Mercedes has historically struggled to match its German rival brands for running costs and emissions, but the new E-class range has well and truly put that right.

It would, a couple of years ago, have been difficult to see a Benz both cheaper and more efficient than either its BMW or Audi rival, but that’s true for the E-class Coupe, which is cheaper than the equivalently powered A5 2.7 TDI or the BMW 325d, as well as two BIK bands below the BMW and five below the Audi thanks to emissions of 143g/km. Residuals are good, too, at 44.9% retained value, and that helps the E250 CDI SE to a more than respectable 63.2p per mile figure.

To drive, it maybe isn’t as sporty as its rivals, but the E250 CDI Coupe is a comfortable grand tourer rather than sports machine, with enough space to carry adults in the rear plus a cavernous boot.

Mercedes-Benz E250 CDI Coupe SE manual
P11D price £31,385
Model price range £30,045-£50,935
Fuel consumption 52.3mpg
CO2 (tax) 143g/km (20%)
BIK 20/40% per month £105/£209
Service interval variable mls
Insurance (1-50) group 40
Warranty 3yrs/unlimited mls
Boot space (min/max) 450 litres
Engine size/power 2143cc/207hp
Top speed/0-62mph 155mph/7.4secs
On sale Late 2009
Score 8/10
Verdict Running costs prove Merc has
filled the gap to prestige rivals