The first thing you notice about the build of a Mercedes is the thunk delivered when you close the vault-like doors. The lighter-sprung doors of the new E however disappoint a touch as they do not feel as indestructible, even though in actual fact they will protect the inhabitants better in the event of an impact. Also out the window is the conservative styling of the interiors of the old car. In its place is a modern-looking dashboard with its swooping curves and banks of flush switches. Although the controls are clearly laid out, some of the stereo and air-con functions are overly complicated and the sheer number of switches can be confusing. While the small rotary knobs are spindly and feel insubstantial, the new vertical electronic temperature and fuel gauges are novel. What we loved were the chrome-ringed sporty round dials that make the E-class's dash look many years younger.

Power window buttons can now only be found in the door pads, unlike on the transmission tunnel as in the old car, and the stereo system is now seamlessly integrated into the central console. Can't find the CD-changer ? Relax, all you have to do is thumb the little chrome slash that rests under the hazard light switch and the six-CD-changer pops up from behind the panel. A nice touch that's sure to impress occupants and deter thieves. The in-dash CD-changer provided incredible sound as it is among the best stereo systems we've heard. Our advice. Don't touch it!

As on all Mercs, driver comfort is paramount and the new E doesn't disappoint. Both the front seats and the steering wheel are adjustable, any which way. Seat adjustment, surprisingly though, is a combination of servo and manually-operated levers. Some cost-cutting here. Space at the rear is marginally constrained in comparison to the older W210, especially the width of the rear seat, which is 4cm narrower. Also, the centre passenger will have to contend with a high transmission tunnel, something that will present a problem if you are seated three abreast. The new E also has less headroom, thanks to a sleeker roof line but will clear most heads unless you're a NBA team member.

The seats themselves are fabulously comfortable, providing the right amount of support especially under your thighs and back. The boot is huge, 20 litres up on the old model, and there's a split rear seat, for the first time in the E.

Safety is expected in a Merc and you're surrounded by a raft of airbags. However, there are no rear side airbags. The Elegance is the only trim level available and comes with full leather trim and the standard goodies like steering-operated controls for the phone and stereo and the on-board computer.


We found a perceptible improvement in the quality of materials used in the interiors and the new E feels every inch the car we expect from Mercedes.