CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,400
Average Price: Around £18,000

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 represents excellent value in the used market. Available as a saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet, it offers impressive practicality with boot space ranging from 390 litres in the cabriolet to an enormous 1,950 litres in the estate with rear seats folded. Over 90 percent of UK models feature diesel engines, which deliver outstanding economy—most achieving 50mpg or more in real-world conditions. The car is well-equipped with leather upholstery, climate control, heated front seats and modern infotainment as standard, with numerous options available including autonomous emergency braking and parking assist.

Driving dynamics are composed and comfortable rather than sharp, with the W212 excelling on long journeys thanks to its refined engines and supple suspension. The range spans from modest diesel engines to the thrilling E63 AMG variants, featuring either a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 (pre-2011) or a twin-turbo 5.5-litre unit (post-2011) with up to 577bhp. Whilst running costs are reasonable for a Mercedes, repairs can be expensive, particularly for air suspension systems. Service intervals are every 12,500 miles or annually, with minor services around £260-£280 and major services £390-£420 at a dealer.

Best for: Buyers seeking comfort, refinement and practicality, those requiring a spacious estate, and drivers who value smooth, economical diesel engines for long-distance travel.

Not ideal for: Those prioritising sharp handling (the BMW 5 Series is more engaging), buyers with limited budgets for repairs, or drivers seeking the latest technology and styling.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the E-Class if: You value comfort and refinement, require a spacious and practical executive car, or seek smooth, economical diesel engines for long-distance driving.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling, have limited budgets for repairs, or require the latest technology and contemporary styling.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2009-2016) is a strong contender in the executive saloon segment, offering exceptional comfort, refinement and practicality. Whilst the BMW 5 Series edges ahead with more engaging driving dynamics and the Audi A6 impresses with user satisfaction, the E-Class delivers outstanding value as a used purchase. Its spacious estate variant is particularly compelling for those needing maximum practicality, and the range of smooth, economical diesel engines makes it ideal for high-mileage drivers. The availability of AMG variants also provides an exciting alternative for performance enthusiasts, though at the cost of higher running expenses.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

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

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