Mercedes E Class 7 Seater

Sirrel Squirrel · 9 Feb 2018 at 10:53

Just been clicking around on AutoTrader to try and find a suitable 7 seater vehicle for a max budget of £15k and stumpled upon 7 seater E Classes which I didn't know existed. You can pick up a 2012 model E350 for around £13k.

They certainly seem nicer than your typical MPV style vehicle.

Anyone had any experience with them?

SoliD · 9 Feb 2018 at 12:38

Aren't they just an E Class estate with 2 seats in the boot seriously limiting any luggage capacity?

Jez · 9 Feb 2018 at 12:53

All these are are flip up trunk seats in the Wagon model. The same as every e-class has had for years. OK for occasional use but you wont get any luggage in the car with them in use.

Sirrel Squirrel · 9 Feb 2018 at 20:46

Yes, looks like they are just an optional extra on the estate. What's the general verdict on the E Class, they look lovely imo.

Space isn't much of an issue, there's normally 4 of us but every now and then I have to carry another 2 kids.

Scuzi · 9 Feb 2018 at 22:16

Check out the R class if you need 7 seats. I love mine

Sirrel Squirrel · 12 Feb 2018 at 13:28

I'll have a look, I want something pretty quick

mjt · 12 Feb 2018 at 13:35

Rear seats in the E Class are dicky seats. R Class should be worth a look, as Scuzi says.

Sirrel Squirrel · 12 Feb 2018 at 14:38

Maybe the R Class is a better shout, certainly a bit cheaper, the kids that would be going in the seats are young though.

Anything to look out for with the R Class?

timmeh · 12 Feb 2018 at 15:07

SoliD said:
Aren't they just an E Class estate with 2 seats in the boot seriously limiting any luggage capacity?

My dad had one and they don't limit the luggage capacity, they completely eliminate it. heh. They're rear facing and your legs are up against the boot lid.

If you need it for the odd short trip it's fine but it'll be terrible for using as a permanent 7-seater.

Scuzi · 12 Feb 2018 at 18:11

Sirrel Squirrel said:
Maybe the R Class is a better shout, certainly a bit cheaper, the kids that would be going in the seats are young though.

Anything to look out for with the R Class?

Facelift was late 2010 and looks better. Rear air springs are worth checking. Some will sit lower at one side meaning the Level sense rods need replaced (£150 at an Indy). Otherwise fairly solid in 350 CDI form. I’ve had mine for a year and so far its been great.

Sirrel Squirrel · 1 Mar 2018 at 19:59

So I ended up buying an E350 petrol today, it's a late 2005 model with the 2 seats in the back. I tested it with the two youngest kids and it provides enough room for them. The car is very comfy, I love the ride and it's pretty quick too.