Some call it estate, others wagon. Generally speaking, it is a body type where the rump extends further from a sedan. The original was conceived with the purpose of creating a bigger boot space.
The segment may not be the most popular in Singapore, but it is certainly a hit in european continents. Eyeing for the same piece of pie is Audi, with the Avant, and BMW with the Touring - all of which speak the same language but in different tones.
Mercedes, though, has let its imagination run wild and went on to create more than mere wagons. The think-tank exercise has spawned the suave-looking CLS (a four-door coupe), and more recently the dashing CLS Shooting Brake.
Exterior
From the looks of it, we can safely say that Mercedes is familiar and, to a certain extent, eloquent in churning out good-looking family carriers.
Compared to the CLS Shooting Brake, the estate gets 'back to basics' with its looks. It retains the boxy, rearward-slung cabin that is aimed for better utility without getting too carried away with a sloping roof.
The segment may not be the most popular in Singapore, but it is certainly a hit in european continents. Eyeing for the same piece of pie is Audi, with the Avant, and BMW with the Touring - all of which speak the same language but in different tones.
Mercedes, though, has let its imagination run wild and went on to create more than mere wagons. The think-tank exercise has spawned the suave-looking CLS (a four-door coupe), and more recently the dashing CLS Shooting Brake.
Exterior
From the looks of it, we can safely say that Mercedes is familiar and, to a certain extent, eloquent in churning out good-looking family carriers.
Compared to the CLS Shooting Brake, the estate gets 'back to basics' with its looks. It retains the boxy, rearward-slung cabin that is aimed for better utility without getting too carried away with a sloping roof.
The latest E-Class range feels more than a mere facelift. The modifications done to its aesthetics are extensive, bestowing the cars with almost brand new looks.
For starters, the LED treatment on the headlamp assembly (standard on Avantgarde models) makes an immediate statement. While we aren't quite sure if the 'arrowhead' design is to our liking, it doesn't look shabby, considering the amount of stares we got during our time spent with the car.
The LEDs do help to create a sharper and more dynamic-looking front profile. Similarly at the rump, the light assemblies create a distinctive, lasting impression from first glance.
For starters, the LED treatment on the headlamp assembly (standard on Avantgarde models) makes an immediate statement. While we aren't quite sure if the 'arrowhead' design is to our liking, it doesn't look shabby, considering the amount of stares we got during our time spent with the car.
The LEDs do help to create a sharper and more dynamic-looking front profile. Similarly at the rump, the light assemblies create a distinctive, lasting impression from first glance.
Interior
Like the many Mercs we have sampled before, the E-Class estate has an almost predictable interior. But that does not, by any extent, mean that it is dull or boring.
The marque's affinity with lacquered-wood trims continues in the estate. The black finish gets a modest sprinkling of aluminium trims, as well as contrasting textures (of glossy wood and soft leather), to accentuate an austere, mature feel.
There is no need to look any closer to operate the controls on the centre console - each is blessed with good readability and well-positioned for easy reach. And like icing on the cake, the estate gets a series of stringed LEDs on the console panels and door cards, which help create a sense of occasion for all on board.
As a proper family estate, the E250 has the capacity to fit five adults with ease. Likewise, there is no lacking of load lugging space - a sumptuous 695 litres compared to 540 litres on the sedan, and is further expandable to 1,950 litres.
If the need arises, the estate can also transform its boot space to fit kids with two foldable seats.
As a proper family estate, the E250 has the capacity to fit five adults with ease. Likewise, there is no lacking of load lugging space - a sumptuous 695 litres compared to 540 litres on the sedan, and is further expandable to 1,950 litres.
If the need arises, the estate can also transform its boot space to fit kids with two foldable seats.
The Drive
The E250 Estate now comes with a 2.0-litre powerplant - a slight 'upgrade' over the 1.8-litre from its forebearer. With the help of forced induction, it will muscle out 211bhp and 350Nm of torque.
Prodding gently on the throttle, the Merc will behave in a refined manner that lives up to its tri-star badge. Even when pushed hard, the E250 seldom feels lacking in power, although there is still a slight hint of lag before the powerplant can muster all its might.
We must say that substantial improvements have been made to the handling of the E-Class. It now feels sharper, and easier to pilot than before. Noteworthy for the estate is that the extra heft is seldom felt at the helm when driven on our city landscape.
Even when carried over bends in a more enthusiastic manner, the supple suspension ensures that the estate will manage with slight body roll - respectable for a car of this genre.
The E250 Estate now comes with a 2.0-litre powerplant - a slight 'upgrade' over the 1.8-litre from its forebearer. With the help of forced induction, it will muscle out 211bhp and 350Nm of torque.
Prodding gently on the throttle, the Merc will behave in a refined manner that lives up to its tri-star badge. Even when pushed hard, the E250 seldom feels lacking in power, although there is still a slight hint of lag before the powerplant can muster all its might.
We must say that substantial improvements have been made to the handling of the E-Class. It now feels sharper, and easier to pilot than before. Noteworthy for the estate is that the extra heft is seldom felt at the helm when driven on our city landscape.
Even when carried over bends in a more enthusiastic manner, the supple suspension ensures that the estate will manage with slight body roll - respectable for a car of this genre.
For all its merits, the Merc does have its shortcomings. The seven-speeder manages with almost seamless cog swops, but the gearbox could have carried more urgency in the way it downshifts, which at times undermines the potency of the engine.
Conclusion
The latest E-Class is clearly an improvement, especially from the driver's point of view. The new car is now easier and more fun to pilot.
On that point, the comprehensive facelift has definitely upped the E-Class appeal against competition in its segment. While so, we reckon the extended rump back will still remain as an acquired taste over its staple sedan counterpart.
Conclusion
The latest E-Class is clearly an improvement, especially from the driver's point of view. The new car is now easier and more fun to pilot.
On that point, the comprehensive facelift has definitely upped the E-Class appeal against competition in its segment. While so, we reckon the extended rump back will still remain as an acquired taste over its staple sedan counterpart.
