Merc estate puts boot in prestige rivals

By Jack Rix

31st July 2009

Meet the latest addition to the E-Class club. These are the first official images of Mercedes’ all-new, fifth-generation estate, which joins the saloon and coupé at the head of the family.
The angular front, featuring distinctive twin lights, is lifted straight from the saloon.

But the estate really makes its mark with blacked-out pillars, creating the impression it has a huge side window. Large LED rear clusters wrapped around the tailgate give a unique look from the back.

The big Mercedes has a massive 1,950-litre load area with the rear bench folded – around 300 litres more than in the BMW 5-Series Touring or Audi A6 Avant. Cutting-edge technology includes the PRE-SAFE auto brake function, a drowsiness detection system and nine airbags as standard, making the E-Class wagon one of the safest cars on the road.

Slightly stiffer shock absorbers are fitted over the saloon, to compensate for the extra weight, but with air-suspension and self-levelling rear springs as standard, the Mercedes will deliver its trademark combination of ride comfort and competent handling – even when fully loaded.

Eight engine variants will be offered when the car goes on sale in early 2010: three diesels ranging from the 168bhp, 48.7mpg 220 CDI to the 228bhp 350 CDI, and five petrols topped off by the mighty 525bhp E63 AMG. There’s no word yet on price, but expect to pay around a £3,000 premium over the saloon

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.