The demand for executive sedans may be on the decline, but the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the latest model in a long lineage of upper mid-range vehicles, undoubtedly remains a mainstay model in the German manufacturer’s line-up.
Overseas, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Classs (W124) range consists of sedan, estate and all-terrain estate body styles and is available in mild hybrid and plug-in variants but locally – where the E-Class once was the bestseller in the Mercedes-Benz range – only two derivatives have been made available, the E200 mild-hybrid petrol and the E220d mild-hybrid turbodiesel models.
Even so, the new E-Class has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition (the overall winner and the class winners will be announced later this month), and rightly so, as the E-Class still is a frontrunner in what has become a niche market locally.
In terms of design, the new E-Class retains its predecessors’ classic three-box sedan proportions, with a short front overhang, long bonnet (with powerdomes) and set-back cab, rounded off by a well-proportioned rear overhang. Yet it also displays some Mercedes-EQ traits with a black panel-like surface connecting the grille with the headlamps and high-gloss black inserts.
Our E220d test unit with AMG Line trim sported the progressive three-dimensionally designed grille and optional Digital Light LED headlights with a distinctive day and night light signature. Two separate character lines on the side flow into the rear with two-section LED taillights with an interesting and unique star motif.
INTERIOR TECH OVERLOAD
Inside, the dashboard is a digital experience in its own right, dominated by the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen that appears to float above an active ambient lighting strip, and a control array in the upper section of the door panels matches the look of the glass surfaces of the screens.
The centre console flows into the lower section of the dashboard and the door centre panel, with seat control switches, merges seamlessly into the armrest with a concave sweep. However, besides the vast Superscreen, the standout feature of the luxurious interior is its spaciousness, offering more headroom for the driver, improved kneeroom and legroom for the rear passengers (now close to S-Class levels) and increased luggage capacity of up to 540 litres.
The amount of tech in the interior is overwhelming with (perhaps unnecessary) additions such as sound visualisation (using the ambient lighting and sound resonating transducers), an optional TV screen for the front passenger and Thermotronic automatic climate control.
However, with smaller air vents and more complicated air flow controls, it took longer to cool down the cabin in our hot climate, and it is advisable to use the pre-cooldown function supplied as part of the MBUX system.
SMOOTH POWER
The four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (delivering 145 kW and 440 Nm of torque) starts virtually noiseless and is subdued even at high revs. Supplemented with a 48V mild-hybrid system, power output is elevated to 162 kW for a brief spell, and this helps the E220d to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a respectable 7.5 seconds.
The well-calibrated shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission are nearly undiscernible, but it does hesitate slightly when full power is summoned suddenly. Three drive modes are available, but we mostly kept it in the default “Comfort” setting, as the E220d was quite content in this mode.
The most endearing aspect of the oil-burning E-Class was its unbelievably smooth ride quality. It literally glides over the road – even without the optional Airmatic suspension – and this trait, combined with the smooth, unobtrusive drivetrain and tranquil cabin, makes the E220d a highly comfortable, ideal long-distance cruiser.
This was further augmented by its frugality (in theory, this E-Class variant can travel over 1,300 km on a single tank), and after a week of driving it in mixed road conditions, its average consumption figure stood at 5.6 l/100 km. It is even more fuel-efficient on the open road, where the figure sometimes dropped below 5 l/100 km.
LAST WORD
The Mercedes-Benz E220d offers an appealing blend of luxury, refinement and efficiency. Yes, it is not quite as dynamic as its competitors from Bavaria, but it makes up for this with a stellar drivetrain, exceptional ride quality and advanced technology.
However, all the (somewhat intimidating) tech options can quickly add another R500k to the E220d’s sticker price of R 1,541,260 – as in our test unit with Premium package. Even so, compared to its BMW and Audi rivals, we still prefer the Merc, and it would be a very worthy winner of the COTY competition, although this is probably unlikely in our SUV-mad world.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA
