Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes E220 CDI

Higher-spec versions of new exec have impressed. What about entry diesel?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes E-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Mercedes has stuck to what it does best, which is why the E-Class sets new standards for build quality, comfort and technology. And with the range of new powerful but frugal four-cylinder diesel engines, the firm is offering the prestige without the traditional price tag. For an extra £1,000, the more powerful E250 CDI is arguably a more appealing choice than this E220. Yet even without the thrills of a 5-Series or flair of an XF, the E-Class maintains Mercedes’ status as a leader of the executive class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s E for Efficiency! Mercedes is going green with its new E-Class, as every model in the range – bar the petrol V8s – uses BlueEFFICIENCY technology.

Weight has been reduced, aerodynamics improved and low-rolling-resistance tyres fitted. But by focusing on the environment, has Mercedes forgotten what the E-Class is all about: a luxurious driving experience? We drove the version predicted to be the top seller – the E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – to find out.

Under the bonnet, an all-new four-cylinder diesel engine develops 168bhp and 400Nm of torque. Offered with a five-speed auto transmission from launch, it returns an excellent 47.1mpg combined and emits 159g/km of CO2.

If it wasn’t for the badge, you’d be hard pressed to tell this is a diesel. It’s smooth at all times even if, despite the huge torque output, it could do with better overtaking pick-up. The more powerful E250 CDI is faster, although refinement still impresses, with road roar from the harder-compound tyres and wind noise virtually eliminated. Adaptive dampers are standard and work magnificently, staying compliant in regular driving and firming up in fast bends. Throw the E-Class into a corner and the steering doesn’t offer the same feel as a BMW 5-Series or Jaguar XF. As a long-distance cruiser, though, the big Merc is peerless.

It’s stuffed with technology, too. Adaptive Highbeam Assist observes oncoming traffic and dips the lights automatically. Drowsiness detection, radar-controlled auto-braking and a night-vision system, which displays road obstacles on the dash, are also available.

The first variant to go on sale is the entry-level SE, which has leather-trimmed, powered seats and climate control as standard. And to keep things simple, there will be only three variants, with Avantgarde and Sport completing the line-up. There is twice as much scope for personalisation as on the previous car, though, so even the most discerning customer won’t be left wanting.

Rival: BMW 520d
while the 5-Series can’t match the Merc’s kit or comfort over long distances, it’s the class’s best driver’s car. Residuals are impressive, too, and the 520d serves up an appealing blend of 136g/km CO2 emissions and 55mpg fuel economy.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes E Class

Mercedes E Class

RRP £56,650Used from £22,520
BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

RRP £52,195Avg. savings £6,739 off RRP*Used from £19,091
Mercedes C Class
Audi A6

Audi A6

RRP £39,640Avg. savings £7,364 off RRP*Used from £16,899
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025
You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest
Opinion - ease of EV ownership

You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest

Chris Rosamond explains why ultra-fast charging could convince you to make the switch to driving an EV
Opinion
17 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025