The Estate variant has become a common phenomenon along Mercedes Benz’s trims and models. As with the C-Class, the E-Class Estate is offered by the Germany Car maker as a special make designed to give that family appeal within the car maker’s car portfolio. Mercedes Benz rolls out the brand in both diesel and petrol options. On the diesel option as of the year 2005, are the following models; the E220 CDI with 4 cylinder in line, delivering 125kW and 170 horsepower, with a fuel consumption of between 5.7 and 5.8 L for every 100km travelled; the E250 CDI delivering 150kW and consuming same fuel using an automatic transmission, as on the E220 model; the E350 CDI capable of churning out 170kW power and 204 horsepower of torque. Unlike the former two models, the E350 CDI uses a seven-speed automatic transmission. For the power of the engine, a fuel consumption of between 7.0 and 7.3 L is consumed for travelling 100km.

The petrol line up for the period ending 2005 consists of the following models; the E250 CDI and the E500 CDI models. The E350 model CDI model delivers 215kW power and a torque of 292 horsepower, while fuel consumption-wise, you would expect higher figures for the fact that it’s a petrol variant. A seven speed automatic gearbox is mated to both the E350 petrol and the E500 petrol variant. Power in the E500 petrol variant is 285kW and torque is 388 hp, while fuel consumption registers a higher figure than the E350 which records between 8.6 and 8.9 L for 100km, while the E500 records a figure of between 11.1 and 11.2 L for 100km.

Mercedes Benz adds on five more models on the E-Class Estate range, from March 2010 and the portfolio included both diesel and petrol variants. On the petrol variant list is the E200, E250 and the E350, while the diesel portfolio consists of two models; the E200 and the E350. The diesel E200 uses a 6 speed automatic gearbox, while power is measured at 100kW and torque at 136 hp. The diesel E350 does better in terms of torque than the diesel E200. It delivers 170kW and 183 hp and has a fair fuel consumption of 7.7 l for every 100km, while the E200 consumes 5.7 L per 100km. The 2010 petrol variants perform better in terms of power and torque delivery.

The E-class has a very good list of options to choose from both in terms of engine variants and also style and appeal. The E220 is the entry level on the diesel option list. Like the Estate variant in the C-Class, the diesels are best suitable for easy cruising and carrying capacity than rushing around. Its steering is accurate and the manual transmission is easy enough. The interior of the Mercedes Benz E-Class Estate offers plushy comfort. The firm cushions in the car provide exceptional support and comfort. The rear seat passengers have loads of head- and legroom either side, and the suspension is perfect.

When it comes to storage and boot space, the Estate is a winner, boasting of a 695 Liter capacity with the seats in their place and an unbelievably fantastic 1950 l with the seats folded. Easy control of the Estate is through many functions that include the electronically operated tailgate for access to the boot. Also offered optionally is an additional pair of rear seats, specifically designed for kids due to their small size. These features then turn the E-Class Estate into a useful occasional seven-seater.

Modern features on the Estate include the climate control, the Bluetooth telephone connection, alloy wheels, rain sensing wipers, an electric adjustment on the drivers’ seat and heated front seats. The BlueEfficiency technology on the Estate brings about sensible fuel consumption and also saves to reduce emissions.

Other notable features that are quite mesmerizing are the nine airbags, the ATTENTION ASSIST which notifies the driver when they are getting tired or drowsy. There is the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control and the optional PRE-SAFE® Brake, which is able to initiate partial and full emergency braking autonomously. Added to the safety portfolio are the four belt tensioners and belt force limiters, and NECK-PRO crash-responsive head which save as restraints for the driver and front passenger. The safety of Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is enhanced by the newly developed DIRECT CONTROL suspension, which features the adaptive damping system as standard.

The standard self-levelling rear suspension is designed to ensure that the car always remains at the same level, even when fully laden. It is a definite easy choice when it comes to family life style, but its elegance also still provides an appeal to many settings.