Used Mercedes E-Class Saloon 2009-2016 review

The Mercedes E-Class is a key staple in the German's brand's range, even if some could argue that this executive car been pushed down the list in recent years as SUVs rise towards the top.

This generation of E-Class, produced between 2009 and 2016, is considered by some as the best of them all, thanks to its great comfort and build quality. And as a used buy, there's certainly a lot of value on show.

Engines & Performance: Some of the weaker engines – the 134bhp 2.1-litre diesel and 184bhp petrol, for instance – feel a tad, well, weak. The 2.1-litre diesel is a bit noisy and unrefined, too. Other engines, particularly the V6 and V8 engines, are very strong and powerful, though.

You can also get this E-Class as a diesel hybrid. It does use the rather underwhelming 2.1-litre diesel, but its electrical assistance gives it some extra punch and refinement.

Ride & Handling: Be careful around sportier models fitted with stiffer suspension and larger wheels, because the ride quality in these can be jarring. However, choose a more laid-back E-Class – SE and Avantgarde versions fit the bill – and you’ll enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride that’s exactly as a Mercedes should be.

The E-Class isn't an outright driver's car and, bar the hot E63 AMG variant, there isn't tons of fun and engagement to be had. However, the E-Class handles tidily enough, giving you confidence when the road gets twisty.

Interior & Practicality: Inside, the E-Class has a real sense of solidity about it. That said, some of the dashboard plastics feel a little tinny, and aren’t up to the standard of the high-quality Audi A6. Meanwhile, the central infotainment system lags behind BMW’s iDrive for ease of use.

The boot is the same size as that of the A6 and Jaguar XF, but not all models came with split-folding rear seats, so if you need this feature be sure to check it is included.

Trims & Equipment: Before a 2013 facelift, the E-Class range was divided into SE, Avantgarde and Sport trim levels – it’s the former two which offer the best ride quality. Opt for SE and you’ll be restricted to a four-cylinder engine – the 2.1-litre diesel and 1.8-litre petrol.

Post-facelift Sport became AMG Sport or AMG Line, both of which have large alloy wheels and somewhat reduce ride comfort. All models also benefitted from improved specifications and safety equipment, making these the ones to go for if your budget allows.

Interested in buying a used Mercedes E-Class? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

You can buy a used Mercedes E-Class for around £5000 and, for the money, you'll see a variety of examples, from high milers that perhaps have beefy engines to low milers that feature modest trims.

For the hybrid, have at least £8000 to spend and if you fancy a E63 AMG you'll need upwards of £15,000.

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There was a good reason that diesel E-Class Saloons were so popular: they are the most affordable E-Class to run. In fact, driven carefully you can expect as much as 50mpg out of an E200 BlueEfficiency diesel, or 46mpg out of the E220, which uses the same 2.1-litre engine but with more power. That’s more efficient even than the E300 Hybrid in normal motoring.

If you do want a petrol car the 1.8-litre entry level model used for pre-facelift E200s needs to be worked so hard that you’ll struggle to get decent economy; better to opt for the post-facelift E200 with its 2.0-litre unit.

For servicing, once the car is out of warranty you will be able to reduce costs by using an independent Mercedes specialist, because franchised Mercedes dealers don’t offer a fixed-price servicing scheme for older cars like BMW and Audi do. Even then, don’t count on it being as affordable as a mainstream model such as a Ford or a Skoda.

Before the 2013 facelift, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class range was divided into SE, Avantgarde and Sport trim levels, and as we’ve already discussed, it’s the former two which offer the best ride quality. Opt for SE and you’ll be restricted to a four-cylinder engine; for most, the 2.1-litre diesel will provide the best blend of performance and economy, but it’s pretty noisy, which is why we recommend upgrading to the larger V6 diesel if you can.

Post-facelift Sport became AMG Sport or AMG Line, both of which have large alloy wheels that do nothing for ride comfort. All models also benefitted from improved specifications and safety equipment, making these the ones to go for if your budget allows. If you fancy more power and can stomach the higher running costs the V6 engines are well worth a look.

Our favourite Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 2013-on E350 CDI SE

The BMW 5 Series is the benchmark saloon in this class thanks to its blend of comfort and driver enjoyment. It’s not quite as spacious as the E-Class, but otherwise well worth a look, particularly as BMW’s 2.0-litre diesel engine is so much quieter than the Mercedes alternative.

Jaguar’s XF also beats the Mercedes when it comes to an involving drive, but while the interior lacks nothing in drama it is not as well built as the Mercedes’. Finally there’s the Audi A6, which comes closest to the Mercedes in its comfort-oriented approach, but still can’t quite match the car with the three-pointed star on its bonnet. It is, however, cheaper to buy meaning you’ll get a newer or lower-mileage example for your money.

Interested in buying a used Mercedes E-Class? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.