Having driven the big-selling 250CDI version of the E-class estate on the launch and given the recent increase in petrol’s popularity we’ve now tested the C200 CGI.
In SE trim, this is near entry level for the E-class estate range, only the addition of an automatic gearbox sees the price trip into the £30,000-something bracket.
Even at £31,045, and 68.7ppm, the E-class is great value and the equipment levels are far from sparse. Standard on all E-class is Bluetooth, cruise control, climate control, alloys and a host of other luxury items.
From the car’s launch we already know the boot is a massive 690 litres, particularly in this car’s five-seat form – there is a seven-seat option. Beyond the regular kit, all E-class come with Attention Assist that monitors your driving and if the car thinks you’re drowsy will bing and put a large coffee cup symbol on the dash to recommend that you take a rest.
While I’m sure it’s not good to admit this, from experience I can testify that it works very well.
Being a lower powered SE model the car is running on small (by modern standards) 16-inch alloys means the already good ride comfort becomes first rate which is exactly how it should be in an E-class estate.
The 1.8-litre engine is easily powerful enough to lug loads around and thanks to fuel saving Blue Efficiency technology is good for a petrol, fleets will still struggle to accept its CO2 output of 183g/km, particularly when a diesel version is available for sub160g/km.
It’s the only point that counts against the E-class, but if you’ve staff that won’t pick the diesel, it’s the next best bet.
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