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The new Mercedes E-Class Estate has gone on sale, offering class-leading load capacity from £29,785.

With the rear seats up the new Mercedes E-Class Estate has 695 litres of load space, increasing to 1950 litres with the seats lowered. There is a further 112 litres of load space in a compartment under the boot floor and rear self-levelling suspension is standard.

Seven engines are offered: three diesel and four petrol. Most boast Blue Efficiency technology, for improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

Most economical is the E220 CDI: the 2.2-litre diesel returns 49.6mpg whilst emitting 150g/km. The petrol line-up starts with the E200 CGI and provides 35.8 mpg and 184 g/km.

A fourth diesel engine will be available by the summer. Dubbed the world's cleanest diesel engine, the E350 Blue Tec meets EU-6 standards not due to come into effect until 2014.

The E-Class Estate is available in three trim levels. Standard SE provides aluminium trim, parking sensors, 16-inch alloys and low rolling resistant tyres.

For a £2,495 premium, Avantgarde includes leather upholstery, lowered suspension, LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. For a further £1,500, Sport trim adds AMG body-styling, sports suspension, sports seats, an AMG 3-spoke steering wheel, brushed aluminium trim and 18-inch AMG alloy wheels.

The Mercedes E-Class Estate is a £1,750 premium over the equivalent saloon, with prices ranging from £29,785 for the E200 CGI Blue Efficiency to £73,855 for the top of the range E 63 AMG Estate when it is released in March.

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