Mercedes E-Class
Long-running model is the benchmark in this class, but how does it fare against the newcomer from Genesis?
MODEL TESTED: Mercedes E 200 AMG Line
PRICE: £42,760 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 194bhp
THE Mercedes E-Class is the car to beat here. It represents the establishment in the executive saloon class, with one of the most recognisable name plates in the automotive world. While the model in these images is a diesel-powered E 220 d, we’re comparing the G80 with its closest match in the E-Class line-up: the £42,760 E 200 AMG Line.
Design & engineering
AS with virtually all modern cars, the
E-Class uses a shared platform in its construction. Here it’s called MRA (Modular Rear Architecture), and it uses double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear. All models in the range come with ‘Agility Control’ adaptive dampers as standard, and their response can be stiffened or relaxed via driving modes chosen with a switch on the centre console.
The E 200 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with 194bhp, which means it’s the least powerful model in this test. However, it offers a healthy 320Nm of torque, and the nine-speed automatic gearbox is designed to make the most of it. This model is rear-wheel drive, unlike the four-wheel-drive Genesis and front-drive ES.
The interior is easily described as conventional, but that’s no bad thing. The E-Class has a reserved, smart-looking cabin that feels every bit as upmarket as you would expect of a Mercedes. It uses highquality materials throughout, including tactile wood trim on the dash and centre console, and there are comfortable leather seats and lots of modern kit.
There’s are 10. 25-inch digital dials as standard and a 12.3-inch touchscreen that extends towards the centre of the dash. This has sat-nav, voice control functions, online features and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is included.
The latest E-Class has a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons all over it. They’re a bit fiddly at first, but the split spokes help to group the various functions together, so you get used to it in time.
Driving
THE impressive engineering of the
E-Class shines through in the driving experience. It’s the product of decades of evolution and benefits hugely from that, with a fantastic balance of abilities that makes it the best option here for anyone who loves driving.
The E-Class doesn’t suffer from body roll in corners like the Genesis, because it corners flatly and with lots of composure. The steering is weighted better than the G80’s overly light set-up, yet while it’s on the heavy side, the Lexus strikes the best balance. None of these cars has much steering feel, though.
On the road, the Mercedes is very composed over bumps and potholes – going over a mid-corner imperfection doesn’t upset the balance of the car – and it’s very smooth and relaxed on the motorway. Our test car was fitted with larger 20-inch alloys and had a firm edge at lower speeds, but from experience we know that models on smaller wheels with taller tyre sidewalls are much better. Regardless, the faster you go, the smoother the ride becomes.
While the E 200 has the lowest power output of the three, its 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds isn’t to be
sniffed at, because it’s plenty for getting up to speed. The nine-speed automatic gearbox is by far the best unit in this test. The G80’s eight-speed box is fine for the most part, but a little lacking when you ask more of it, while the Lexus’ CVT introduces a droning engine noise. The E-Class’ gearbox is smooth, shifts quickly and is responsive in nearly every situation. As with the rest of the driving experience, it feels more polished and refined than its rivals’.
Practicality
THE Mercedes is the most practical car of the three. It doesn’t quite have as much legroom in the back as the G80, but it’s roomier than the Lexus, and there’s a bit more headroom than either of its rivals. Plus there’s still more than enough legroom for adults to get comfortable on long trips.
Mercedes also offers the biggest boot of the three. Its 540-litre capacity means there’s loads of space for suitcases and golf clubs in the luggage area. That compares with 424 litres in the Genesis and 454 litres in the Lexus. In-cabin storage is good, with a deep bin in the centre console, decent door bins and a useful cubby just below the main infotainment screen for your phone and other items.
Ownership
MERCEDES took 13th place in the manufacturers’ chart of our 2021 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, which was only three places behind Lexus (Genesis is too new to have featured). The E-Class should be good to own, but it can’t match its rivals for warranty cover, because it only comes with three years’ worth.
Safety is strong; the car scored five stars in its Euro NCAP crash test, with a 95 per cent score in the Adult Protection category. Standard safety equipment is good, but to get the most hi-tech kit you need the Driving Assistance Package, which costs £1,695 and adds active blind-spot assist, active lane keeping, route-based speed adjustment, active steering assist and evasive steering assist.
Running costs
THE official fuel economy figures show that the E 200 is more frugal than the G80. That’s no surprise considering it not only has a smaller engine, but the Mercedes is lighter and is rear-wheel drive rather than four-wheel drive. That means it costs £1,848 a year to fuel against the Genesis’s £2,304, although the Lexus returns 54.3mpg – that’s £1,324 a year.
The Lexus is cheaper to tax as well, saving £10 a year because it’s a hybrid and a further £335 a year because it costs less than £40,000. The E-Class and G80 cost £485 a year in Vehicle Excise Duty for the first five years you pay it.