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Family wagon

The Mercedes E-Class Estate has a nifty trick for families with small kids

Large families will love the flexibility of this swanky wagon.

THE NEW MERCEDES-Benz E-Class Estate is now available to buy in Ireland and will come in three trim levels: Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG Line. And it has a trick up its sleeve.

The big, swanky wagon is styled and equipped similarly to the new E-Class Saloon. It offers innovative engineering and a compelling concept of space that Mercedes-Benz says make it “the most intelligent estate” they have ever built.

Up front, the face of the Estate varies depending on the chosen design and equipment line. The Exclusive line has a classic radiator grille with bonnet-mounted star, while more sporty Avantgarde and AMG lines have the star motif centred within the grille.

Daimler AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars Daimler AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars

Inside, the rear seats split 40:20:40 to create cargo space that can expand from 670 litres to 1,820 litres and while carrying rear passengers the backrests can be tilted upright to create an extra 30 litres of space.

Mercedes-Benz Ireland Mercedes-Benz Ireland

A nifty feature, which may tempt buyers away from an MPV, is a backwards-facing rear seat within the luggage area. This seat can be folded open and fit small two children (up to 1.15 metres tall) and then folded away into the floor when not in use. This essentially turns the car into a seven-seater.

Driver Assistance Systems include Active Brake Assist to aid the driver during emergency braking; Attention Assist, to alert the driver to inattentiveness or drowsiness; and Crosswind Assist, which lessens the effects of strong crosswinds.

Daimler AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars Daimler AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars

The first version to be offered is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder E 220 d with an output of 194 hp and peak torque of 400Nm. Eventaully three more versions will be offered; the more powerful 3.0-litre V6 E 350 d, the E 350 e hybrid and Mercedes-AMG E 43.

The E220d Avantgarde Automatic model is priced at €55,700 ex-works, the Exclusive version at €58,085 and the AMG line at €61,415.

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