2016 Mercedes-Benz E200 new car review

Now is a not a good time to be a sedan.

The traditional 'three-box' shape has fallen out of favour as the masses flock to the cult of SUV. But if there is any sedan to get excited about in 2016 then this might be it - the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

That's because the German giant has thrown everything it knows about building cars at this new large, luxury four-door. It has its latest design, engineering and, most importantly, technology to create the best of Benz. The company calls it its most advanced car ever - that's a lot of pressure for any new model, let alone one competing in a shrinking segment (large luxury sedan sales are down 19 per cent year-to-date, according to the August sale data).

So, can this new E-Class not only live up to the hype but is it good enough to win back buyers from SUVs? We tested the base-model E200 to find out.

What do you get?

The E200 (priced from $89,900 plus on-road costs) kicks off a five tier line-up that includes the E220d ($92,900), E300 ($107,900), E350d ($134,900) and E400 ($139,900).

While it may be the entry-level model in the range it still comes with plenty of standard equipment. Included in the cost are 18-inch alloys, faux leather trim, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, navigation and surround view parking cameras with sensors.

The real standout though is the amount of active safety technology that comes standard, including Mercedes' Drive Assistance package Plus that is the brand's closest step yet to autonomous driving. Drive Pilot is a semi-autonomous function that can control the car's speed, steering and distance to the car in front while adaptive cruise control and self-parking technology are also standard.

The E-Class range is covered by Mercedes' capped price servicing program, which calls for maintenance every 25,000km//12 months. While those intervals are long the services aren't cheap (the second and third years cost $1072 each) so over the first three years you will spend $2680 keeping the E200 maintained.

Another catch is the forecasted re-sale. According to industry analysts Glass's Guide the E200 will only retain 46 per cent of its value in three years, which is at the low end of our scale.

What's inside?

You'd be forgiven for thinking you stepped into an S-Class when you first climb aboard. This latest generation E-Class boasts the same technology and luxury as the brand's flagship limousine that makes the cabin feel as good as anything in not only its class but also the segment above.

The E200 gets the same 'widescreen cockpit' as the S-Class; a pair of 12-inch digital screens that act as the dashboard and infotainment display. They not only look cutting-edge but are easy to use too.

The rest of the interior lives up to that same standard, blending the latest in technology with Mercedes' history of building comfortable cars. All of the switchgear has been updated to be more smartphone than car.

The infotainment menu still relies on a rotary dial in-between the front seats but the navigation is more intuitive than before; a bugbear of other Mercedes models.

Seating is both comfortable and supportive in the front with some of the best seats in the business. The rear seats offer up ample head- and knee-room and would have little trouble accommodating three across if required.

The boot is a generous 540-litres so can swallow plenty of cargo.

Under the bonnet

The E200 is the entry point to the range and is equipped accordingly, offering the smallest, least powerful engine across the range.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit is good for 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque; compared to 143kW/400Nm in the next model up E220d.

While that doesn't endow it with an abundance of performance it does provide adequate pulling power to get the big sedan moving along briskly. It's helped but a smooth and intuitive nine-speed automatic transmission that extracts the best performance from it when needed but can also happily cruise along.

However, having such a small engine in such a large car does come at the expense of fuel economy. During our test we didn't get close to the claimed 6.4-litres per 100km. Even using the urban cycle claim of 8.2L/100km seem hard to reach, using well into double digits.

On the road

The new E-Class is based on the same underpinnings as the C-Class, which means its on-road manners are best-in-class.

It isn't the most dynamic large sedan you can buy, but it isn't trying to be a sports sedan - that's the job of the AMG models. Instead it is focused on combining a comfortable and compliant ride with controlled handling in the bends.

It succeeds in finding that balance which makes it one of the most enjoyable large cars you can buy. It feels sure-footed and responds immediately to driver inputs when you do throw it at some corners.

Just as impressively it does it all quietly. Outside noises - engine, road, wind - are all well insulated from the occupants. That only adds to the feeling of comfort and luxury when you drive the E-Class.

Verdict

So how does it stack up - against both its sedan peers and SUVs?

The E200 lacks a little in terms of engine performance and economy, which makes the E220d a better pick, but it still offers adequate motivation.

It handles with more poise than an equivalent sized SUV too, which makes it a more pleasant car to drive most of the time.

The cutting-edge safety, including the autonomous technology, not only makes it one of the safest cars in its class but one of the absolute safest vehicles on the market today.

It may not be as 'on trend' as an SUV but if you're looking for a family-sized, safe, stylish and sophisticated luxury car then the E-Class is hard to beat.

2016 Mercedes-Benz E200 pricing and specifications

Price: From $89,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 135kW

Torque: 300Nm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 6.4L/100km

The Competitors

BMW 520i

Price: From $82,255 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 135kW

Torque: 270Nm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 6.2L/100km

Our score: 7/10

Audi A6 1.8 TFSI

Price: From $80,355 plus on-road costs

Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 140kW

Torque: 320Nm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, FWD

Fuel use: 5.7L/100km

Our score: 7/10

Jaguar XF 25t R-Sport

Price: From $89,515 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 177kW

Torque: 340Nm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 7.5L/100km

Our score: Not yet rated

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