2015 Mercedes-Benz E220 Reviews

Will the off-road flavoured Mercedes wagon endear loyal E-Class Estate fans? We've put it through its paces on road and off.

Mercedes-Benz has pushed the E-Class to the head of the class with its cutting edge technology, and the company's coupe treatment may well be the perfect foil for the smartest car it's ever made.

It's always a big deal when Merc launches an E-Class. While it's not the biggest selling car locally for the brand – take a bow, C-Class – it always represents an important technological step forward for the three-pointed star. For this generation of E-Class, the tech angle is even more important, with the German

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E220d with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The E220d is the entry diesel variant of the E-Class range and costs $92,900.That price makes it $3000 more than the E200 petrol which kicks off the entire model line-up.Despite the extra cost the E220d shares the same long standard feature list as the E200. Coming standard are two 12.3 inch ‘floating’display screens, with sat nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A 360 degree camera and reversing camera is also standard, along with front and rear parking sensors, proximity unlocking, auto parking and 18-inch alloy wheels.Mercedes-Benz E 400 2016 review | road testMercedes-Benz E 350d 2016 review | snapshotMercedes-Benz E 200 2016 review | snapshotMercedes-Benz has also made Driving Assistance Package Plus standard on all E-Class variants – this brings the partial self-driving functions as well as blind spot warning, AEB and a side impact protection systems that pushes the driver or passenger way from the door in an impact.The 220d is powered by a new 2.0-litre 143kW/400Nm four cylinder turbo diesel engine. It’s lighter and more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces. The E220d comes exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Richard Berry road tests and reviews the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E200, E220d and E350d with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at their Australian launch.

The Mercedes E-Class is a prestigious medium-large car that’s been reinvented in recent years. Once a conservative model, it has become pretty stylish as the Germans aim for a wider range of buyers.

Mercedes-Benz has given its E-Class a facelift together with a combination of price reductions and extra equipment additions that combine to improve their value, according to Benz, from $7000 to $23,000 depending on the model.Earlier this year we were able to preview the coupe and cabriolet versions of the E-Class models in their home territory. They’ll be arriving here late in the year but have been preceded by the more mainstream sedan and wagon variants.STYLINGMore mainstream they may be but in terms of styling the four and five-door bodied E-Class models lose very little in comparison to their sporty siblings especially with M-B Australia’s decision to only bring in the Avantgarde specification with its big, bold three-point star embedded within the aggressive two-bar grille.External changes for the 2013 E-Class are minor with a new front end featuring one-piece headlamps and revised bonnet and bumper. The rear lights and bumper have also been changed with horizontal LED tail lights giving the new E-Class a lower stance that further enhances its sporty look.INTERIORThe interior of the new E-Class retains the same overall design theme as before but detail changes to the colours and finish of the materials work well and increase the feeling of luxury and sportiness.TECHNOLOGYWe’re used to new technology filtering down from more expensive models but in this case many of the latest features are making their debut in the E-Class prior to being passed up to the upcoming new S-Class.Most of this new technology is centred around what Benz calls its Intelligent Drive system which uses twin cameras mounted at the top of the windscreen, angled outwards at 45 degrees.These combine to provide a 3D view of the area around 50 metres in front of the car and work together with a radar sensor system to operate a range of advanced safety features such as Collision Prevent Assist which alerts the driver to a potential frontal collision and applies the brakes where necessary; Attention Assist (it monitors driver inattention and/or fatigue and issues an alert); Distronic Plus (keeps the vehicle centred within its lane on straight stretches); Cross-Traffic Assist (can detect crossing traffic or pedestrians and boost braking where a collision is imminent); Pre-Safe Braking (detects wayward pedestrians and applies the brakes if required); and Pre-Safe Plus which can recognise an imminent rear-end collision, activates the car’s hazard lights and triggers occupant protection features.Once again we just sit back and marvel at the scope and effectiveness of the safety enhancements that modern car makers are providing, effectively at no additional cost to the buyer.MODELSThere are ten variants in the 2013 E-Class range, seven sedans and three Estates. Prices range from $79,900 for the E 200 sedan through to the spectacular E 63 AMG sedan at $249,900.ENGINESAll engines in the standard E-Class models are now either four or six cylinders and turbocharged with the previous V8 E 500 now dropped in favour of a V6 in the E 400 sedan and Estate. Although the new V6 displaces just 3.0 litres it achieves V8-like performance thanks to the use to twin turbochargers with up to 245 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque all the way from 1400 to 4000 rpm, but with fuel consumption officially measured at just 7.4 litres per hundred kilometres.The E 63 AMG sedan is the only V8 model remaining and it also uses a bi-turbo to reach its stunning peaks of 430 kW and 800 Nm. All E-Class models get seven-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted shift paddles.Another first for the E-Class, indeed for any Australian Mercedes-Benz model, is the E 300 Bluetec Hybrid. While luxury car rivals such as BMW and Lexus also offer hybrids Benz is the first to do so with a diesel rather than a petrol engine. The combination of 2.1-litre turbo-diesel and battery pull fuel consumption down to a frugal 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres.As before all E-Class Estate models are seven-seaters with the third-row bench seat facing rearwards. Benz are expecting a slight boost in sales with the previous seven-seat R-Class no longer being imported here.DRIVINGWith so many model variants in the new E-Class range our test drive options were limited however we will report in more detail when we carry out our extended tests within the next few months. We were able to drive the E 200 and E 250 petrol and E 250 CDI diesel during the launch in and around Melbourne.Expectations are always high whenever we drive any Mercedes-Benz and the new E-Class certainly delivers even in the lower-specced models. The chassis feels solid and tight and the car is superbly balanced. Ride comfort is firm but comfortable even on some of the coarse surfaces that we passed over.As is normally the case we’d opt for the diesel powerplant with the extra mid-range torque that all keen drivers savour. Having said that the 2.0-litre petrol doesn’t fall that much short if you’re planning to operate exclusively in commuter territory.VERDICTSafer, cheaper, stunning looks. All should combine to keep the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class around the top of the shopping list of anyone looking for an affordable prestige car.The complete 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon range is:E 200 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $79,900E 220 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $82,400E 250 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $97,400E 250 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $99,900E 300 Hybrid 2.2-litre turbo-diesel / electric four-door sedan: $109,900E 400 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $129,900E 63 AMG 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $249,900E 200 Estate 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $86,900E 250 CDI Estate 2.2-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $107,700E 400 Estate 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol five-door wagon: $137,700Mercedes-Benz E200Price: from $79,900Warranty: 3 years roadside assistEngine: 1.8L four-cylinder, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 6.6L/100Km, CO2 154g/km

