2017 Mercedes-Benz E220d All Terrain first drive review

Mountain climber or social climber? These days the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain must be willing to tackle each equally rocky role.

In an age where SUVs are king, this large wagon is literally rising against the populist machine. It has become the only big Benz wagon available locally, and the only specification offered is the E220d All Terrain that sits 15mm higher than other E-Classes and can lift itself by another 20mm below 35km/h - perfect for kerb-hopping onto the rugby oval.

Complementing its leveraged stance are sinewy matte-silver exterior detailing and black body cladding while, for now, all that needs to be said about the cabin is that Nut Brown and Macchiato Beige are no-cost leather colour alternatives to the standard black.

But the E220d All Terrain costs a substantial $15,800 more than its E220d sedan sibling, at $109,900 plus on-road costs.

Beyond offering that raised ride height thanks to air suspension (in place of fixed dampers), a bigger boot (up from 540 litres to 670L) and standard all-wheel (rather than rear-wheel) drive, it further adds 20-inch alloy wheels (replacing 19s), LED headlights with adaptive high-beam, electric tailgate with kick function and full leather trim with heated front seats.

Optioning that kit on the sedan requires $7000 extra even sans multi-beam headlights.

In Australia, the high-set E-Class comes only with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 143kW and 400Nm, and some buyers may struggle to accept only four cylinders for six-figure-plus pricing. Its single rival, the Audi A6 Allroad, gets a 500Nm V6 diesel. An equivalent Benz large SUV, the GLE350d, scores a mightier-again 620Nm V6 diesel.

With a 1970kg kerb weight the E220d All Terrain is also SUV-portly. The claimed 8.0-second 0-100km/h means it wouldn't keep pace with a Commodore, although combined-cycle fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres is mighty impressive.

At least things are indulgent inside. The new E-Class cabin is a standout in terms of both space and amenities, with lush seats, high-resolution screens and the latest technology - from self-steer within a freeway lane as part of active cruise, to high-beam that can block out only specific traffic, to auto park assistance with surround view camera, to digital radio, nav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity, all standard.

The only disappointment is that the optional Burmester premium sound system is packaged with a panoramic sunroof and should-be-standard head-up display for $4990 extra.

Dual-zone, rather than tri-zone, climate control is standard, although passengers positioned in the roomy and generous rear quarters get air vents and overhead lights.

The wagon part of the equation also embarrasses most even-heavier SUVs, while a 40:20:40 auto-fold backrest and kick function for the electric tailgate - allowing the keyholder to swipe a foot under the rear bumper to activate its raise - are standard.

The E220d All Terrain is a real smooth operator on the road.

Its diesel is only slightly clattery, and the nine-speed automatic adeptly shuffles through gears to ensure the engine isn't revving. It doesn't need to, given that peak torque is provided from just 1600rpm, however overtaking can be more strained than it should be. This ultimately doesn't feel like a $110,000 engine.

Efficiency comes before performance, however, just as the light and fluent steering, and superbly absorbent air suspension - in either ultra-cushy Comfort or beautifully controlled Sport mode, neither of which are soggy nor harsh - prioritise loping luxury over the sassy sportiness of AMG-badged E-Classes.

Experience with such models indicates there is less road noise with the E220d All Terrain. Yet this Benz feels lighter on its feet than its kerb weight suggests, with a nicely balanced chassis that humbles most big SUVs. It is sweetly subtle and supple, rather than sporting.

We also sampled the exclusive All Terrain suspension mode at the national media launch in the Yarra Valley, Victoria, and it effortlessly tackled mud ruts and steep-ish climbs alike.

But the E220d may be most appreciated for its ability to not scrape its chin on steep driveways around town - which is acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz given the run-flat tyres and merely optional space-saver spare wheel that sits awkwardly in the luggage bay. No-cost option 19s are also required in order to fit snow chains.

The E220d All Terrain is otherwise as pragmatic as buying a six-figure luxury car can get. There's no swoopy coupe-SUV extravagance here, nor high-power thrills, but rather a family wagon plush and pampering combined with a slight ability to push and pull over some (if not all) alternative terrain. Only the addition of a V6 diesel engine available overseas would help lift this E-Class even higher and give it the guts to topple the odd populist SUV.

2017 Mercedes-Benz E220d All Terrain price and specifications

Price: From $109,900 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 143kW at 3800rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1600-2800rpm

Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 5.7L/100km

• For more information, visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom.