The Mercedes-Benz E-Class
This is the very top end of the market and for that reason we have excluded the small family car from the range writes Geraldine Herbert
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon
Despite being the car that defines the Mercedes brand and the best seller in their range, the E-Class has never been what you might consider exciting or entertaining to drive. All that changed with the launch of the new Model. Reassuringly the E Class does not look that radically different from the outside, a little less angular than before, it now has a more coupé-like roofline with an S-Class like sophistication and elegance. Combining practicality with good looks, there is also an extra 65mm in the wheelbase which means improved legroom front and back. Under the bonnet is where the greatest changes have occurred and the E-Class is the first to benefit from the new 2.0 litre four-cylinder diesel that replaces the 2.2-litre. It delivers a 17% weight reduction, lower fuel consumption (3.9 litres/100Km combined), lower C02 (102g/km), increased horsepower (194 HP), 400Nm of torque and lower road tax (€190).
Further model variants to follow in time will include an E350e hybrid and a powerful V6 E350d. The new generation E-Class is refined, efficient and the quality is particularly impressive.
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: Not yet tested
Starting Price: €52,850
Also Consider: Jaguar XF
Finance Options for E-Class 220 Avantgarde Diesel Automatic
Price €54,150.00
Deposit Amount €10,830.00 (20%)
Finance Amount €43320
PCP
% APR 5.9
Monthly Payments € 788.39
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: € 20,577
Total Cost of Credit € 5,702.53
BOI
Monthly Payments €1,343.55
Total Cost of Credit €5047.80
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €1,388.84
Total Cost of Credit €6,678.24
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €1,246.45*
Total Cost of Credit €4,872.20
% APR 7.9
(* Max of 40,000 can be borrowed from Ulster bank)
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €1,344.67
Total Cost of Credit €5,008.27
% APR 7.61
Mercedes-Benz V Class
Mercedes-Benz V Class
With a possible eight seats, depending on the way its configured the Mercedes V Class large MPV is the ultimate blend of luxury and practicality.
There are three different body styles to choose from a compact wheelbase, a long and an extra-long wheelbase . The engine range is limited ot two diesels, 220 Bluetec and 250 Bluetec turbodiesels and while neither will set the world on fire but both are plucky enough for typical use.
All models fall into tax band D so motor tax is €570 annually and official figures suggest fuel economy is between 5.7 – 6.0 litres per 100 (48.7 – 49.7 mpg). From the outside it may look van like but once inside the cabin it has the same excellent finish and quality materials you would expect from any car bearing the three-pointed star. On the road it’s comfortable, refined and despite its proportions , simple to manoeuvre. So if you are looking for something more than your average people carrier or SUVs can offer the V Class is the most sophisticated way to transport up to eight people and their luggage.
Euro NCAP Safety Rating:
Starting Price: €52,950
Also Consider: Volkswagen Caravelle
Finance Options for V-Class 200 BlueTEC Automatic
Price €54,750.00
Deposit Amount €10,950 (20%)
Finance Amount €43,800
PCP
% APR 5.9
Monthly Payments € 852.77
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: € 18,615
Total Cost of Credit € 5,578.21
BOI
Monthly Payments €1,358.43
Total Cost of Credit €5,103.48
% APR 7.5
AIB
Monthly Payments €1,404.23
Total Cost of Credit €6752.28
% APR 9.99
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €1,246.45*
Total Cost of Credit €4,872.20
% APR 7.9
(* Max of 40,000 can be borrowed from Ulster bank)
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €1,359.57
Total Cost of Credit €5,144.65
% APR 7.61
Volvo XC90
The launch of Volvo’s XC90 in 2002 was a game-changer for the Swedish brand and transformed them from sensible and safe to an innovative premium brand. Now thirteen years on Volvo has finally launched the eagerly awaited second generation XC90. The exterior is unmistakeably Volvo with clean and purposeful styling and oversized grille. The larger bonnet and distinctive new rear lights are all design signatures that will be mirrored across the range. With an imposing road presence, the XC90 stretches almost five metres long. There are two diesel engine available along with a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid option. Inside it is comfortable, classy, yet extremely practical, and the seven-seat cabin is MPV-like in its versatility. Space in the front two rows is plentiful and unlike rivals, space in the third row is just as good. With a starting price of €64950 the XC90 is expensive but if you are one of the lucky ones to have a generous budget it would be hard to recommend a better family car.
Euro NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
Starting Price: €64, 950
Also Consider: Audi Q7
Finance Options for XC90 D4 Momentum
Price €65,950
Deposit Amount €13,190 (20%)
Finance Amount €52,760
PCP
% APR 5.9
Monthly Payments €854.76
Guaranteed Minimum Future Value: € 29,229.04
Total Cost of Credit € 7,303.89
HP
% APR 8.9
Monthly Payments €946.48*
Total Cost of Credit €10,623.80
(*Based on a 30% deposit over 60 months)
BOI
Monthly Payments €1,636.32
Total Cost of Credit €6,147.52
% APR 7.5
(*Based on a 30% deposit)
AIB
Monthly Payments €1,480.05
Total Cost of Credit €7,116.80
% APR 9.99
(*Based on a 30% deposit)
Ulsterbank
Monthly Payments €1,246.45*
Total Cost of Credit €4,872.20
% APR 7.9
(* Max of 40,000 can be borrowed from Ulster bank)
Credit Union
Monthly Payments €1,637.70
Total Cost of Credit €6,197.07
% APR 6.71
(*Based on a 30% deposit)
(All finance details are based on a 20% deposit unless otherwise stated and over a three-year period. As rates vary from branch to branch the credit union rate quoted is the average Car Loan rate offered in 2015)
Geraldine Herbert
28th June, 2016
