Skip advert
Advertisement

New E-Class estate vs rivals

Is Mercedes’ new E-Class Estate the best premium cargo carrier on sale? We see as it meets its key rivals...

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?

Advertisement - Article continues below

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

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A3 Sportback

2024 Audi

A3 Sportback

57,774 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £16,697
View A3 Sportback
Niro

2022 Kia

Niro

33,073 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £16,697
View Niro
CX-30

2020 Mazda

CX-30

16,274 milesManualPetrol2.0L

Cash £16,697
View CX-30
Yaris Hybrid

2025 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

14,195 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £15,000
View Yaris Hybrid

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

For keendrivers, the 5-Series is still the top choice. It delivers more thrillson the road than either opponent in this test, and its powerful dieselis an engineering masterpiece. While the BMW isn’t the largest car, ithas some neat touches that boost practicality.

Yet it’s notquite good enough to secure victory here. In the final reckoning, theMercedes has the edge. It is by far the biggest estate on test, and hasclearly been designed with family buyers in mind. It’s also excellentvalue, delivers strong performance and is easily the most refined carhere. But with a new 5-Series Touring on the way, the E-Class won’t beable to rest on its laurels for long...

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

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

3rd:Audi A6 Avant
TheA6 still has plenty of appeal. It’s stylish, packed with kit asstandard and features Audi’s excellent quattro drivetrain. However,it’s edged out by the cleaner and more efficient BMW by the narrowestof margins.

Verdict

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025