Mercedes-Benz E220d 2016 review

It's always a big deal when Merc launches an E-Class. While it's not the biggest selling car locally for the brand – take a bow, C-Class – it always represents an important technological step forward for the three-pointed star.

For this generation of E-Class, the tech angle is even more important, with the German juggernaut pronouncing that the large sedan would take over the reins as the company's innovations leader; a role traditionally filled by the limousine-like S-Class.

The E-Class, then, is a snapshot into the future of Mercedes-Benz's products, as the tech will be eventually rolled out down and across the brand's other lines. And if this is what's coming, Merc's rivals ought to be paying close attention.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class E200 and E220d 2016 review

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Design

We're testing the E220d entry-level diesel variant that's been up-specced with an AMG bodykit, larger 20-inch rims and air suspension, and it's a bloody good looking car.

Some of Merc's recent designs have been quite… interesting, shall we say, especially in and around the A-Class variants. Its top sellers, though, like the C-Class and the GLC SUV, don't stray too far from the formula of elegant, understated sophistication.

The E-Class fits that brief to a tee. It's physically larger in length and wheelbase than the old car, though it is narrower. With the extra- large 20-inch rims, it's in perfect proportion, too. 

Want an even more traditional look? Opt for the no-cost Exclusive Line grille and badge package, or, like our tester, dress it up with a subtle bodykit that draws the car lower to the ground and broadens its flanks.

There's also an Avantgarde (Merc's spelling) kit that straddles the line between the two.

A long, pronounced bonnet line that sets the cabin back is finished by an almost coupe-like rear end, while LED lights front and rear are traditionally shaped.

Practicality

As a sizable four-door sedan, the E-Class offers a large amount of room in the cabin for five people, despite losing a few millimetres in width over the old car.

Three adults can sit comfortably across the back seat, though leg room is compromised a little thanks to the transmission tunnel.

Front seat passengers, though, get the best of it, with supportive yet sumptuous buckets that are powered, heated and vented and a truly space-age vista laid out in front of them.

A dual screen dashboard layout is the epitome of new tech, but curiously there is still a sense of old-school refinement in the very vertical arrangement of the screens.

Merc's polarising column-mounted gear stalk remains a staple.

The instrument screen can be configured in three main ways to customise the view, while the steering wheel sports capacitive (touch sensitive) buttons – a bit like the control on an old Blackberry phone, actually – to take care of major controls.

It takes a little getting used to, and a little fiddling to get it all to your liking, but once it's set, you don't tire of looking at it. A large control pad lives on the centre console, and you can scribe letters with your finger to prompt commands as well.

Merc's polarising column-mounted gear stalk remains a staple, though, which won't be to everyone's taste.

Even though the E220d is an entry level car, there's a whole lot of high-level tech installed as standard, including high-level autonomous driving capability, a next-generation self-parking system that controls throttle, brakes and gears, and an almost bewildering array of safety tech.

In terms of real-world practicality, there is plenty of storage space up front, including two cup holders in the centre console, bottle holders in the doors (though a lack of dividers means they can fall over) and two cup holders in the armrest of the 40/40/20 split/fold rear seat.

A pair of ISOFIX mounts are mounted on the outside seats, along with three traditional tethers on the parcel shelf, while a 12V socket and air vents are supplied for rear seaters.

A large 540 litre boot features seat back flippers and an electric opener, but there is no spare tyre hiding under the floor; the Merc makes do with run-flat tyres instead.

Price and features

While its starting price of $92,900 before on road costs (a $10,000 increase over the previous E-Class diesel) puts it out of the reach of many, the standard equipment level in the E200d means that it is actually a relative bargain.

Ambient LED interior lighting, COMAND multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electric handbrake, air-conditioned glovebox, memory seats with imitation leather trim, automatic LED headlights and wipers, automatic parking, 360-degree camera, adaptive brakes… the list is long.

It simply doesn't feel or sound like an oil-burner in any way, shape or form.

Vital safety elements like auto emergency braking (AEB), a driver's assistance package with cross traffic detection, evasive steering assist, active blind spot monitoring, lane keeping and Active Lane Change Assist are also included.

Its option list is long, too, and includes items like wireless device charging and a digital TV tuner.

Engine and transmission

One of the E220d's selling points, though, is its excellent powertrain. The all-new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel makes its debut in the E220d, and it's a portent of things to come from the brand.

It puts out 143kW and a healthy 400Nm in a manner that completely belies its diesel heritage – it simply doesn't feel or sound like an oil-burner in any way, shape or form.

It's eerily quiet, as smooth as glass under acceleration and offers a wave of solid torque from almost no revs that makes merging onto highways a no-thought process.

Merc's latest nine-speed automatic transmission is the perfect companion, too, offering seamless, invisible shifts.

Fuel consumption

Despite the fact the E220d weighs 1680kg (75kg lighter than the previous model, incidentally), the claimed economy figure is just 4.1 litres per 100km.

Over a shortened review loop of 220km, we recorded a dash-indicated figure of 5.1L/100km.

There's a slight vagueness from the air suspension set-up that takes the top edge off the E220d's abilities.

The E220d holds a relatively small 50 litres of diesel, but it still has a range well in excess of 1000km from a single tank.

Driving

With the optional 20-inch wheels and air suspension of our test example taken into account, the E220d is a sterling handler, with excellent steering feel, plenty of effortless oomph under the right foot and a sophisticated, vice-free ride for its passengers.

From the driver's seat, there's a slight vagueness from the air suspension set-up that takes the top edge off the E220d's abilities, but thanks to the car's ability to – literally – drive itself, it makes for an almost perfect commuting companion over a longer trip.

The lane keeping system, for example, allows you to remove your hands for up to a minute (strictly illegal in Australia, of course!), but it only works well if the road line markings are up to par. The radar cruise system is among the most seamless and refined we've used, too.

The lane keeper function works with the driver to keep the E-Class tracking along with less minute inputs from the nut behind the wheel, which makes the job of driving easier.

The controls are well-placed and reasonably intuitive (this would only improve with more time behind the wheel, too), and the digital dash is simple to read.

Safety

The E220d is literally laden with safety kit, earning it a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating. Nine airbags and a comprehensive suite of electronics are complemented by high-function tech like brake dryers, pre-side impact collision and crosswind assist.

Ownership

Mercedes-Benz offers a range of maintenance plans for its customers, including a Silver Service and Platinum Service plan that can be purchased to cover a car for up to five years or 125,000km. A three-year, unlimited kilometre warranty also applies.