220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Plus Auto 5dr Estate

Excellent, practical long distance cruiser

Just parted with this car having had it from new for 6 years and 53,000 pretty well trouble free miles. Too low mileage for a diesel, you will say, but at the time diesels were the default option and 95% was on long journeys. I never experienced any dpf problems and was only once aware of a regeneration in progress. The upside was an overall average on the trip computer of 49 mpg (2 or 3 mpg optimistic) and the engine sitting at 1750 rpm on the motorway.
I had to get the sporty spec to have the options I wanted, so the ride on 18 inch wheels was a bit firmer at low speeds than I would have liked. Noticeably better on the 17 inch higher profile winter wheels I bought. I wanted the driving assistance pack of adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning which I found made for a more relaxed drive as well as improving safety. The excellent xenon intelligent light system was included but the navigation system, reversing camera and DAB tuner were all extra. It all added up, but a 20% discount on list made the cost bearable.
The car was at its best sitting on the motorway, with a great feeling of security and stability whatever the conditions. The seating was comfortable and supportive and I particularly liked the Dinamica suede-like upholstery. The build quality was very good and it remained entirely rattle and squeak free throughout my ownership. The 7 speed auto was generally smooth and responsive but could be a little bit jerky for the first couple of changes when cold.
I had a couple of minor problems both fixed under warranty. The auxilliary battery for the stop-start system failed and the DAB tuner needed a software update. The only significant problem was a failed sensor after 4 years which put the car in to a limp mode. It would still make 70 mph but took a long time to get there. Mercedes breakdown assistance (RAC in fact) came out and recovered the car on a low loader the 160 miles to my local MB dealer and dropped off a Mercedes hire car, which I had for a week until my car was fixed. MB picked up half the cost of the repair on goodwill so apart from scheduled servicing, a couple of tyres and front brakes the £90 bill was my only unusual expense. Servicing is pricey (about £400 a year on a service plan) but it does include the full European breakdown service which, on my experience, I would recommend.
Overall, a very satisfactory experience. I was left wondering why I changed, except that I was tempted by a newer model. Another Mercedes, but an E class this time. It will be interesting to see if I am as satisfied.

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