Model tested: Mercedes E350 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport 4dr
Price: £42,840
Date tested: October 2009
Road tester: Andy Goodwin

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 84%
Niggling faults caused many owners of the previous E-Class to question the reliability of modern Mercedes'. The new model has been honed to win doubters back though; can it impress us?

1. Looks
The nose of the all-new E-Class has been sharpened up with a headlight redesign and bigger, more upright grille. LED daytime running lights add some drama to the front, which is much more aggressive than before.
8/10

2. Looks inside
There's nothing gimmicky about the E-Class cabin; it's spacious and comfortable and exudes class. The seats are comfortable over long distances and most of the controls are operated by a central screen and control joystick, leaving the dashboard less cluttered.
8/10

3. Practicality
There's excellent space for front and rear occupants, with rear legroom particularly good. The boot holds 540 litres of luggage and there are plenty of places to store items in the cabin.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The E-Class is available with conventional or air suspension, the former in standard or firmer Sport guises. There are 16, 17 or 18-inch wheels too, so the ride can vary a lot. Our car rode comfortably and felt hugely surefooted.
9/10

5. Performance
The V6 350 CDI we tested has 228bhp and a massive 398lb/ft of pulling power, helping it hit 60mph in 6.8 seconds. The acceleration is impressive, especially at higher speeds.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
Significant reductions have been made to engine emissions, with some models improved by as much as 23 per cent. The new four-cylinder diesel models are particularly impressive, with emissions of 139g/km and economy of 54.3mpg leading the way in the 200 CDI.
8/10

7. Reliability
After 21 million development miles involving more than 400 test cars, Mercedes is confident the new car will instill confidence in the brand.
8/10

8. Safety
Nine airbags, ABS and ESP are standard. The bonnet pops up in a pedestrian collision and the car can monitor for potential drowsiness at the wheel.
10/10

9. Equipment
Entry-level SE models get 16-inch alloys, leather-style trim, heated front seats, climate control and parking sensors. Avantgarde cars have lowered suspension, 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, xenon headlights and dimming mirrors. Sport models add speed-sensitive steering, drilled brake discs, sports suspension and 18-inch AMG alloy wheels.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The latest E-Class is a return to form for Mercedes. Rather than ape the competition, it's carving out its own niche as the most comfortable and refined German luxury saloon.
9/10