Sign in

(30)

---

The Mercedes E-Class Estate will have the largest load capacity in its class when it goes on sale in early 2010. With the rear seats folded a huge 1,950 litre load bay is available, and access should be made easy by a low and wide boot lip.

Thanks to the overall length of the E-Class - almost 5 metres - very long objects should fit in too. For sheer space the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series Touring trail, with 1,660 and 1,650 litres respectively.

As with its predecessors, two rear seats can be chosen as an option, turning the E Class Estate into a seven-seater. When not in use they fold into the boot floor.

A significant number of engines will be available at launch, ranging in power from a 181bhp 1.8-litre petrol badged E 200 to a 383bhp 5.5-litre V8 in the E 500.

A four-cylinder 2.2-litre leads the introduction of diesel motors in the UK, badged E 220 and E 250 CDI emitting just 150g/km of CO2 and returning more than 48mpg.

These engines will be joined by the E 350 CDI V6 Blue Efficiency and muscle-car-beating E 63 AMG producing around 525bhp and sprinting from 0-62mph in less than five seconds.

(30)