There are bigger and more expensive Benzes, and there are smaller and cheaper ones, but the mid-sized E-Class is what the star marque is all about. Advanced technology, super build quality, power and performance to spare, elegant styling, and loads of comfort and convenience features.Mercedes-Benz began it all back in the 1880s, and they’re still leading the pack more than 100 years later. If you need proof, drive an E-Class. Even one with more than 200,000 kays on it drives as if it left the factory yesterday.The only marque that comes close to mounting a challenge to the supremacy of the Stuttgart carmaker is Lexus, a still underrated make that will in time be judged the equal of Mercedes.MODEL WATCHMercedes was emerging from a deep slumber when the E-Class was conceived. It was a slumber the company fell into, probably as a result of complacency, believing it was immune to competition as the top carmaker in the world.Then along came Toyota, the biggest carmaker in the business. Toyota built small cars, medium cars, four-wheel drives, vans and utes, but they didn’t build top end luxury cars, until, with an aggressive plan to conquer the world they conceived the Lexus brand.The first Lexus, the LS400, scared the living daylights out of ’Benz. It was well built, some say it had better than ’Benz quality, drove well, and had all the fruit. Overnight it was a hit with Americans, the very market that keeps Mercedes afloat.Under threat for the first time in decades, Mercedes reacted swiftly, with new models built to a much higher level of build quality, packed with up-to-the-minute technology, as well as the usual things Mercedes owners appreciate.The E-Class was one of this new generation of models, and it helped Mercedes regain much of its lost ground.The previous E-Class was a resounding success, so the new W210 model had much to live up to. At first it seemed it might struggle, with traditional Mercedes owners horrified on their first sighting of the ‘bug eyed’ front-end styling.It doesn’t rate a second glance now, but back then it was regarded as radical. Instead of the traditional Mercedes front-end there was a rounded shape with oval headlamps blended into the smooth curves of the guards.Beyond the front end the E-Class styling was smooth, and typical of ’Benz, strong and substantial.There were two models at launch in 1996, the four-cylinder E230 and the six-cylinder E320. Both were available in Classic and the more luxurious Elegance versions, with the E320 also available in a range topping Avante Garde version.All boasted improved crash protection over the preceding model. There were refined crumple zones, stronger passenger cells, new load-sensing seat belts, dual air bags, and optional side airbags for front seat occupants. Active safety systems included ABS and traction control.A double overhead cam 2.3-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine pumping out 110 kW and 220 Nm when working at its peak powered the E230. Performance was smooth and steady rather than neck snapping.For performance there was the E320, which had a superb 3.2-litre straight six under its curvaceous bonnet. With double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and fed by fuel injection, the smooth six boasted 162 kW and 315 Nm.A smooth five-speed auto was the choice when it came to the transmission.The suspension was independent front and rear, steering was power-assisted, brakes were powerful discs all round, with the assistance of ABS.The E230 Classic came with full wheel covers, cloth trim, cruise control, air-conditioning, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, immobiliser, and radio-cassette sound. Step up to an Elegance and you got alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, CD sound, and auto dipping interior mirror.When you ordered an E320 Classic you got all of that, plus 10-stack CD sound, multifunction instrument display, and an illuminated vanity mirror. In addition, the Elegance had alloy wheels, leather trim, and metallic paint. Move up to the Avante Garde, and you were rewarded with sportier alloy wheels and sports style leather trim.In July 1997 Mercedes moved to a new generation of V6 engines, and a 164 kW 3.2-litre version replaced the 3.2-litre straight six in the E320.The E230 continued until Jan 1998, when it was replaced by the E240 with a 125 kW 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft V6.IN THE SHOPMost Mercedes are well looked after in their first years, usually by people who can not only afford to buy them, but who can also afford the service them.After that they tend to be sold off to people who sometimes struggle to keep up the maintenance, and that’s where they can have trouble. It’s particularly so if they have them serviced by people who aren’t familiar with the car, and if they use generic parts instead of the genuine article.Generic parts might do a reasonable job, but they don’t perform as well as the real thing. If you want all the E-Class can give, look for one with a genuine Mercedes service history. If not by a dealer, then by a recognised specialist with a Mercedes background.The E-Class stands up well to the rigours of daily life on the road, they’re tough and reliable. Go for an E320 if your budget will stand it; otherwise, try a later V6 rather than the small E230 four.Look for evidence of an uncaring owner, scratches down the sides, scarred bumpers, damaged alloy wheels.Also do the usual checks for evidence of a crash, uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint, doors, boot lid or bonnet that don’t open smoothly.OWNER’S SAYBrooklands Motors of Sandringham has a 1998 E240 Elegance that has amassed 208,000 km, but it drives like new. The small V6 powers the big sedan along nicely, the ride is smooth and supple with barely a bump felt in the spacious cabin. Asking price is $36,950, which reflects the higher than average mileage.LOOK FOR• solid build quality• smooth ride and handling• superb brakes• superb comfort• Mercedes prestigeTHE BOTTOM LINEStar quality and the ultimate in luxury at an attainable price if you can afford the on-going service.RATING90/100

