Mercedes E220

	In the cabin, the impression of space is helped by the large windows, and even the tallest occupants in the back won’t fail to be impressed by the headroom on offer

While the BMW is the biggest seller in the UK, in Western Europe the Mercedes E-Class is number one, with a 30 per cent market share. So it was no surprise that the manufacturer chose to keep the alterations subtle during the recent facelift.

The styling remains typically understated, but the headlamps and grille now sit at a more rakish angle, while the foglights have gained some glitzy chrome trim. It’s not a pretty car, but it is elegant and conveys an air of upmarket refinement.

It’s big inside, too. The 540-litre boot is vast (although the tailgate springs up too quickly when released), while split-fold rear seats can be added for £340. In the cabin, the impression of space is helped by the large windows, and even the tallest occupants in the back won’t fail to be impressed by the headroom on offer. The seats are comfortable (more so than those up front, in fact) and fold-flat headrests mean rear visibility is unimpeded.

Just as good is the view out of the windscreen. The dash-top is mounted lower here than in its rivals, so you see more of the road directly ahead, while the three-pointed star on the bonnet allows you to gauge parking distances easily. Also, the design and layout of the cockpit are excellent. The E-Class dash is as user-friendly as the Volvo’s – adjusting the heat, selecting different radio stations or checking the trip computer is easy.

Given this ergonomic excellence, you have to ask why, when Mercedes made 2,000 alterations during the facelift, it didn’t add a right-hand column stalk. And that’s not our only criticism. The standard chairs lack lateral support, and the pedals in the manual car are badly offset to the right. This is a shame when you consider the attention to detail on display elsewhere, in the shape of the attractive rooflight clusters and clever storage.

The engine can be added to the list of E-Class strengths. With only four cylinders and 2.2 litres, it doesn’t appear to be anything special. But the maker’s constant updating means this is the most impressive diesel here. While not as tuneful as the six-cylinders, once up and running it was smoother and quieter than rival units, with the turbo feeding power in gradually from less than 1,500rpm.

At 400Nm, the 2.2 has more torque than the Audi’s 2.7, and delivered performance that was a match for any rival. Make no mistake, this engine is stronger than you might expect. But although acceleration and economy are both helped by the manual gearbox, in reality an automatic is much more suitable – and will improve residuals, too.

Fitted with small 16-inch alloys, the E220 CDI looks far from sporting, yet that’s not what this car is about. Instead, it aims to deliver peerless comfort and refinement. In that regard, it’s excellent. No rival rode as well either on the motorway or across pitted tarmac. However, the body is neither as stiff nor as well insulated as the BMW’s (although both had equally impressive noise meter readings), and the Mercedes occasionally became unsettled on particularly bumpy roads. We suspect the suspension is set up for heavier variants that steamroller over rough roads more effectively.

Roll is an issue in corners, and the E isn’t as engaging as the BMW, with less precise steering. But it copes well, is nicely balanced and effortlessly easy to get on with. It’s just a pity it’s so costly. The £31,565 E-Class is £2,000 more than any rival – and that’s before fitting the £1,480 auto box.