Mercedes-Benz E220d review (2021): When luxury meets frugality

Now in its fifth generation, the W212 Mercedes-Benz E-Class was first released in 2017, ushering in a raft of new technologies for the brand. Now in 2021, an updated version of the E-Class has arrived, offering revised styling and updated in-car technologies. We collected an E220d recently and spent a few days piloting this luxury product.

Styling

Keen-eyed observers will note the changes made to the updated E-Class, which include a new front bumper, reshaped front grille and new LED headlamps. Our test unit was fitted with the AMG Line exterior package, including a unique grille design and the optional 18-inch 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels which looked good with the metallic grey paintwork. Overall, the exterior of the E220d is a healthy blend of sophistication and sportiness, befitting of a mid-level derivative.

Interior and space

The interior is perhaps where the changes are most prominent, with a new steering wheel and the latest MBUX infotainment software and a touchpad in the centre console to control infotainment functions.

The new steering wheel certainly looks fantastic, but in terms of operating it, well, the new touchpad arrangement is too fiddly, and we found it far more difficult to use. The same can be said for the touchpad in the centre console, which responds well and isn’t too sensitive but lacks the finesse of a good old toggle switch. The latest MBUX infotainment system with the twin-12.3-inch displays housed within a long, horizontal slab across the dashboard is simply fantastic. The resolution is brilliant, and with features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and a host of customisation options, it certainly makes a case for itself as one of the best systems on the market.

The interior of our test unit was unique. With the option AMG Line interior package combined with the Nappa leather finished in saddle brown with contrasting black, with silver interior accents, this is one of the most memorable interiors seen in a press car.

From a space perspective, the E-Class offers an impressive 540-litre boot and a genuinely impressive amount of rear occupant leg and headroom. We managed to get four golf bags and two overnight suitcases in the boot when testing out the luggage volume.

Performance and driving impression

While certainly not the most exciting powertrain in the E-Class range, the E220d’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel offers a gear mix of performance and efficiency. The engine produces 143kW and 400Nm of torque and is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. Performance is certainly adequate, with 0-100km/h coming in around 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

The press unit was fitted with more ‘regular’ tyres, with thicker sidewalls and despite the ‘sporty’ AMG Line suspension, the E220d still manages to simply sail along the road, providing an exceptional amount of refinement and noise cancellation. Those looking for a dynamic driving experience should probably not opt for a diesel saloon car, however, despite its muted driving experience, the E-Class is fantastic to drive because it is so quiet and refined.

Safety

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class line-up was crash-tested by the Euro NCAP new car assessment programme in 2016. It achieved the maximum 5-Star rating including 95% for adult occupant safety, 90% for child occupant safety, 77% for pedestrian safety and 62% for its safety assistance systems.

Fuel economy

The small capacity diesel engine is incredibly frugal judging from our time with the car. Despite a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.2 L/100km, the 7.1 L/100km that we achieved during our time with the vehicle is incredibly impressive considering our predominantly urban driving route and 1 750kg kerb weight.

Pricing

The E220d in Avantgarde guise is listed at R988 200, however, being a premium German product, it was fitted with a host of optional extras, taking the price to well over the R1.0-million mark.

Verdict

While there is certainly not a waiting list for products like the E-Class anymore, we are confident that those that take the plunge and add one of these, particularly in diesel guise, to their garage will be satisfied. This is one of the best mid-size executive saloon cars on the planet at the moment.