While the Hyundai Ioniq 5N absolutely felt like the right choice for my 2024 Favourite Car of the Year, it was very nearly deposed from that spot by a Mercedes. Not a crazy fast AMG, either, but the much humbler E450d estate. In not attempting to rewrite the rulebook and instead nailing the fundamentals of being a luxurious load lugger, it proved immensely charming.
Without the complication of plug-in hybridisation, there was no concern about which power source best suited the situation as there was just a great vat of torque wherever required. Without any AMG aspirations, there was an easygoing gait to the ride and handling that complemented the powertrain perfectly. Similarly, there was no clue, inside or out, that this was a 367hp, 553lb ft Mercedes, so you could get along making as much progress as required without any unwanted attention. It was a real treat.
The E450d actually brought to mind an older E-Class driven earlier in the year, the 300CE convertible of the ‘124 generation. While decades apart and very different bodystyles, they shared the same effortlessness, classiness and intangible Mercedes-ness; the new car felt like it would be just as beguiling as the classic in 30 years time. If anybody wants to drive a diesel estate come the 2050s…
Whatever, the only sour point of the E450d experience was the price, because the flagship diesel E-Class is now a £90k prospect; as the most desirable ‘124 drop-tops, the six-cylinder models can be £20k or more. But there is an alternative, and it’s the variant of the Bruno Sacco E-Class era that’s perhaps even more legendary than the convertible: the S124 wagon.
You’ll know its reputation by now, sturdy and stylish like little else. But plenty have fallen by the wayside nearly 30 years since the last one was made. Useful to a fault, many ‘124s were driven into the ground (or ravaged by rust), a big bill at big miles writing so many off when they weren’t so valuable. But not this one. A Japanese import that arrived here in 2012, it’s a real minter, only now having accrued 100,000 miles since first registration in 1993. As a 320, it gets the lusty six-cylinder, there are the rear-facing seats for mischievous kids (if they can even fathom what’s going on), and the interior, if old fashioned, is immaculate. It’s the coolest '90s time machine around.
And best of all, this Mercedes isn’t mad money. While £12,000 is probably more than it was worth a decade ago, such is the reputation of this model now that it’s always going to remain desirable - and valuable. The UK history shows decent upkeep across two owners, and there’s plenty of specialist knowledge out there to keep these in fine fettle. For the best in classic Mercedes cool that could still be used in the middle of the 2020s, the 320TE has a heck of a lot to recommend it.
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-BENZ 320TE
Engine: 3,199cc, straight six
Transmission: 4-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 220@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 229@3,750rpm
MPG: c. 25
CO2: N/A
Year registered: 1993
Recorded mileage: 161,724km
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £12,995
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