Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 220 d, car review: Fifth-generation car shows it’s still accelerating
Handling is serene, like the engine response
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Your support makes all the difference.If you heard the E-Class we tested could return 72.4mpg while emitting only 102g/km of CO2 you’d imagine, quite sensibly, that we’re talking about a hybrid model. But we’re not. This new 2.0-litre turbodiesel can still propel you to nearly 150mph and has a proper range on its tank of diesel.
Naturally, like every, next-version, this fifth-generation E-Class is bigger. In fact it’s 43mm longer, and 65mm longer in the wheelbase. It also has lost something like 100kg thanks to new ultra-high strength steel body and aluminium engine.
These numbers add up to a vehicle that sits neatly between the verve of the C-Class and the opulence of the S-Class. On the move, that new engine is noticeable by its silence. It hums quietly away to itself, while being capable of delivering 192bhp. With 295lb ft of torque, there’s no need to thrash the four-pot anyway, but the standard nine-speed automatic transmission keeps everything subdued.
This means it shifts early and seamlessly, yet the engine has the grunt to deal with this happily. If you were to be doing 80mph on a long journey, then the rev counter wouldn’t even be troubling the 2000rpm mark.
The British-market cars will have comfort suspension with steel springs and passive dampers. The whole has been dropped by 15mm, although the car we tried was fitted with the full ABC air suspension kit, which adds another £1495 to the price. We think it’s worth it.
Handling is serene, like the engine response. It copes with most conditions really well without being particularly exciting – but drama probably isn’t something most owners are looking for. However, should the driver wish to relax even more he can turn on Drive Pilot which can handle quite a lot of chores, like keeping in a lane or even changing lane.
The cabin is really nearer that of the S-Class than anything else. It really is that good, that luxurious, that refined. There is plenty of space, which has increased now with that increase in wheelbase and overall length. Standard equipment includes parking sensors, camera, self-parking, sat-nav and more.
This is even better than the last E-Class, combining C-Class and S-Class, as well as hybrid-levels of emissions, in one luxurious, classy package. It also comes at a good time, with both the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series, both serious competitors, starting to show signs of ageing. The E 220 d will be available from May and in SE guise will cost from £35,935. The AMG Line version will be £38,430, and other models will follow, including a hybrid.
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