Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: No data available
Good to drive, plenty of luggage space, high levels of crash safety.
Patchy cabin quality, staid looks, pricey.
Best small premium estate on the market.
The ride is firm, but unless you opt for 17-inch AMG wheels and sports suspension it's generally comfortable, soaking up bumps and imperfect road surfaces and resisting wallowing or rolling. Soundproofing is very good, and Mercedes has always made comfortable, supportive seats.
The longer wheelbase compared to the last model gives more legroom and luggage space. It's still some way short of the limo-like rear legroom in the E-Class, but a couple of adults can fit in there just fine. The tailgate opens up to reveal a wide, relatively unobstructed load bay. There's 485 litres of space with the rear seats in position, and 1,500 litres with them folded - a good capacity, but though the seats split they don't fold quite flat, and do not slide or tumble for added versatility. A power-operated tailgate is optional.
The cabin design is uninspiring, but at least it's largely gimmick-free. The 'Comand' control system and menus are fiddly, and the new-generation sat nav isn't easy to master.
Options include Bluetooth kit, self-levelling suspension, multi-contour seats, a large glass sliding roof, parking sensors, voice-activated sat nav/audio system/telephone, roller sunblinds and Dolby surround sound audio, but all the basics are there in the SE.
