SO there goes another record and its Mercedes beating Mercedes in the frugal stakes.
The last Mercedes was a diesel powered coupe and as soon as I switched it on the distance to empty read and incredulous 915 miles.
When the E220d arrives I can’t wait to see how many miles are in the tank only to be rewarded with a staggering 941. That’s job done then in my eyes and I haven’t even turned a wheel.
When I do turn a wheel it’s a cross country sojourn of 160 miles and it barely puts a dimple in the fuel supply thanks to an average miles per gallon readout of 68.9.
Any thoughts of driving economically go out of the window – I’m going to enjoy myself – and it’s still reading 65.7 by the end of the day. Wonderful.
What is also wonderful, well, is pretty much everything come to think of it – I love this car, it’s a class act, an E Class act to be precise.
A neighbour homes in on it straight away – he drives a Mercedes cabriolet – but he thinks it’s an S Class.
Easy mistake to make because the E oozes the same amount of quality and presence as its larger sibling.
The new look is smart and sporty, really aerodynamic and attractive. I love the new nose complete with grille and sleek lights, as well as the rear light cluster and curvaceous rump. Larger AMG spoke wheels finish off the aesthetic perfectly making it a very striking, elegant and eye-catching saloon. If you have a garage you are never going to use it as the new E Class is definitely a car you will want on show in the gravel drive.
If the exterior is stylish then the interior is an utter masterpiece of design. The whole dashboard is digital with virtual clocks for the driver, huge touchscreen in the centre and even a virtual display in front of the passenger to make them feel more involved.
Quality of design, fit and finish is truly exemplary leaving you feeling special in every way, but it is also intuitive and easy to use when it comes to operating myriad functions. My tip is to sit in the drive, stick on your favourite music, which will pump through the brilliant audio system, and have a long and happy play with the touchscreens. Even the buttons on the steering wheel are operated with a light touch.
To have fun you don’t even need to leave home but you are going to want to when you hear how good the E Class is to drive.
The super-efficient 2.0 turbo diesel comes with clean technology, amazing economy and a level of refinement that belies its oil burning powerplant. It is smooth and very powerful with deep lungs for safe overtaking and spookily quiet cruising ability.
I’ve driven E Class for generations and they have always been large and accommodating yet the latest feels sharp and agile, is easy to manoeuvre and park. It is definitely sporty yet cosseting as well and you just don’t seem to feel tired no matter how hard you drive or how far you travel. The 160 miles trip feels like a flit round the block and I feel disappointed when I pull in my drive that the foray is over.
In fact I try and manufacture reasons to take it out again – “do you fancy nipping to the other side of the country to see your friends,” I offer the boy and he looks back at me in shock and awe. Any excuse to get behind the wheel again and use up some of its 941 mile range.
Anyone who believes diesels have had their day needs to think again and they can’t have had a go in the latest Mercedes.
Fact File
Mercedes E220d AMG Line Premium Plus
Engine: 2.0 diesel
Power: 197hp
0-62mph: 7.6secs
Top speed: 148mph
Combined MPG: 58.9
Transmission: nine-speed auto
CO2 g/km: 131
Price: £68,870
