Refined Mercedes E Class Is Still A Firm Favourite

Movers and shakers, decision makers and high-fliers love nothing more than a premium badge adorning their motors - and for many, Mercedes (with Android Car Gps) is the top choice. Competition is getting stiffer, though, at the sharp end of the executive car market with plenty of alternatives from Teutonic rivals BMW and Audi and a rejuvenated Jaguar as well as the likes of Lexus and Infiniti from Japan. But the Mercedes E Class saloon has remained a firm favourite with business buyers thanks to a classy combination of comfort and refinement. A facelift a couple of years ago also brought the design bang up to date and saw the introduction of an array of safety equipment. Two distinct body styles give buyers the choice between Merc’s traditional conservative approach in SE trim or the sportier, purposeful trappings of the AMG Night Edition I drove. This version, as the name suggests, takes many of its design cues from the £75,000, 155mph E63 AMG high-performance model.

That means you get exclusive bi-coloured five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, AMG body-styling with glossy black trim, twin stainless steel tailpipes, leather sports seats, a three-spoke multi-function AMG sports steering wheel and brushed stainless steel sports pedals. While you get some of the looks, though, you won’t get the same adrenaline-pumping performance as the flagship flier - but you won’t be grumbling either. The most economical option, other than the diesel hybrid version, it also offers a claimed 64.2 miles per gallon on average, with the help of an unobtrusive automatic start/stop system. Inside, impressive soundproofing keeps occupants well insulated from exterior noise while the standard of fixtures and fittings is what you would expect of a premium motor costing not far shy of £40k. What about install Car DVD? Pliant, soft-touch materials cover most surfaces while a contrasting panel across the dashboard can be specified in wood or aluminium-effect finishes at no extra cost. With no touchscreen functionality on the infotainment display, the extra switches may make the centre console a little busy for some tastes, and some are on the small side. The parking brake is also fiddly, with a pedal to engage and separate lever to release it, but these are minor grumbles. Head and legroom is generous all round and there is plenty of storage for personal effects dotted around the cabin. The boot is spacious enough but subject to the same access limitations as any saloon when compared to a hatchback, and it’s a little disappointing that you have to pay extra for folding rear seats. Equipment levels, though, are top notch and include active parking assist, climate control, sophisticated satnav, internet access, on-board wi-fi, Bluetooth, DAB radio, heated front seats, automatic lights and wipers and headlamps that sense when high beam is needed.

A high level of comfort is an outstanding attribute of all vehicles made by Mercedes-Benz. The main emphasis is on driver-fitness safety and ease of operation. The new-generation Sprinter meets these requirements with fundamentally revised seats, new features for electronic devices and telephones, and a new generation of radios. The standard driver’s seat already has a high level of comfort, with improved upholstery and an intermediate fibre mat between the padding and cover. This fibre mat doubles the level of air permeability, decisively improving climatic seating comfort and therefore driver-fitness safety. The new seat covers have been standardised across the model range, and the head restraints are now fabric-covered. As standard for the Sprinter crewbus and as an option for panel vans and chassis, there are now parcel nets on the rear of the front seat backrests (but not the co-driver bench seat). More and more van drivers are using their own mobile electronic devices, for example navigation systems or MP3 players. For this purpose the Sprinter is now optionally available with a universal interface installed on the dashboard to the left of the instruments. This has the advantage that the devices are safely secured, with connections to the onboard power supply and loudspeakers in the dashboard. The new, wireless hands-free system has a similar purpose and is suitable for Bluetooth telephony. The system‘s microphone is mounted in the front roof area, with speech reproduction via the onboard loudspeakers. A new generation of radios is also used in the Sprinter. These have already proved highly successful in various Mercedes-Benz passenger car series. These units feature a CD or DVD player/changer, AUX connection and connectivity for MP3/WMA/AAC devices.

The E-Class Cabriolet comes with a four-seater design as the Coupe model, using a folding canvas roof for an open air experience. E-Class alternatives, known as CLK, are a simplified line-up of Mercedes Benz. Its name is timely as it gives an open top luxury sedan feel, having a deluxe and welcoming interior and posh exterior. Air turbulence is reduced by the AirCap system, the leather-bound interior has climate control and belt busters to give front seat passengers a relaxing feeling, and rear headrests and AirScarf system keeps the neck warm at all times. Its good value costs good money, with good equipment and quality. It can accommodate four adults sitting comfortably with sculpted rear seats. Luggage for four can also be placed on the boot, when the roof is in place. There is a decent size glove box, centre space, door pockets in the front, and cup holders are provided for at the rear seats. The Air Cap system, featuring a lip that extends from the top of the widescreen with the roof down and directs airflow to the occupants is introduced with the traditional, lighter canvas roof.

The E-Class Cabriolet is one of the most sophisticated open tops, with the roof opening in less than 20 seconds and up o 20 mph and has acoustic qualities when stationary. With the latest technical novelty, a range of economical diesels and powerful petrol are offered with engine options. A little memorization of the control layout of the E-Class lets the user access astonishing features. A single row of buttons along the lower portion of the centre console takes a little familiarization. The main control interface behind the gear lever is easy to manage. Standard alarm and immobilizer system when added up with a tracking system gives security assurance. A pop-up rollover protection, seven airbags, head bags, with Pre-safe that anticipates accidents, Attention Assist that monitors signs of drowsiness from the driver assures safety with the E-Class. Although it is relatively large in size, the E-Class Coupe can be a good deal of fun and excitement. It is sure-footed and quick to respond, keeping scuttle shakes to a minimum. The E-Class Cabriolet can be considered a family car, a child seat is somewhat exasperating to mount and dismount at the rear. Because of its roomy characteristic, classy style and luxurious cost, the E-Class Cabriolet is best for an executive option.