What’s new?

You may see the new Mercedes-AMG E63 featuring in many a headline. Powered by an earth-shattering V8 and producing 600bhp, it’s understandable why so many people are talking about it. However, if a £90,000 estate car seems like a step too far then there’s this, the E43 Estate.

Using a bi-turbo V6 engine, it produces a still-considerable 396bhp, which is more than enough to allow the E43 to hit 60mph in just 4.5 seconds. It still costs a shade under £60,000 (our test car came in at a hefty £62,000 with options), but that’s a whole lot less than the E63 costs – for not a whole lot less performance.

The best part about a fast estate is that, despite the pace at hand, it retains all of the standard car’s practicality. The same can be said of the E43, which keeps the standard E-Class’s excellent 1,820-litre boot. So although it’ll top out at 155mph, you’ll still be able to take the dogs along for the ride. Add that to the E43’s four-wheel drive and you have a capable but usable everyday estate car.

Looks and image

The standard E-Class Estate is a pretty beast, and the E43 Estate is just an extension of that. You get 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels that fill the car’s arches nicely, as well as a full AMG styling pack. At the rear, twin-pipe exhausts give a small hint as to the car’s performance but, in truth, it’s an understated affair – and one that is all the better for it.

At a glance the E 3 looks pretty much like any AMG-Line E-Class, and that ain’t a bad thing at all. As far as fast estates go, subtlety is key.

Inside, the E43 benefits from the much-praised infotainment system found on the standard E-Class, and it’s a wonder to use. Operating the satellite navigation and media controls is a breeze, while the 12.3-inch display is wonderfully crisp and easy to read. The entire cabin – save for a few harder plastics – is a joy to behold, and one which you wouldn’t mind spending many an hour in.

Space and practicality

As mentioned earlier, the E43 can offer plenty of practicality. The standard load area with the seats raised is a respectable 640 litres, increasing to the aforementioned 1,820 litres with the seats fully lowered. It’s a very impressive amount of space, and one which comes in handy at almost all times.

The front seats are very comfortable, and the driving position feels pretty much spot-on – though some drivers may find it a touch on the high side. Space in the rear is excellent though, with plenty of leg and headroom for those in the back.

Behind the wheel

In truth, it’s just the gearbox that we had an issue with – it can feel sluggish to change up at times, hanging on to gears a touch too long, even in comfort driving modes. Elsewhere, the E43 feels pretty much on the money, with a crisp throttle response accompanied by a premium-sounding exhaust note. No, it doesn’t have the same cackle as the full-fat V8, but it has a distinct and unique sound all of its own.

This comes through at almost any speed, with the V6 chirping away even when pottering around town. It’s the smoothness of the engine that also shines through, and the way it gains momentum will keep you stepping on the accelerator time and time again.

In terms of ride, it is firm – and you certainly notice this in urban areas. However, out on the open road the niggles do fade away, and the E43 Estate appears to handle just like an AMG car should – though it lacks the sharp edge that comes with the E63, this may be down to the omission of the four-link front axle found on the V8-powered car.

Value for money

At £58,290, the E43 makes for excellent value for money. Our car, fitted with the interior premium package that consists of hands-free access and a panoramic sunroof, came in at £62,480 – which still isn’t bad for a large estate car that will hit 60mph in well under five seconds.

With the range-topping E63 sitting at in excess of £90,000, the E43 does make a fair amount of sense. It doesn’t offer quite the same driving experience – the E63’s V8 engine gives the car a character like nothing else – but for going point-to-point at speed and in comfort, there are few better. Add to that the E43’s excellent interior and you have a car which, for the most part, appears to justify every pound of its price tag.

Who would buy one?

The E43 Estate will appeal to those who like going fast but don’t like standing out from the crowd too much. Yes, it still makes a far more sporting noise than you’d expect from an estate car, but the E43 Estate’s overall impression is one of subtlety and restraint – something that can’t be said about the louder and more powerful E63 Estate. It drives nicely and offers acres of space – combining to make a pretty well rounded package.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

Model: Mercedes-AMG E43 Estate
Engine: Bi-turbo V6
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Performance: 0-60mph in 4.5seconds, 155mph top speed
Economy: 32.8 mpg (combined)
Emissions: 197g/km