There are bigger and more expensive Benzes and there are smaller and cheaper ones, but the mid-sized E-Class is what the star marque is all about.MODEL WATCHThe E-Class was one of the new generation of models that helped Mercedes regain much of the ground it lost to the first Lexus.  The previous W124 E-Class was a resounding success so the new W210 had much to live up to.At first it seemed it might struggle, with traditional Mercedes owners horrified at their first sighting of the bug-eyed front-end styling. It doesn't rate a second glance now, but back then it was regarded as radical.  Beyond the front end the styling was smooth and typical of Benz: strong and substantial.There were two models launched in 1996 – the four-cylinder E230 and six-cylinder E320. Both were available in Classic and the more luxurious Elegance versions.  All had better crash protection than the previous model.There were refined crumple zones, stronger passenger cells, new load-sensing seat belts, dual airbags and optional side airbags for front-seat occupants.  Active safety systems included ABS and traction control.The E230 was powered by a double overhead cam 2.3-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder engine, pumping out 110kW when working at its peak, and 220Nm. For performance there was the E320, which had a 3.2-litre straight six. With double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and fed by fuel-injection, the smooth six boasted 162kW and 315Nm.A smooth five-speed auto was the choice when it came to transmission. The suspension was independent front and rear, steering was power assisted, brakes were powerful discs all round, with the assistance of ABS.The E230 Classic came with full wheel covers, cloth trim, cruise control, airconditioning, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, immobiliser and radio-cassette sound. Step up to an Elegance and you got alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, 10-stack CD sound and auto-dipping interior mirror.When you ordered an E320 Classic you got all of that, plus 10-stack CD sound, multifunction instrument display and an illuminated vanity mirror.  In July 1997 Mercedes moved to a new generation of V6 engines and a 164kW 3.2-litre version replaced the 3.2-litre straight six in the E320. The E230 continued until January 1998, when it was replaced by the E240 with a 125kW 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft V6.IN THE SHOPMost Mercedes are well looked after in their first years, usually by people who can not only afford to buy them, but who can also afford to service them.  After that they tend to be sold off to people who sometimes struggle to keep up the maintenance. That's where they can have trouble, particularly if service is done by people who aren't familiar with the car and generic parts are used.If you want all the E-Class can give, look for one with a genuine Mercedes service history, if not by a dealer, then by a recognised specialist with a Mercedes background.  The E-Class stands up well to the rigours of daily life on the road. They are tough and reliable. Go for a E320 if your budget will stand it, otherwise try a later V6 rather than the small E230 four.Look for evidence of an uncaring owner – scratches down the sides, scarred bumpers, damaged alloy wheels. Also do the usual checks for evidence of a crash: uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint and doors, or a boot lid or bonnet that doesn't open smoothly.