2017 Mercedes E-class long-wheelbase review, test drive

Should I buy one?

If you’re usually chauffeured around, this is a car you should seriously consider. The rear seats of the E are simply outstanding. There's massive space, the backrest reclines to a very comfy angle, the seat base is supportive and quality levels are so good that you want to touch and feel everything. It even rides well and soaks up everything the road throws at it. The steering is light and fluid too. The E is a neat handler in the right mode and, every time you want to press on further, there's a huge amount of power available under your right foot from the lusty V6. It may not be as fun to drive as some of the competition and the lower-spec E 200, while competitively priced, misses out on equipment such as air suspension. The E 350d on the other hand is only available fully specced but still does miss out on some basics like a system remote for the rear, and at Rs 69.47 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), it isn't exactly cheap. Still, look at it as an E-class that delivers near-S-class-levels of luxury and comfort for just a little more and you'll understand why it could be the luxury bargain of the year. Merc's leap of faith just could be a leap in the right direction.

Take a closer look at the new E-class long-wheelbase in our image gallery.