Mercedes Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, road test (Equipment, prices and verdict)

After several days behind the wheel of the Mercedes E-Class Estate, we have already told you almost everything about this family car with a sporty soul. In the first part we analysed the engine, specifically the 350 BlueTEC with 252 CV paired with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (a recommended feature for getting the most out of all that power and torque).

In the second part of the test we looked at the redesigned exterior, now with much smoother shapes that leave behind the straight lines of the previous generation. Meanwhile, in the third part of the test we turn to the equipment, covering the safety features fitted as standard and the equipment on our test unit, as well as prices and our overall verdict on the car.

Equipment

In our review of the equipment we start with the safety features fitted as standard on every Mercedes E-Class. Among them we can highlight: front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a knee airbag for the driver, PRE-SAFE, adaptive brake lights, stability control, hill start assist, collision warning system, tyre pressure warning, drowsiness alert system, among other features.

In Euro NCAP the previous generation achieved five stars in the tests it underwent in 2010, the same five stars it already had in earlier generations.

The rest of the standard equipment on the 350 BlueTEC consists of: seven-speed automatic gearbox, semi-electric front seats, air conditioning, Audio 20 radio with Bluetooth and USB and AUX inputs, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels (standard on 4MATIC models), electric, folding and heated mirrors, light and rain sensor, air suspension at the rear (for the Estate), electric tailgate, among other features.

As always, the trim lines available are Elegance, Avantgarde and AMG Line. The latter is the one fitted to our test unit, which in addition to the sporty look also adds a sports suspension with lowered ride height, among other features.

Safety is important for Mercedes, and it shows in the equipment available in this area. In addition to the standard equipment, there is a package that completes the car’s standard specification with new safety features. Specifically it adds lane change detection, PRE-SAFE Plus with rear collision detection, intersection collision prevention system, enhanced emergency braking assist, blind spot warning, and pedestrian protection emergency brake: in short, a whole army of technology dedicated to safety, though at a price of 2,542 euros.

As for multimedia equipment, our unit had Comand Online with a navigation hard drive and CD changer, a comprehensive navigation system priced at 3,200 euros. Among the extras is an improved sound system signed by Harman/Kardon for 840 euros, or one signed by Bang & Olufsen for 4,187 euros. That said, the standard sound system is quite complete and meets expectations for a car like this.

As always, the list of extras is almost endless, and the final bill grows quickly if we want an E-Class with absolutely everything, typical of premium saloons. In its defence, the standard equipment is reasonably complete.

Price of the Mercedes E-Class Estate

The Mercedes E-Class saloon starts from 42,500 euros, a price that may vary in the brand’s occasional offers. The Estate version starts at 46,800 euros.

The rest of the prices are as follows:

• E-Class Estate 250 211 CV 52,775 euros
• E-Class Estate 300 252 CV 60,100 euros
• E-Class Estate 350 306 CV 64,575 euros
• E-Class Estate 400 333 CV 69,800 euros
• E-Class Estate 500 408 CV 86,850 euros
• E-Class Estate 63 AMG 557 CV 4MATIC 129,000 euros
• E-Class Estate 63 AMG S 585 CV 4MATIC 142,000 euros
• E-Class Estate 200 CDI 136 CV 46,800 euros
• E-Class Estate 220 CDI 170 CV 49,025 euros
• E-Class Estate 250 CDI 204 CV 53,150 euros
• E-Class Estate 300 BT 231 CV 59,000 euros
• E-Class Estate 350 BT 252 CV 62,450 euros
• E-Class Estate 350 BT 4MATIC 252 CV 68,100 euros

Overall Verdict

For those looking for space and sportiness at the same time, this E-Class Estate we have tested is a good car, as it combines the most powerful diesel engine with the sporty look of the AMG Line and more than respectable performance that makes you forget about the petrol engine.

Furthermore, all-wheel drive is a highly recommended extra with this engine, as it ensures none of the 252 CV is wasted, and it lets you make the most of the torque. If you don’t want an estate quite so powerful but still want some bite behind the wheel, the 250 CDI with its 204 CV is a more than worthy middle option, though it is not a six-cylinder engine.

Inside, the materials are finished in keeping with the segment, with excellent ride comfort and good sound insulation. Space is no problem either: the boot offers almost 700 litres of capacity and the rear seats provide generous legroom and headroom.

One thing we liked is the comprehensive standard equipment. It was about time certain basic features came as standard, especially in this price range where the E-Class sits. For everything else you have to dip into the long list of extras, which is common among premium brands.

Compared with other rivals, there is the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, which starts at 50,850 euros (with a 200 CV four-cylinder diesel engine), while the Audi A6 Avant starts at 43,580 euros, but with a 180 CV petrol engine, and finally the BMW 5 Series Touring starts at 42,299 euros with a 184 CV petrol engine.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira