Why choosing the E-Class over the S-Class Mercedes could buy you a new kitchen

All you have to do is get your head around buying my review model, the Mercedes E-Class, without feeling you are unnecessarily scrimping on what you’d get compared with the larger and more salubrious S-Class.

I am not just doing this for the Mercedes duo.

There are lots of other examples out there of what I would regard as people buying beyond their real needs. I’m talking BMW 7-series instead of 5-series, Audi A6 v Audi A4 as individual model examples but I’m also talking buying smaller petrol vs more expensive electric, or buying dearer diesel rather than petrol; large 4x4/SUV when a compact one would meet needs for now.

I suppose it is important to say that it is a nice position to be in. I am sure many more would love to inhabit it. You never know when a windfall might come your way, so you might as well join in.

I’m not silly enough to discount the virtues of the S-Class. It has been claimed for some time to be the best production car in the world. And, it can be argued, that the two cars are designed for different genres of buyers: the S-Class for the upper echelons of business/luxury buyers, the E-Class for mid-management. That is true to some degree but it doesn’t necessarily have to be.

All I can tell you is that after driving the diesel version (with mild hybrid powertrain) of the new E-Class I’d be seriously thinking of taking my own advice if I were in the market to buy. That’s how much of an evolution and elevation that has been bestowed on this latest generation.

Of course, it may not fit your status or entitlement as chief executive officer of a large company but why not lead by example and show that good goods can come in more compact packages these days?

There is no doubt that for mid-ranking executives, and/or well-to-do families, this E-Class has to be on your shortlist, alongside the new BMW 5-series, Audi 6 or Jaguar XF.

Granted you may lose length from the larger S-Class footprint and greater cabin room as well as some top-echelon pieces of tech. Not as many as you think because Mercedes is always quick to the trickle-down philosophy of sharing elements with stablemates on the lower rungs of the ladder.

I also think, if we’re being honest, most of us only have a fleeting acquaintance with the mind-boggling array of items at our disposal on many cars: some that you don’t see or hear to notice; some that are visible but left largely untouched and some that are frequently in play.

We marvel at it as the sales executive goes through the list of standard spec and maybe use or notice items a few times at the beginning of ownership before more or less forgetting about and taking things for granted thereafter. Research shows most people forget about, or haven’t understood (and are not inclined to ask), within a few months of taking ownership.

So let’s cut to the chase. By not buying an S-Class you could be saving yourself thousands. Official S-Class prices begin around the €141,000 mark – you could buy the high-spec E-Class I had on test (Exclusive Line PLUS) for just under €90,000 including extras.

That’s €50,000 in anyone’s language. Enough to let you buy a well-specced electric car for urban runaround duties, or take the holiday of a lifetime or get the new kitchen that’s been promised for so long. I’m only saying.

All of this is achievable because the E-Class is such a well-put-together package now. It reminded me so often of the S-Class in looks and demeanour: from behind the wheel the broad bonnet proclaims S-Class.

Look around the interior and you get a luxuriant cabin waiting to embrace. Obviously it is not as roomy as Big Brother. Indeed, if I had a criticism it would be with back-seat access and room (yes, there are flaws). I’m often taken to task for complaining about poor rear room in ordinary cars.

People ask how often are they used. They have a point: take a minute any day and see the number of cars with just the driver on board. The S-Class has more room, for sure.

The front/dash is nearly all given over to the massive combined display screens. This format is being deployed by many brands now and you can see why: it’s much more easily utilised by the driver while simultaneously negating the need to come up with innovative dash design.

Driving dynamics have been tightened up too. It probably still isn’t fully up to the 5-series on out-and-out ability but that is by no means a deal breaker because its ability to smooth through scarred road surfaces is right up there with the best. And it was exceptionally quiet on the motorways. Like an electric car. Like an S-Class.

Factfile

Mercedes E-Class 220D saloon mild hybrid diesel €81,185: With extras Exclusive Line PLUS on test €89,318. Auto 9-speed, 4-cylinder, 197hp mild hybrid (+23hp), €200 tax. Standard spec includes leather beige upholstery, parking package, 360-degree camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, selective damping suspension, MBUX augmented reality for navigation, a multimedia system, MbConnect extended connectivity, as part of an array of driver and vehicle assists. Optional extras: Climatised front seats, 19-inch multi-spoke light alloys.