Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale near South East England

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,300
Average Price: Around £17,000

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, spacious, and comfortable executive saloon that represents excellent value in the used market. Available as a saloon, estate, coupé, and cabriolet, this fourth-generation model was built to the high standards Mercedes-Benz was formerly renowned for. Over 90 percent of UK models feature diesel engines, offering impressive fuel economy with most variants achieving 40mpg or above. The range includes everything from economical entry-level diesels to thrilling AMG versions with V8 engines delivering up to 577bhp.

Practicality is exceptional, particularly with the estate model, which offers 695 litres of boot space with rear seats up and 1,950 litres with them folded. The saloon provides 540 litres, whilst coupé and cabriolet models offer 450 and 390 litres respectively. All versions come well-equipped with leather upholstery, climate control, heated front seats, and parking sensors as standard. Running costs are reasonable for the class, though repairs—especially to air suspension systems—can be expensive. A well-maintained example remains brilliant on long journeys, offering a quiet, composed driving experience.

Best for: Buyers seeking comfort and refinement, those requiring a practical executive car, families needing spacious transport, and drivers wanting a prestigious yet understated vehicle.

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


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the E-Class if: You value comfort and refinement, require a practical executive car, need spacious family transport, or seek a prestigious yet understated vehicle.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling, have limited budgets for repairs, or desire the most exciting driving dynamics 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 for driving dynamics and the Jaguar XF offers slightly better value, the E-Class excels in space, equipment, and all-round capability. Its estate variant is particularly impressive for practicality. For buyers prioritising comfort and versatility over sporting thrills, the E-Class represents an excellent choice, with most diesel variants delivering impressive fuel economy and low running costs when properly maintained.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

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