The long tradition of handsome, practical Mercedes-Benz mid-size wagons is continued with the latest generation Mercedes E-Class station wagon. There is only one engine on offer, the 3.5-litre petrol V6, so thence just the Mercedes E-Class E350 in Avantgarde or Elegance guise at $138,100. Car Showroom sampled an Mercedes E-Class E350 Avantgarde model equipped with some desirable optional equipment, including the AMG options pack, which effectively makes this a sports wagon. At $150K as tested (before on-road costs), the Mercedes E-Class E350 station wagon won’t be stealing many sales from Holden and Ford but you do get an absolutely premium vehicle. The least expensive new Mercedes E-Class station wagon is Selecting which options to specify has never been more complex and there are some surprises involved if you choose the AMG pack.
Mercedes E-Class Overview
Even the briefest list of standard safety equipment on the Mercedes E-Class would consume this entire review. Standouts include a driver’s knee airbag, pelvis bags in the front, driver fatigue detection system, adaptive flashing brake lights, as well a lane-change warning feature including Blind Spot Assist (but not if the AMG sports steering wheel is specified). An electric rear tailgate, reversing camera, bi-xenon headlights that move with the steering wheel to make it easier to see into corners, adaptive damping and self-levelling rear suspension, leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels are all standard on the Mercedes E-Class E350 Avantgarde Estate, but you get a space-saver spare tyre. Among the extensive list of options is active cruise control (Distronic) but if you specify the AMG three-spoke sports steering wheel you cannot have this either – so choose your options carefully! You even get six coat hooks in the rear passenger compartment – six!
Mercedes E-Class Engine
The 3.5-litre V6, which develops 200 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque has been around for some years but is still an impressive unit. When teamed, as here, with the seven-speed automatic transmission, it delivers strong performance even with a full complement of passengers and luggage. Few drivers will miss the option of a V8-engined Estate variant. Fuel economy is officially rated at 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres and carbon emissions are 232 g/km.
Mercedes E-Class Interior
The combination of polished black ash wood trim and rich leather (dark grey with white stitching) is immediately welcoming. The three-spoke AMG wheel is flattened at the bottom and is great to use. There are five neatly designed silver-faced instruments in three sizes with the larger central speedo flanked by mid-sized tachometer and clock and those in turn flanked by small fuel and temperature gauges.
For many customers this Mercedes E-Class station wagon is the perfect size. The rear seat is wide enough for three adults, all of whom will find adequate legroom. The load area is generous and the rear bench seat folds down in familiar 60/fashion to make a flat floor.
Mercedes E-Class Exterior & Styling
The current Mercedes E-Class E-Class carries a tribute to the 1950s original with its pronounced rear fenders. This theme works well on all variants but arguably best of all on the wagon, the styling of which is both attractive and superbly integrated. Admittedly the AMG wheels help. These superb looking alloys are of the same dimensions as the standard Avantgarde wheels – 18 X 8.5 up front and 18 X 9 at the rear. (Elegance models get 17 X 8.5s all round.) For many buyers the AMG pack at $5700 will represent bargain buying because all the subtle styling improvements combine to turn the already handsome E350 Estate into a true head-turner with much of the presence of an E63.
Mercedes E-Class On The Road
The Avantgarde specification is now standard equipment on the Mercedes E-Class station wagon range, reflecting buyer preferences. To get the Elegance you have to ‘delete’ Avantgarde but you won’t save a cent. While Elegance variants have suspension tuned for comfort, the Avantgarde favours sport settings. You can only specify the AMG pack with Avantgarde. You might expect a firm ride but the Mercedes E-Class E350 as tested offered the sense of no compromise at all in the so-called ride/handling compromise, both being exemplary. The steering is perfectly weighted, a virtue made more evident through the chunky AMG sports wheel. When all the dynamic elements come together as well as they do on this vehicle, the driving experience is a true joy. While it is easy to imagine the Mercedes E-Class E-Class station wagon in full AMG spec with a thrilling V8 engine, it works beautifully just as it is with the 3.5-litre V6. The paddleshifts are a novelty in keeping with this sporting theme. Some will complain about the placement of the main automatic gear selector on the right of the steering column rather than between the seats.
Mercedes E-Class Challenges
The space saver tyre is not in keeping with such a thorough specification. The column gearshift seems out of character with the sporty nature of the car and will confuse less initiated drivers.
Mercedes E-Class Verdict
Although the price is high, this latest generation Mercedes E-Class station wagon offers superior value to any of its predecessors with a formidable array of standard equipment. Even without the extra goodies fitted to the test car, you would not be short-changed on safety, luxury, comfort and style in choosing an Mercedes E-Class E350 Avantgarde station wagon.
Mercedes E-Class Competition
The Mercedes E-Class station wagon has strong German rivals but probably offers the best value for money in this sector. You would need to check the prices of all options on the BMW 530i Touring Sport ($127,415) and the Audi A6 Allroad Quattro wagon ($103,800) before dismissing the E350 as too dear.
Likes:
Brilliant dynamics, great styling, high specification
Dislikes:
No cheaper version
