If you're in the market for a posh saloon car, you have some very strong options. But should the Mercedes E-Class be the one that ends up on your driveway?

PROS:

+ Styling inside and out

+ High-speed comfort

+ Plug-in hybrid models

CONS:

- Quality in places

- PHEVs get smaller boots

- Comfort before cornering

Verdict: You simply cannot buy a bad large premium saloon should you go any of the three obvious ways. However, the Mercedes E-Class majors on interior style, its motorway comfort and the plug-in options it offers. A 5 Series is sharper to drive and an A6 is even classier inside, though.

2021 Mercedes E-Class review: the five-minute read

If you remember the 1970s, you'll remember that some cars were very good and some cars were very bad. Here in 2021, there are still cars that are recommendable before others, but as technology has improved, the gap between cars has shrunk enormously.

So, telling you which is the best large premium saloon between this, the Mercedes E-Class, the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 is very difficult. They are extremely close in so many ways, but each does have its slightly stronger suit.

One of the Mercedes' strongest is its styling. After a recent facelift, it's still the most interesting to look at of the three, with the curviest lines and a grille that makes a statement but isn't in your face like BMW's.

It's the same inside, where the E-Class has the most showroom-friendly cabin design, even in some of the wood trims, like the one pictured on range-topping versions, are a little Marmite.

Mercedes' infotainment system is also one of the finest around. All models get a wall of glass on the dash with twin 12-inch screens dealing with the infotainment on the left and digital driver's dials on the right.

The system can be controlled by touch, voice or by using a touchpad between the front seats, and is only just pipped by BMW's Drive for its menu layout. Wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range.

The only real letdown is that a few areas of the dash and centre console don't feel quite as well put together as in a BMW or Audi.

And the E-Class doesn't have quite as much space for rear passengers to stretch out as the BMW or Audi either, although a couple of tall adults will still sit comfortably.

Those in the front get loads of space too, plus electric seat adjustment as standard. The E-Class boot is on a par with both its competitors', although the plug-in hybrid versions get a smaller one.

In fact, unlike BMW or Audi, Mercedes offers two plug-in hybrid models – a petrol-electric and a diesel-electric. There are also standalone four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines on offer, so there's something for most people.

Two and four-wheel-drive are available depending on the model, but all cars get a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

The E-Class is very easy to drive in town but slightly less comfortable than an A6 at lower speeds, while on country roads the Mercedes doesn't have the agility of a 5 Series – although it isn't terrible in either case.

Where the E-Class stands out is on the motorway – it's very comfortable at higher speeds and Mercedes' optional adaptive cruise control and lane-keep tech works brilliantly.

So, given the German trio are priced so closely in cash and finance terms, if you prefer the way the E-Class looks inside and out and you put comfort before cornering ability, it's the one to have.

However, this trio has never been closer and there are genuine reasons to go for an A6 or 5 Series if you value the best interior quality or agility.

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Extended read…

2021 Mercedes E-Class interior and infotainment

Line up an E-Class, A6 and 5 Series interior next to each other and it's the Mercedes that steals the show.

The main reason for this is the large wood trim piece that runs the width of the E-Class's dashboard but always extends to cover the centre console and doors front and back too.

There are some Marmite wood finishes, mind (like the one pictured), and although it's joined by plenty of piano black plastic and chrome, the E-Class doesn't feel quite as solid as an A6 or 5 Series lower down its dashboard and doors.

Still, Mercedes' infotainment is some of the best around. All E-Class models get a wall of glass on the dash that incorporates twin 12-inch screens that deal with the infotainment and digital driver's dials.

You can control the infotainment system with touch, your voice or using a touchpad between the front seats. Visually it's an impressive system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, but we still think BMW's iDrive is slightly easier to use when driving thanks to its rotary dial rather than touchpad and simpler menus.

Only top of the range models get Mercedes upgraded Burmeister sound system as standard, but all cars get four USB sockets inside and wireless charging for your smartphone.

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2021 Mercedes E-Class practicality and boot space

Passengers in the front of the E-Class are well catered for, with plenty of space and some electric adjustment at the seats as standard including lumbar support. The further up the range you go, the more electric movement you get.

In the back, the E-Class will seat a couple of tall adults and three adults side-by-side will be fine on short journeys. However, an Audi A6 has more knee room and space for your feet under the front seat.

Fitting a child seat isn't as easy as in a higher-riding SUV, but the rear doors open fairly wide and you won't need to push the front seats forward very far to squeeze a rear-facing child seat behind. The Isofix points are behind removable covers that are easily lost, though.

The E-Class' boot is, give or take 10 litres, the same size as the one on a 5 Series or A6. The E-Class's boot opening is good for a saloon and you'll have enough space for a family week away if you pack sensibly. Of course, there's an estate E-Class if you need more.

It's worth remembering that the plug-in hybrid versions of the E-Class get smaller boots because their batteries take up some room. That penalty is a significant 140 litres.

2021 Mercedes E-Class engines

There's a long list of engines to choose from when buying a Mercedes E-Class, so you should find something that suits you.

If you're set on petrol, there's a four-cylinder with 197hp or a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 367hp, plus a plug-in hybrid which combines petrol and electric power to produce 320hp and offer up to 34 miles of electric range.

For those who still believe in diesel, there's a four-cylinder with 194hp or a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with 330hp which is the quickest E-Class without straying into AMG territory, with a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.

There's also a diesel plug-in hybrid, which has the best fuel economy and lowest CO2 emissions of the range.

Two and four-wheel-drive are available depending on the model, but all cars get a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

2021 Mercedes E-Class driving

All non-AMG E-Class models come on the same adaptive suspension, which in town feels firm at times, although never truly uncomfortable – an A6 is better here. Otherwise, the E-Class is very easy to drive in town, with front and rear parking sensors included across the range and a 360-degree camera and park assist tech coming higher up the range.

On country roads, the E-Class doesn't feel as agile as a BMW 5 Series but is by no means bad. Its steering is fairly light but it steers precisely and inspires enough confidence when cornering quickly.

Where the E-Class really excels is on the motorway. The firmness felt in town at lower speeds melts away and the E-Class becomes a superb long-distance cruiser. Plus, Mercedes' optional adaptive cruise control and lane-keep tech is amongst the best on sale, making motorway driving even less stressful.