Much like a pet cat chooses you rather than the other way around, cars do exactly the same and that feeling when you sit in the driver’s seat and everything is just in the right place, within reach and seating is perfect is a rare occasion meant to be savoured.
In my years as a motoring scribe I have had many calls from eager buyers seeking advice on what to spend their money on. Usually offered anything from from two to four choices, they have done the research and are fully informed about price, fuel consumption, top speed, acceleration and the tech options and, having delivered this information, wait with – I hope – baited breath for my pronouncement.
The answer is always the same.
I tell them to sit in each car on their list and the one that feels the most right is the one they should buy. After all, performance, price, consumption etc mean little if you are not totally comfortable in the car – and you are going to be stuck with it for between three and five years!
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This sensation of ‘oneness’ with a car is rare – and considering the number of cars I drive in a year, remains a proper warm and fuzzy feeling when it does happen.
And, it happened with the Mercedes-Benz E220d AMG Line. It happened when I first saw the car pre-launch on a video shoot and then again on the launch drive from King Shaka Airport in KZN down to Southbroom and again when I took the wheel of the test car.
Honey, I’m home!!
However, let us not get too far ahead of the game. After all, it is merely a 2,0-litre turbo-charged oiler offering a releatively modest 162 kW and 44 Nm, which hardly puts it in the supercar league and it is not aimed at the robot dragster types – and, at R1 541 260 before any of the optional extras, certainly not on every person’s shopping list.
It hardly seems possible, yet feels perfectly logical the E-Class has reigned as a benchmark for mid-range luxury saloons for more than 75 years, a legacy underscored by the production of more than 16-million upper mid-range vehicles since 1946.
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Visually, the E-Class boasts a blend of classic and contemporary design. Its proportions remain true to the iconic three-box saloon silhouette, featuring a short front overhang, an elongated bonnet, and a ‘cab-backward’ design that transitions seamlessly to a well-proportioned rear.
A standout feature of the exterior is the black-panel grille, which connects the radiator grille with the headlamps, evoking the futuristic styling of the Mercedes-EQ lineup. High-performance LED headlamps come as standard, while the optional DIGITAL LIGHT system enhances functionality with a projection feature.
At the rear, two-section LED tail lights with a star motif provide a signature design visible both day and night.
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Furthering the theme of modernity, the door panels incorporate metallic high-tech elements, while the seats exude elegance with their flowing contours and layered design. The increased wheelbase provides additional legroom for rear passengers, offering a near S-Class level of comfort.
The car is 4 949 mm long with a wheelbase of 2 961 mmand it is 2 065 mm wide and 1 468 mm tall and offers a total load space of 540 litres.
Built on the MRA II platform, shared with both the C-Class and S-Class, the new E-Class incorporates mild-hybrid technology as standard. In the case of the E 220d, a 48-volt lithium-ion battery reduces the engine’s workload and ensures smoother power delivery.
The engine delivers 146 kW at 3 600 r/min, supported by an additional 17 kW from the electric system, along with 440 Nm of torque from 1 800 r/min with power sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
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Driving the E-Class reveals its strengths as a refined and comfortable cruiser. While the lightweight steering and responsive chassis provide a pleasant drive, the car’s nearly two-tonne weight dampens any enthusiasm for really sporty handling. The Comfort driving mode is more aligned with the E-Class’s character than the firmer Sport setting.
Ride quality is largely commendable, the car fitted with 245/45 R19 rubber as standard (276/40 R19 at the rear) but 20-inch or 21- inch options could well make the suspension feel unsettled over rougher surfaces.
Underpinning the E-Class’s agility and refinement is a meticulously engineered suspension system. The standard Agility Control steel spring suspension offers a responsive and smooth ride, while the optional Airmatic air suspension provides adaptive damping and level control for ultimate comfort. Rear-axle steering, available with the Technology package, reduces the turning circle and improves manoeuvrability.
Safety remains paramount, with advanced assistance systemssuch as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Lane Keeping Assist included as standard. Enhanced features in the optional Driving Assistance Plus package, such as Active Steering Assist, further refine the driving experience.
On the motorway, the E-Class excels. Wind and tyre noise are minimal, and its advanced LED Digital Light system enhances night-time visibility while projecting helpful shapes on the road to assist the driver. The ambient lighting adds to the luxury feel, although the illuminated grille may not suit all tastes.
The exterior design is an evolution of its predecessor, borrowing cues from the larger S-Class and EQ-branded electric models. Sleek lines give it the appearance of an enlarged C-Class, maintaining a cohesive family aesthetic.
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The E-Class is built on a robust body structure designed for optimal crash performance, complemented by comprehensive restraint systems. These include driver and passenger crash bags, knee bags and side curtain bags that deploy in a rollover or severe collision.
Inside, the cabin mirrors the opulence of the S-Class. In the top-tier AMG Line trim, the dashboard has a 14,4-inch central screen, a 12,3-inch driver’s display, and and an optional matching screen for the front passenger.
Fuel economy is another highlight, with the E 220d achieving 5,4 l/100 km on our regular test route, sneaking up to 5,7 l/100 km when I did some press-on driving in Sport model. Considering the car’s size and weight, this is a remarkable achievement and appears realistic in everyday use.
Overall, the E-Class remains a top contender in the executive saloon category, blending comfort, technology, and efficiency. As it hugged me tight just before I handed it back I swear it said to me “you’re mine”.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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