As of: March 18, 2024, 9:30 a.m
By: Volker Pfau
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The E-Class is probably the most important series for Mercedes-Benz.
If it's great, the people of Untertürkheim are doing well.
We drove the E 220d in everyday life.
With newly launched series it is sometimes difficult to recognize the typical design.
Not so with the new E-Class from Mercedes-Benz.
This problem of recognizing the brand essence does not arise here: the star is everywhere.
From the radiator to the taillight you can find the trident, the symbol for motorization on land, water and in the air.
Everything is ready for a journey through the stars in the all-wheel drive diesel entry-level model.
The designers have cleverly concealed the length of the 4.95 meter Mercedes.
It's reminiscent of the S-Class, but thanks to this trick the E 220d doesn't feel as big and powerful.
Visually, it is a sedan just below the luxury class, but offers almost everything you would find in the luxury segment.
Perfect understatement.
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Superscreen dominates the interior of the E-Class
The cockpit is dominated by the Superscreen, three interconnected screens, whereby the rightmost screen is reserved exclusively for the person in the passenger seat and can only be operated if this seat is actually occupied.
After all, the person in the driver's seat shouldn't be distracted.
Cockpit of the new E-Class with superscreen for driver and front passenger.
© Mercedes Benz
Commands and settings are carried out via the steering wheel, the center screen with a clear menu structure or the very attentive MBUX system.
The center console is reserved for storage compartments.
Mercedes E220d in the test: There is a growling engine sound in sport mode
The turbodiesel is so refined and quiet that passengers repeatedly ask whether this is really a car with a diesel engine.
Is it.
And a pretty powerful one at that with 197 hp as well as an additional 23 hp boost from the mild hybrid and a maximum torque of 440 Nm at just 1800 rpm.
That's enough for a maximum of 234 km/h.
Long-distance comfort is available thanks to the nine-speed automatic transmission and the air suspension suspension, which is subject to a surcharge (for 2790 euros in the technology package).
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If you prefer a slightly growlier sound, choose the Sport driving mode.
In addition to the more audible engine, this also offers a more direct throttle response and a firmer chassis.
However, if you want to drive really fast with a star on your hood, you can find what you're looking for with the SL 63 at Mercedes-Benz.
E220d parks like a compact car thanks to rear-wheel steering
The E 220d is a very pleasant mile-eater that allows you to cover long stretches in a relaxed manner.
But the E 220d can also be moved confidently on smaller streets and especially in urban areas and, above all, parked easily.
This is due to the rear-axle steering (included in the technology package), thanks to which the sedan can be maneuvered like a compact car and which we found to be very helpful.
The trunk of the E 220d is very deep and can hold up to 540 liters of luggage.
© Mercedes Benz
The rather deep trunk swallows 540 liters.
An additional storage compartment under the trunk floor and a folded shopping basket placed there offer additional loading and transport solutions.
Little criticism of the Mercedes E-Class
Seriously, there is nothing to criticize about the E-Class.
So we once again point out the typical Mercedes peculiarities that take some getting used to, such as the combination of indicator, windshield wiper, steering column lever and the steering wheel that is overloaded with too many functions and slides and controls that are far too small.
The Mercedes E 220d impressed in the test with its low consumption.
© Mercedes Benz
On the other hand, there is praise for consumption.
The regular gas station attendant will soon no longer know you, because we achieved ranges of over 1200 kilometers with one tank of fuel.
If you travel at the recommended speed, you can do this easily.
Otherwise, we recorded values of around 5.5 liters, which is still very good for a car in this category.
In Eco mode, we achieved fuel consumption of 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers on an economy drive.
Even if the E-Class could be the last with a combustion engine, fans of diesel and gasoline engines can hope: the farewell to the combustion engine is not yet final.
Special requests quickly drive up the price
When it comes to the overall system, however, things are different: the E 220d costs from just under 60,000 euros.
If you check too many boxes when configuring, you will have to add half the purchase price again.
However, you also have to dig similarly deep into your pockets for the competitor: the new 5 Series from BMW is priced at the same level.
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Conclusion: The Mercedes E 220d is a car for relaxed travel.
It offers a bit of understatement, a lot of space for people and luggage, lots of technical refinements and low consumption.
Before you can embark on your star journey, however, you have to pay a hefty price.