# Mercedes E-Class — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Mercedes E-Class on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mercedes-e-class

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2020
- **Ideal trim**: E300de AMG Line
- **Target mileage**: 40,000–60,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 3
- **Target price**: £28,000

## Why this model

The Mercedes E-Class, especially the 2020 model, is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a comfortable, refined, and technologically advanced executive saloon. The E300de Plug-in Hybrid offers a brilliant blend of diesel economy for longer trips and electric-only range for daily commutes, helping to keep running costs down. It's built to a high standard, feels incredibly luxurious inside, and comes packed with safety features, making it a solid all-rounder for families or business users.

## What you should pay

Based on current UK market data for February 2026, a 2020 Mercedes E300de AMG Line with around 30-50k miles typically sells for about £28,000. This price reflects a significant depreciation from new, making it a great value proposition. Prices can vary by a few thousand pounds depending on exact mileage, condition, and optional extras, but £28,000 is a good target for a well-maintained example.

## Which trim to buy

The E300de AMG Line is the sweet spot for the E-Class. You get the fantastic efficiency and low running costs of the diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, combined with the sporty looks and enhanced features of the AMG Line trim. This includes more aggressive body styling, larger alloy wheels, and a more dynamic interior with sports seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel. It truly feels like a premium car without needing to step up to the much pricier full-fat AMG models, and it holds its value better than the entry-level SE trim.

## What to check before you buy

- Infotainment glitches (software updates often resolve these)
- Air suspension issues (if fitted, check for sagging or compressor noise)
- DPF issues on diesel models if not regularly driven on longer journeys
- AdBlue system faults (common on many modern diesels)
- Rear light condensation
- PHEV battery health (ensure it holds charge well and charging system works correctly)

## Running costs

Running an E300de Plug-in Hybrid can be surprisingly economical if you utilise the electric range. For electricity, if you charge at home on a smart tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus (around 9p/kWh), you're looking at about 4-5 pence per mile for electric driving. On a standard tariff (around 30p/kWh), it's more like 13-14 pence per mile. For diesel, expect around 6-7 pence per mile on longer runs. If you do 10,000 miles a year, splitting it 50/50 electric/diesel, your annual 'fuel' cost could be around £550-£600. Road tax (VED) for this model, registered after April 2017, will be £195 per year from April 2025. Insurance will be higher than a standard family car, likely in the £600-£1200+ range depending on your circumstances. Servicing at a Mercedes specialist or main dealer can be £400-£800 per year.

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Plug-in Hybrid
- **Horsepower**: 306 hp (combined)
- **Mpg**: Up to 176.6 mpg (official WLTP combined, real-world varies heavily with electric use)
- **Reliability Score**: Generally good, but complex electronics can sometimes lead to minor issues. Mercedes typically scores average for reliability in owner surveys.
- **Safety Rating**: 5-star Euro NCAP (2016)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| E300de SE | £40,000 | £24,000 | LED High Performance headlights; Heated front seats; MBUX infotainment system with 12.3-inch display |
| E300de AMG Line | £44,000 | £28,000 | AMG body styling; 19-inch AMG alloy wheels; Sports suspension |
| E300de AMG Line Premium | £47,000 | £31,000 | Multibeam LED headlights; Burmester surround sound system; Wireless charging |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £28,000 | 0% |
| 2027 | £24,080 | 14% |
| 2028 | £21,190 | 12% |
| 2029 | £19,071 | 10% |
| 2030 | £17,545 | 8% |

Buying a 2020 E-Class in 2026 means you're getting a car that has already taken its biggest depreciation hit. The initial steep drop in value from new has passed, so while it will continue to depreciate, the rate will be much slower. This makes it a great time to buy if you plan to keep the car for a few years, as you'll lose less money on depreciation compared to buying a newer model.

Total value lost since new: 37.3%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [BMW 5 Series](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/bmw-5-series.md)
- [Audi A6](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/audi-a6.md)
- Volvo S90/V90

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.