Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale near Reading

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,300
Average Price: Around £17,300

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2009-2016) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
A great all-rounder that does most things well	Entry-level diesels and petrol engines are less impressive
The estate is fantastically practical	A BMW 5 Series is more exciting to drive
Most versions are comfortable and refined	Repairs can be very costly, especially to air suspension

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2009-2016), known as the W212, is a supremely refined and spacious executive saloon that epitomises comfort and quality. Available as a saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet, it offers exceptional practicality with the estate providing an impressive 695 litres of boot space (1,950 litres with seats folded). Over 90 percent of UK models feature diesel engines, delivering excellent fuel economy with most achieving 50mpg or above. The range includes smooth, willing engines alongside high-performance AMG variants with V8 power, whilst standard equipment includes leather upholstery, climate control, heated front seats and comprehensive parking assistance.

For those prioritising comfort and refinement over sharp handling, the W212 E-Class is an outstanding choice. Most engine variants are economical and smooth, though entry-level diesels and smaller petrol units require more revving. Running costs are considerable, with servicing at Mercedes dealers ranging from £260-£280 for minor services to £390-£420 for major ones, and repairs—particularly to air suspension—can be expensive. However, independent specialists offer more affordable servicing alternatives. The AMG versions deliver thrilling performance but incur substantial fuel and tax bills. Overall, it's a prestigious, spacious and reassuringly solid executive car that delivers excellent long-distance comfort.

Best for: Drivers seeking comfort and refinement, those requiring a spacious family car or estate, and buyers wanting a prestigious executive saloon with excellent build quality.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising sharp handling dynamics, buyers with limited budgets for repairs, or drivers seeking the most exciting driving experience in the executive class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the E-Class if: You value comfort and refinement, require a spacious family or executive car, or seek a prestigious saloon with excellent build quality and practical estate options.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling dynamics, have limited budgets for repairs, or desire the most exciting driving experience in the executive class.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2009-2016) is a strong contender in the executive saloon market, offering exceptional comfort, refinement and practicality. Whilst the BMW 5 Series edges ahead with more engaging handling and a higher expert rating, and the Jaguar XF offers better value deals, the E-Class excels in spaciousness and build quality. The Audi A6 receives the highest user rating but fewer good deals are available. For buyers prioritising comfort, space and prestige over dynamic handling, the E-Class remains an outstanding choice, particularly in estate form. The comprehensive engine range, from efficient diesels to thrilling AMG variants, ensures there's an E-Class for most requirements and budgets.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.