Mercedes-Benz E-Class 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde Auto 4dr Car Review - March 2012

This entry level diesel engine does 0-62mph in 9.5 seconds and can do a top speed of 136mph. Although not as good as the 220 CDI and 250 CDI, the engine is smooth and refined and does its job more than adequately.

The ride is comfortable and it requires very little effort to drive thanks to its light steering. On the motorway the E-Class is most at home, feeling surefooted and relaxed. If its driver involvement you're looking for then you're better off with the 5 Series or Audi A6, both of which are crisper and offer better poise and balance. The E-Class is more suited to comfort and is easily the most luxurious car in the class.

The Mercedes E-Class’ image has been sharpened up with a new shape nose and a headlight redesign. The grille is also much bigger and more upright. LED daytime running lights are positioned low down on the front, giving the front of the car a new aggression that earlier models did not have. The classic Mercedes long bonnet and three pointed star are still there, reminding the buyer that it may be a new look, but it is still a Mercedes at heart.

The interior of the E-Class exudes class; you will find no gimmicks here. It’s spacious, comfortable, and classy without being brash. Dark wood and aluminium trim complement the black interior. Most of the vehicle controls are operated by the central screen and control joystick, leaving the dashboard less cluttered with buttons, adding to the classy look.

Kit wise you get: leather heated front seats, climate control and parking sensors, lowered suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity, and dimming mirrors. Sat-nav will cost you an extra £785, however.

You get a great amount of space in both the front and the rear with the E-Class. Rear legroom is particularly good. The boot holds 540 litres which is 20 more litres than the BMW 5 Series. As well as a good amount of space in the boot there is also lots of storage in the cabin.

The E-Class has had its problems in the past but this has led to the new model being extensively redesigned and thoroughly tested. 21 million development miles later, Mercedes is confident the new car will instil confidence in the brand and in the E-Class.

The E-Class has received a full five star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests so you can rest assured that this is a safe car. You get nine airbags, ABS and stability control fitted as standard. The bonnet pops up in a pedestrian collision and the car can monitor for potential drowsiness at the wheel. On this Avantgarde model the headlights dip automatically.

At £33,240, the E-Class 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is slightly more expensive than its rivals from BMW and Audi although rock-solid residuals will ensure that when you come to sell you should get a good price.

Significant reductions have been made to the engine emissions in the E-Class line-up, and emissions in this model are 136g/km putting it in car tax band E. Fuel economy is also impressive at a combined 55.4mpg.