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Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review
06 Feb 2023
Comfort and refinement are the name of the game for the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2016-present) and it delivers them in droves. A used Mercedes-Benz E-Class is much more than just an executive wagon. This luxury, sharp-looking vehicle, available as a large saloon and a five-door estate as well as a two-door coupe and cabriolet, is practical, comes with a huge choice of engines and possesses all the prestige you’d expect from one of the best cars in its class.
So if you’re on the lookout for a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class, where should you start? Here’s our guide to the best engines, trim levels and how much a good second-hand E-Class is likely to set you back.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable and refined drive
- Excellent range of diesel and petrol engines
- Upmarket cabin design and interior materials
Cons
- Handling isn’t as sharp as some others in its class
- Some options are expensive
- Reliability ratings could be better
How does it look?
You’ll have high expectations buying a preowned Mercedes-Benz E-Class and it’s not going to let you down. As well as the refined good looks, the impression you get throughout is one of attention to detail and a build quality that’s second to none. But it’s on the inside where the E-Class shines.
The cabin is elegantly designed and beautifully put together. The driving position is excellent, the dashboard is logically laid out and there are stylish touches wherever you look. There’s also plenty of space in the front and rear and enough room in the boot for a week’s worth of holiday luggage.
The E-Class went through a facelift late in 2020 which brought a few tweaks to the exterior styling, but also a host of new driver assistance systems and two 10.25-inch screens for the MBUX infotainment system as standard.
What’s it like to drive?
If you’re in the market for a used Mk5 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, you’re in for a treat when it comes to the quality of the drive. Granted, it’s not quite as fun as the BMW 5 Series, but in terms of sheer comfort and refinement, nothing comes close. It soaks up motorway miles with ease and all models steer with good precision and handle well, with the onus on comfort rather than sportiness.
When it comes to performance, the smaller diesel engines are smooth, quiet and economical and still offer plenty of oomph, although the petrol engine can be a little rough. There are also a few super sporty AMG models, the E43, later replaced by the E53, and the 563bhp E63, which are real flyers.
Is a second-hand Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliable?
The Mk5 E-Class is packed full of safety features and has a five-star NCAP rating. However, when it comes to reliability, the brand doesn’t always perform so well. Previous iterations of the E-Class have been below par in reliability surveys, although the Mk5 shows improvements have been made. It finished third out of nine cars in the luxury class of a leading reliability survey, with most owners generally happy.
Which is the best used Mercedes-Benz E-Class to buy?
If you’re in the market for a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale, you’re not going to be short of engine options. The entry-level diesels are the 148bhp E200d and the 191bhp E220d. There’s also a six-cylinder 261bhp E300d and the swift 335bhp E400d.
The basic petrol engine is the 181bhp E200. There’s also a 362bhp E450. We then go into sporty territory with the 451bhp E53 and the 563bhp E63.
If economy is a priority then there are some good plug-in hybrid options. There’s the 222bhp E300de diesel plug-in hybrid and two petrol plug-in hybrids, a 232bhp E300e, and the 295bhp E350e. They’re all very good, with the E300de able to travel up to 32.9 miles on battery power alone.
Of those engines, we like the E220d, which is smooth and punchier than the E200d but still keeps the running costs nice and low.
It’s a simpler choice when it comes to the spec. There’s the entry-level SE, with luxuries including a DAB radio, sat-nav, climate control, LED headlights, cruise control, heated leather seats and keyless entry. The AMG Line brings a sportier body kit and bigger alloys, while the AMG Line Premium adds another inch to the alloys and includes a full parking package. Of those, we think the SE offers more than enough standard equipment for most.
How much is a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Prices for a pre-owned E-Class start at around £13,000 for a high-mileage 2016 E220d, while £16,000 will get you something from the same year with lower mileage. A good 2018 E220d costs around £20,000, while prices start at £25,000 for an E400d or E43 AMG from the same year. Anything between £25,000 and £30,000 will get you a good 2019 E-Class, while £30,000-plus will get you a 2020 model. The post-facelift model will cost you a fair bit more.