Overall rating:

More kit, less money - in this day and age it's a great adage, and one that will no doubt mean Mercedes will sell even more of its E-Class executive saloon. You won't want for comfort, efficiency and gadgets, but don't buy one with thrills in mind, else you'll be left expecting more.

Key Facts

Model tested: Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Executive SE
Pricing: £30,995 (£39,425 as tested)
Engine: 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Jaguar XF
CO₂ emissions: 132g/km
Combined economy: 57.6mpg
Top speed: 141mph
0-62mph: 8.4 seconds
Power: 170hp at 3,000rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,400rpm

Inside & Out:

The Mercedes E-Class was never the sharpest looking tool in the box, and the years haven't been kind since its 2009 launch. Admittedly the estate has an old-school charm to it, but the saloon's mix of sharp angles and odd detailing (those lights for example) can't match its rivals for style in our eyes. At least this Executive SE edition looks imposing in black with its 17-inch alloy wheels.

The interior fares better, but again it's no style icon. Everything is incredibly functional and solid, though there's little flair or style. There's loads of space though, and the column change automatic gearbox makes for a relaxing one-handed driving experience.

Ride & Handling:

It's not been designed as a sports car - for that you should look to the firm's AMG models. What it has been made to do is plough up and down our motorway network, carrying its middle manager owner comfortably and efficiently.

And on that score its full marks to the Mercedes. The manually adjustable leather seats are comfortable and the ride generally cosseting, despite its 15mm drop over the standard car's. That's probably down to the relatively small wheels, which see the three-pointed star on the bonnet glide over the tarmac with finesse.

Turn off the M1 motorway onto your number one back road though and its best to continue at a relaxed pace. The body roll, lack of feedback through the wheel and considerable dimensions make the E 220 feel rather cumbersome round the bends.

Engine & Transmission:

No one buys Mercedes-Benz manual gearboxes, not because they're particularly poor, but because the company's automatics are some of the best in the business. The optional seven-speeder in this particular E 220 CDI is no exception, changing gear smoothly and efficiently - it even responds relatively faithfully to the steering wheel mounted paddles.

However, the gruff four-cylinder diesel engine is the weak area of the partnership, and is easily bettered by its competitors. On paper, performance is strong, but in reality it feels a chore to get near those figures.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

This is where this car's saving grace comes into play - economy. Officially the saloon should manage 57.6mpg, and after a week behind the wheel getting an easy 50mpg we can truly believe that's possible. A CO₂ figure of 132g/km is pretty good too, and means annual tax is only £115.

But the Executive SE trim is all about equipment; packing as much in as possible for as little money as possible. And so there's stop-start, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, cruise control, heated leather seats, satnav, climate control, parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring fitted as standard.