those sat in the front. This is compounded by the large swathe of the dash, though we’re big fans of its look and ease of use.

The main dash display is clear and classy, so you won’t be squinting to read any of the important information. There is also a head-up display with the Premium Plus models that keeps the driver’s eyes on the road instead of glancing down.

The seats themselves are very supportive and even the lower trim models have some electric adjustment as standard, plus heated front chairs. Higher spec models gain fully electrically adjustable seats and cooling in addition to warming.

In the back, it’s a similar story to the front with comfortable seats and plenty of room but a creeping sensation of being a little claustrophobic, which is strange given the size of the Mercedes E-Class Estate. Some of this is down to the high-ish window line, so kids might find it more cocooned than adults. Those sitting in the two outer seats are well looked after, but the middle seat has a shorter base, so less support for your thighs, and the control panel for the rear heating juts into the space right where the central passenger’s knees would like to be.

Does the Mercedes E-Class Estate have a big boot?

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Be in no doubt, the Mercedes E-Class Estate is still the car in this sector to choose if outright carrying capacity is your main concern. The only caveat to this is if you want a plug-in hybrid version of the E-Class Estate, you’re going to have to accept a smaller boot as the battery pack reduces capacity from the mild hybrid’s 615 litres to 460 litres, which is less than a Volvo V90’s. It’s the same story when you fold down all of the rear seats - the PHEV’s boot shrinks to 1675 litres from the mild hybrid’s very generous 1830 litres.

Regardless of which Mercedes E-Class Estate you pick, the boot is still big and has a low load sill and flat floor that sits flush with the sill. It makes cramming in those big suitcases easy, while the family dog will appreciate the easy hop up in and out. There’s also a powered tailgate in all E-Class Estates to save you the effort of opening and closing the lid.

Extending the boot space by folding the back seats is quick and simple. They are split 40-20-40 to give you plenty of variety when it comes to mixing people and loads.

If you want to tow with the Mercedes, it can pull a braked trailer of up to 2100kg, so that’s more than enough to handle most caravans. If you opt for the optional tow bar from Mercedes, it comes with a dedicated towing setting for the ESP stability control to make life easier and safer.

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While the latest E-Class didn’t appear in the 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, it’s safe to say Mercedes as a brand hasn’t fared too well in recent years. It came in 25th place out of 32 manufacturers in the latest survey, behind all its major rivals apart from Audi which placed in 27th. 

Reliability has not been one of the brand’s strong points, with 26% of Mercedes respondents reporting an issue with their car in the first year of ownership, according to the survey. That’s a higher proportion than that of all its rivals including Audi, despite its lower placing overall.

As with all new Mercedes cars, the E-Class Estate comes with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

How safe is the Mercedes E-Class Estate?

The Mercedes E-Class saloon was crash-tested by Euro NCAP in October 2023, achieving the full five stars, meaning it should be very safe. The E-Class’ impressive score is thanks in large part to its extensive suite of safety assistance systems, as the executive saloon scored particularly highly in this area. During the engineering process, Mercedes also said a lot of thought went into creating a ‘particularly rigid passenger cell’ to protect occupants, and seat belts and airbags that can actively adapt to the situation in the event of a crash. 

The E-Class can be specced with autonomous emergency braking tech, collision warning tech that works with traffic up ahead and crossing traffic at junctions, an evasive emergency steering assist feature, blind spot assist, and ‘Pre-safe Plus’ – a system that detects if there is a risk of rear-end impact and warns drivers behind by activating the rear hazard warning lights and prepares occupants for impact by activating the seat belt tensioners. There’s even an ‘Energising Comfort’ system that helps to perk the driver up in case of fatigue via a program of music and lighting (as well as being able to help them relax when stressed or help reduce car sickness.)

Should you buy a Mercedes E-Class Estate?

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Staying on top of a class where the competition includes some of the best cars in the world is no easy task. Mercedes has just about managed this with the E-Class Estate when it comes to the amount of space it offers in the mild hybrid versions, though it’s a pity the plug-in hybrid models have to sacrifice as much room as they do to deliver their impressive economy and EV driving ranges. However, the E-Class Estate is now having to share the top step with the BMW 5 Series Touring in areas that are essential to estate buyers.

Would that prevent us from choosing the Mercedes E-Class Estate over the Audi A6 Avant, BMW 5 Series Touring or Volvo V90 among others? Probably not, but it would be a more qualified decision than it was in the past. Company drivers will certainly be lured in by the E300e and E300de plug-in hybrid models with their low emissions. There will always be a section of drivers, too, who want an AMG performance model, though we wonder if the E53 is a little too muted in its sound and delivery for them now.

That leaves the mild hybrid petrol and diesel versions of the E-Class Estate. The E450d is a marvellously fast, refined machine, yet it costs a lot to buy and fuel economy is so-so, which means we’d steer towards the E220d as our choice. It might not be the most exciting out of the E-Class Estate line-up, but it does everything very well and, so long as you pick the right trim you get all of the kit you could ask for.

Included in the list of equipment is Mercedes’ brilliant Superscreen infotainment, which makes the competition’s offerings seem dull to look at and use. It’s so good, it’s a clear reason for choosing the E-Class Estate over its rivals for anyone who spends a lot of time in their car or values simplicity when dealing with technology.

There is still the question of the Mercedes E-Class Estate’s prices, which are higher than its key rival, the BMW 5 Series Touring and others. If you place refinement over other driving concerns, the Mercedes is the one for you, but keener drivers will find the BMW a more satisfying way to haul the family and holiday bags.

What is the best Mercedes E-Class Estate for low running costs?

The Mercedes E-Class Estate E300e Urban Edition offers the lowest entry price to this plug-in hybrid with the petrol engine. It might not have quite as impressive an MPG figure as the 300de, but the lower price and an identical 70-mile EV driving range make it our choice. Its low emissions also make it ideal for company drivers.

What is the best Mercedes E-Class Estate for keen drivers?

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Premium is the most affordable version of this quick fire version of the E-Class Estate. It might not have some of the grip-enhancing kit of the Edition 1, but you’re not going to notice this unless you spend a lot of time on track days.

What is the Carbuyer pick of the Mercedes E-Class Estate range?

The plug-in hybrid Mercedes E-Class Estate models hold a lot of appeal, but they are expensive. This leads us to choose the E220d AMG Line as our preferred E-Class Estate as it mixes good economy, low running costs, and plenty of kit with a boot that is larger than the PHEV models’.

Mercedes E-Class Estate alternatives

The large executive estate sector is a small but exclusive club, with members drawn from the usual names. One name is now missing from that list among new car offerings and that’s Jaguar as the XF Sportbrake is no longer available. You could also consider the Skoda Superb Estate a rival on paper, though it’s unlikely anyone in the market for a Mercedes E-Class Estate will be comparing the two. That leaves the following as alternatives to the E-Class Estate.

• Audi A6 Avant
• BMW 5 Series Touring
• BMW i5 Touring
• Volvo V90