Mercedes E220d AMG Line: Sporty looks but still impressively affordable to run

Mercedes E220d AMG Line

What is it?

The Mercedes E220d AMG Line is the sportier-looking AMG Line version of the all-new E-Class saloon that was launched this year. Like the SE, which we’ve also driven – See Mercedes E220d SE: Elegant executive efficiency – the latest challenger to the 5-Series crown boasts a comfortable, state-of-the-art interior, but in AMG Line form adds sportier looks.

Despite the bigger wheels and other sportier AMG kit, the 112g/km emission figure will be of most interest to business buyers. However, with all the sporty AMG-inspired kit, does it compromise this Mercedes in everyday use? We headed out for a drive to find out.

What’s hot

• n AMG-Line trim, the E220d’s 1.9-litre turbo diesel, boasts the same 0-62mph acceleration of just 7.3 seconds and a licence-losing top speed of 149mph. Despite the performance, the 72.4mpg consumption, 112g/km emissions and 22% charge, will still appeal to business buyers.
• The AMG-Line trim, as the name suggests, equals a sportier look. This means this E220d has deeper front and rear bumpers, the lowered stance and those attractive five-spoke wheels.

Shades of S-Class cabin

• Inside, it’s hard not to spot influences from its big brother, the S-Class limo, this time with the optional 12:3 digital display, that replaces the standard instruments and almost merges into the massive sat-nav screen. The plastics and optional soft Nappa leather trim already add to the high quality feel in the new E-Class. It is spacious inside too, with plenty of room for three adults to travel in comfort in the back – the boot is practically-shaped and a good size too.

What’s not

• The E220d’s 1.9-litre diesel might be willing and impressively efficient, but it’s noisy at idle and under heavy acceleration.
• Those 19-inch AMG alloys look the part, but their bigger size unsettles the ride – which couldn’t be resolved by changing the modes of the optional air suspension and equals more road noise and doesn’t really do anything to tighten up the E-Class’s good handling. Plus, the CO2 emissions go from 102 to 112g/km.
• Although much improved over its predecessor, the steering and handling are not as involving or ultimately as enjoyable as rivals such as the current BMW Five-Series.
• The E220d might still be cost-effective to run, even in sportier AMG-Line trim, but it’s still not cheap to buy, with the basic £38,430 list price. Our test car had quite a few options, taking the price over £50,000!

Verdict

On top of the low emissions, consumption, comfort and style, that the latest E-Class is known for, the AMG-Line adds an extra dose of aggression.

The standard E220d SE might not look as sharp, but with its smoother drive and lower emissions, it’s the E220d we’d go for.

The lowdown on: Mercedes E220d AMG Line

…..and what it costs

Mercedes E220d AMG Line – bigger 19-inch alloy wheels unsettle ride and raise CO2

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