Overall rating:

Small capacity turbocharged petrol engines are enjoying the limelight at the moment. With a 2.0-litre four-cylinder offering the power of a six-cylinder and economy of a diesel the new Mercedes-Benz E 250 looks set to steal all of the attention. Combine it with an all-new look, redesigned cabin, a simplified model line-up and a boost in standard equipment and it looks like the E-Class just got a whole lot more appealing.

Key Facts

Model tested: Mercedes-Benz E 250 AMG Sport (SE model pictured)
Pricing: £37,620
Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
Rivals: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS
CO₂ emissions: 142g/km
Economy: 47.9mpg
Top speed: 151mph
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1,200- to 4,000rpm

In the Metal:

Styling has never been the E-Class' forte as far as we're concerned, appearing rather staid in comparison to the slick Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, so there's a new look for the latest model. It's not entirely successful though; the awkwardly proportioned rear of the saloon remains (we think the estate is much better resolved) and you'd never describe the E as pretty. Still, the new headlamps, offering full LED technology as an option, as well as the bold star-emblazoned grille of our AMG Sport model do give it a more distinctive face.

Inside it remains pretty much as before, which is to say roomy and well-built, but rather square-edged and dull. The centre console screen has had its edges rounded off, but thought the switchgear has been updated it remains less feel-good than it should. At least there's plenty of room for passengers and luggage, the new Easypack Quickfold mechanism allowing for simple expansion of the already generous 540-litre boot space.

Driving it:

Despite the on-paper performance figures (0-62mph arrives in only 7.4 seconds) don't expect this to be a particularly fast, fun or exciting E-Class. Sure it's the top-dog petrol model available in the UK market, ignoring the AMG variants, but this new direct injection unit is more about emissions and economy than exhilaration. Headline figures are 47.9mpg on the combined cycle and 142g/km of CO₂ emissions for the AMG Sport models - opt for the SE with 17-inch alloy wheels and this drops to a more tax-band friendly 138g/km.

Whatever your expectations there's no point in extending the four-cylinder engine into its upper rev range, proceedings simply interrupted by a rather uncouth note. A far better route is to take advantage of its mid-range torque, where the engine remains hushed, linear and fluid in its delivery. With the standard-fit automatic gearbox (only the E 220 CDI comes with a manual option) progress is promisingly effort-light too, and in the right situation the E 250 proves deceptively paced.

But despite the increased agility afforded by this engine's (relatively) low weight this is not a car to be pushed hard. The steering lacks the feedback found in a 5 Series, despite a new electromechanical system, and though the suspension on the AMG Sport car sits 15mm lower it remains geared for comfort rather than control. On fast and flowing roads the E 250 is relaxing, but as the road tightens it soon reveals its rather cumbersome size.

What you get for your Money:

Along with the introduction of the new car Mercedes has simplified the range on offer, and now the line-up simply comprises SE and AMG Sport models. A basic SE saloon is £32,400 (£34,310 for the Estate), which is £2,280 more than the previous car, but comes with an extra £4,000 of equipment - including artificial leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, Collision Prevention assist, DAB radio and park assist. AMG Sport models like the E 250 driven here add 18-inch alloys and sports seats to that already generous level of equipment. There's a host of new options to bring the model in line with its competitors too, the highlights of which are the 360-degree camera (£715) and Airmatic semi-active air suspension with self levelling and Adaptive Damping System (£1,455). As before the UK has to make do without the excellent 4MATIC four-wheel drive system due to packaging issues on right-hand drive models.

Worth Noting

Excluding the AMG models the engine range consists of two petrol units, three diesels and a diesel-electric hybrid. Unless you're a company car driver we'd steer clear of the smaller diesels or the electrically assisted car and plump straight for the E 350 CDI instead. With 252hp and 620Nm it offers refined performance (0-62mph takes 6.6 seconds) yet manages to emit less than 160g/km (162g/km for the Estate) and return over 47mpg.

Summary

Before this new car arrived, there was little point in considering a petrol-powered Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as the range was comprehensively outclassed by both its diesel compatriots and direct petrol rivals. However, this four-cylinder engine rejuvenates the three-pointed choice, with an efficiency and performance mix so compelling it makes the E 250 in particular a very hard E-Class to dismiss.