Mercedes-Benz E-Class 250 CDI SE 7G-Tronic Plus 4dr Car Review - May 2013

Although the E250 engine isn't the most powerful or the sportiest model in the range, it does offer good performance, with the 2.2-litre diesel engine bringing the car from 0-62mph in just 7.7 seconds. The top speed of 149mph also means that it can really eat up the miles while driving at a comfortable speed on the motorway, although at higher speeds the engine does become audible within the cabin. The gearbox is a little slow to respond at times, but this version of the car isn't really aimed at those looking for outright performance.

The driving position is excellent as you would expect from Mercedes-Benz, with the driving seat and steering wheel fully adjustable, although some drivers will be put off by the obligatory Mercedes foot-operated parking brake. The soft suspension that is delivered with this version of the E-Class takes the bumps out of the road, while still keeping the body roll to a minimum and cornering well.

The revamped design of the E-Class has done away with the mounted Mercedes-Benz logo on top of the bonnet and have placed it large and proud at the front of the grille, with the sleek bonnet and narrow headlight clusters improving the look of the car. The Merc also gets a set of attractive alloy wheels that help to ensure the car has a sleek look, while the square chrome exhausts also add to the overall appearance.

The level of equipment is one aspect where this version of the E-Class stands out, with the ultra desirable leather seats and satellite navigation both being included as standard with this level of trim. The car also enjoys cruise control and power heated seats, while climate control helps to keep the car comfortable whatever the temperature outside.

The E-Class is a car that is designed for comfort, and even with four adults riding in the car it offers plenty of space and comfort for everyone, although the large rise in the centre of the car means that the third passenger in the back won't be quite as comfortable. The boot offers plenty of luggage space, but folding seats are only optional, so with this version the load space can't be increased into the back of the car.

The E-Class is one of the safest cars on the market, with a range of electronic aids to help keep the car on the road, and nine airbags to look after driver and passengers alike. The E-Class gets a driver drowsiness detector and the automatic braking facility, which at low speeds helps the driver to avoid accidents. Thanks to the car's wide range of safety kit, it scored the full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

Mercedes-Benz has a great reputation for reliability, and there is no suggestion that the E-Class will fail to live up to this reputation.

While there are less expensive executive saloons on the market, this version of the E-Class is certainly going to be worth considering as its list price of £36,595 delivers a good balance between performance, equipment and cost. The efficiency of the 2.2 litre diesel engine is very good compared with similarly sized cars, offering an average 57.7mpg.

The residual value of the car should remain quite strong, but it suffers from steep insurance costs and the tax isn't quite as cheap as the even more efficient hybrid offering on offer. The E-Class also enjoys a three year unlimited mileage warranty and the superb roadside breakdown package of four years through the Mercedes-Benz network.