New E-Class estate vs rivals

States come in all shapes and sizes – and executive models are the most desirable of the lot. They combine the sharp handling and refinement of a prestige saloon with the space and practicality of a storage container...

Some are more sensible than others, though, and if load capacity is your main objective, the Mercedes E-Class has always been one of the biggest around. The latest car doesn’t disappoint – a huge boot puts it in pole position on paper. Yet that alone won’t be enough for it to win its first UK road test.

Lining up against the Mercedes is a pair of German rivals. Audi’s A6 Avant combines extra load carrying capacity with stylish lines. Our other contender also wears a fashionable badge. We’ve already driven the impressive new BMW 5-Series saloon (Issue 1,099), but the next Touring estate doesn’t arrive until the autumn.

The outgoing model remains a force to be reckoned with, though, thanks to its incredible engines and fine driving dynamics. The question is whether the 5 is still a better buy than the new Mercedes?

Verdict
Executive estates need a broader array of talents than most other new cars. They are the ultimate all-rounders, mixing style, luxury, practicality and performance. But which one is the best?

While the rakish Audi is getting long in the tooth, it still looks the part, particularly in sporty S line trim. Equipment is generous, plus it has a decent-sized boot and all-wheel-drive traction. But it can’t match the space of the Mercedes or the BMW’s sharp dynamics.

For keen drivers, the 5-Series is still the top choice. It delivers more thrills on the road than either opponent in this test, and its powerful diesel is an engineering masterpiece. While the BMW isn’t the largest car, it has some neat touches that boost practicality.

Yet it’s not quite good enough to secure victory here. In the final reckoning, the Mercedes has the edge. It is by far the biggest estate on test, and has clearly been designed with family buyers in mind. It’s also excellent value, delivers strong performance and is easily the most refined car here. But with a new 5-Series Touring on the way, the E-Class won’t be able to rest on its laurels for long...

Result

1st: Merc E350 CDI EST
Big, versatile and competitively priced, the new Mercedes takes a deserving win. It’s not quite as sharp to drive as rivals, but if you specify the optional Sport trim, it wouldn’t be far behind. Superb build and a desirable image add to the Merc’s long list of talents.

2nd:BMW 535d Touring
Although the flagship model we tested is expensive, the basic 5-Series package is still very strong. Beautifully built, great to drive and with a versatile boot, it remains a fine choice. The new model, due later this year, will be a contender for top honours.

3rd:Audi A6 Avant
The A6 still has plenty of appeal. It’s stylish, packed with kit as standard and features Audi’s excellent quattro drivetrain. However, it’s edged out by the cleaner and more efficient BMW by the narrowest of margins.