REVIEW | Mercedes E220d is polished but pricey

Sedans are becoming less relevant in an automotive landscape dominated by high-riding SUVs and crossovers, so the arrival of a new generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class is perhaps greeted with less excitement than in previous years.

That is to take nothing away from the excellence of the new four-door executive car from the triple-pointed star. For motorists who seek a luxurious drive without needing to sit a couple of centimetres higher, the latest E-Class presents a compelling choice.

The E-Class and its predecessors are the most popular model series in Mercedes history with more than 17-million sold since 1946 and the latest generation, internally designated the W214, was launched in South Africa in June. It arrived in two rear-wheel drive guises: the E200 and E220d mild hybrid models respectively powered by four-cylinder 2l petrol and diesel engines integrated with starter-generators.

The petrol and diesel models have similar pricing and on test is the diesel E220d AMG Line selling at R1,442,037.

The design of the latest E-Class is inspired by Mercedes’ range of EQ electric models with a high-gloss black panel-like surface that connects the radiator grille with the headlamps. It’s a dynamic-looking thing far removed from any frumpy sedan image of old and adding a playful twist are LED tail lights styled with the Mercedes-Benz star motif. Flush-fitting door handles pop out when the car is unlocked.

The AMG Line costs R105,000 more than the standard Avantgarde trim by virtue of sportier front and rear aprons and AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, AMG Line embellishments include sport seats with pronounced side bolsters and a multifunction sport steering wheel in Nappa leather which is flat at the bottom.

As an option the front passenger has their own infotainment screen. (Denis Droppa)

A glitzy space ship-like dashboard has a digital instrument panel and a giant central touchscreen and the test car had the optional MBUX Superscreen (a R64,000 option) which extends the length of the dashboard and provides the front passenger with their own touchscreen including a selfie and video camera. It allows the front passenger to watch content such as video streaming on the move without disturbing the driver.

The digital flashiness is set inside a rich-feeling cabin with ribbed leather seats, open pore ash wood and smart metallic garnishes. Interior space is excellent in a sedan that has grown over its predecessor to offer more leg and headroom.

The boot is a capacious 540l and the split-folding rear seats flip down at the press of a button to create extra cargo space, with the bootlid electrically operated.

The new E-class comes with an expanded list of standard luxuries including navigation, heated front seats and MBUX multimedia system. LED headlamps with adaptive high beam assist are part of the standard fare, while extra money gets you the optional digital lights that have a projection function and constantly adjust the illumination of the road to the lighting conditions, traffic situation and the weather.

As usual with German executive cars, a lot of the top-line gizmos cost extra. Aside from the aforementioned options, features such as a panoramic sunroof (a regular sized sunroof comes standard), massaging front seats and a 360° camera are add-ons.

Another optional extra in the test car was a Burmester premium audio system with 4D sound that has speakers built into the front seats to thump bass into your body with adjustable intensity, accompanied by a nightclub-style active ambient lighting system that visualises the music being played.

Tail lights are styled with the Mercedes-Benz star motif. (Denis Droppa)

Driving the E220d is an impressively refined experience. Acoustic glazing insulates the cabin from exterior noise and the big vehicle cruises in silence. You can barely tell the soft-spoken sedan is a diesel, except for when you floor it and awaken higher revs, upon which it conjures a quietly sporty note rather than anything agricultural.

With 145kW of power with an additional 17kW provided by electric boost, the 2.0l engine is a responsive and smooth performer, with plenty of get up and go that is not marred by turbo lag. There are selectable modes to extract more oomph or better economy from the powertrain. The test car averaged a frugal 6.1l 100km, putting the E220d in pole position as the pick of the new E-class range in performance/running costs ratio.

As standard the E-Class comes with steel springs and Agility Control suspension that uses a selective damping system to automatically adjust to road conditions and driving style. The optional R64,000 Engineering Package with air suspension and rear-wheel steering allowed us to experience the fullness of the comfortable ride and sharp handling. The ride quality was superb and the big sedan wafted placidly over undulating roads. It would have been even waftier with standard 19" tyres instead of the pothole-unfriendly low-profile 21" rubber optionally fitted.

The handling is agile for a large car and it turns into corners with a sharp, pressed-down feel out of kilter with its heavy 1.9 tonnes. The E-Class is an executive sedan with a focus on luxury but as a driver’s car it is equal to the task.

If there is one word to describe the new E-Class, it is polished. For those who don’t need a larger S-Class to parade, the E220d is an exceptional luxury sedan that throws great fuel economy into the bargain.

It is expensive, however, costing between R200k-R300k more than its BMW and Audi rivals.

Tech Specs

Engine

Type: Turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Capacity: 2.0l
Power: 162kW
Torque: 440Nm

Transmission

Type: Nine-speed auto

Drivetrain

Type: Rear-wheel drive

Performance

Top speed: 238km/h
0-100km/h: 7.6 sec (claimed)
Fuel Consumption: 5.0l/100km (claimed); 6.1l/100km (as tested)
Emissions: 129g/km

Standard features

Adaptive suspension, electric windows, ABS brakes, stability control, adaptive cruise control, seven airbags, lane change assist, climate control, navigation, remote central locking, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps with high-beam assist, rear parking camera, sunroof, artificial leather upholstery, electric front seats with heating, MBUX infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, driving modes, voice control, touch screen infotainment system, wireless smartphone charger

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