The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate is the latest instalment in a success story that stretches back almost half a century. It all started with the introduction of the mid-range Mercedes estate in the mid-1970s. Since then, the luxury load hauler has evolved to become an indispensable model in the German car maker's line-up.
The sixth-generation model (codename S214) is bigger than any E-Class Estate before it. It is also more digitally oriented. Choose the appropriate options and the front passenger can stream movies and operate apps on the go via a new touchscreen display that forms part of Mercedes' new immersive Superscreen dash.
With the ability to offer level-four autonomous driving, the new E-Class Estate also brings a driverless valet parking function that allows it to negotiate multistorey car parks on its own where laws allow that. It is arguably the most technically advanced estate car on the road today.
As tradition dictates, the 2024 model shares its front-end styling with the latest E-Class Saloon through to the trailing edge of the B-pillars, but it adds an extended roof with integrated rails as well as a new rear glasshouse and an electronically powered tailgate. It's a smart-looking alternative to the likes of the Audi A6 Avant and BMW 5 Series Touring, especially on the larger wheels of our test car. Those seeking a bolder look can choose optional illumination for the new grille. There are three styling lines, including AMG Line, which figures prominently in the planned UK line-up, on sale later this year.
Dimensionally, it has grown, but not by much. Length is 4949mm (up 4mm), width is 1880mm (up 28mm) and height is 1469mm (up 1mm). The wheelbase has also been lengthened by 22mm to 2961mm and the tracks increased by 30mm to 1634mm at the front and 38mm to 1651mm at the rear.
This story is from the September 20, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 20, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LAND ROVER DEFENDER
Our new 130-all 5358mm and £96,745 of it - has its first taste of life as a daily wagon
RENAULT CLIO
Trip down to Spa reveals its talents aren't diminished with another two men aboard
Make mine a slightly smaller one
The Little Car Company has hit new heights of scaled-down kerb appeal with its recreated
Loyal to the end
Old-school vehicle breakers' yards are rare these days, but a handful of marque specialists are soldiering on to provide a vital service. John Evans pays one a visit
THAT'S WHY WE GO TO ICELAND
Smooth, empty roads snaking through epic scenery are one reason. Experiencing erupting volcanos is another. Matt Prior goes in search of both in Kia's latest Sorento and finds 50mph ways to leave your lava
TESTED 27.4.24, DEVON ON SALE NOW - PORSCHE 718 SPYDER RS
Dream-like on German asphalt, does this curious Rennsport also excel in the UK?
TESTED 20.5.24, FRANKFURT, GERMANY ON SALE NOW - FORD TOURNEO CUSTOM
New Transit sprouts seats and windows, gets a PHEV system that works differently
TESTED 24.5.24, BERKSHIRE ON SALE NOW - MINI COUNTRYMAN SE
Flagship version of the larger and pricier third-generation SUV arrives in the UK
TESTED 29.5.24, BEDFORDSHIRE ON SALE NOW - PORSCHE TAYCAN
Refreshed saloon targets class supremacy with electric powertrain updates
TESTED 23.5.24, BEDFORDSHIRE ON SALE NOW PRICE £446,742 - LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO
We've sampled Sant'Agata's new-era, 1001bhp supercar on track. Now it's time to see how it fares on a decent B-road