The Mercedes-Benz E-Class safety portfolio received the maximum five star safety rating from Euro NCAP at the time and along with everything you would in expect in a saloon at this price, such as electronic stability control, there are some additional features that set it apart. Seven airbags are standard while up to nine could be selected when ordering. Four seatbelt pre-tensioners, Pre-Safe (which anticipates if a crash is likely and primes other safety features), Attention Assist (which monitors the driver’s behaviour for potential drowsiness at the wheel) and Active Bonnet (which pops up to reduce the risk of head injury for pedestrians) are all standard.

Other safety features available include Adaptive Highbeam Assist (standard on Avantgarde and Sport models), Night View Assist and a lane departure warning system.

Luggage capacity of 540 litres is about as generous as anyone could when this E-Class was new. There are reasonable storage compartments in the cabin and for cars fitted with the seven-speed automatic gearbox, extra storage in the centre console (these come with a steering column gear selector rather than a gearstick). An optional ski-bag luggage accessory allowing skis and other long items to be carried between the boot and the cabin could also be chosen as an option.