Mercedes E220 CDI estate

Not only is the E-Class wagon a class leader for practicality, it’s as refined and comfortable as the saloon. If you want a more sporty experience, the AMG pack has firmer and lower suspension, although the standard car will be fine for most buyers. The Merc is right back at the top in the premium estate sector – at least until the new 5-Series Touring arrives next year.

If you’re in the market for a prestige-badged big estate, look no further than the new Mercedes E-Class!

It trumps BMW and Audi rivals with a maximum load space of 1,950 litres – and this figure also puts it ahead of the Skoda Superb.

There’s a range of new innovations to make all that space more accessible. This includes an electric tailgate, plus a luggage cover that angles upwards when the boot is open for easy access.

The split rear seats spring into a fully flat position via a toggle just inside the load bay, and there’s even an option for an additional two rear-facing seats that fold flush into the boot floor.

Self-levelling suspension and adaptive dampers come as standard, while the rear shock absorbers are slightly stiffer than on the saloon to cope with the extra weight. But you won’t notice – the estate rides as well, feels just as agile in corners and is as refined at motorway speeds.

Our E220 CDI performed impressively, and promises nearly 50mpg. Other engines are the same as for the four-door E-Class, with a 518bhp E63 AMG topping the range.

Rival: 5-Series Touring BMW is readying the next generation, but the current 5 estate is still on the pace. It has 1,650 litres of space and remains sporty to drive.

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