Mercedes-Benz E350d All-Terrain preview: ‘A mud-squelching delight’ | Martin Love

Mercedes has pumped up its E-Class to create a go-anywhere 4x4 estate to take the rough and the smooth in its stride

Mercedes-Benz E350d All-Terrain
Price 53,880
Top speed 155mph
0-62 6.2 seconds
MPG 42
CO₂ 179g/km

The overflow carpark was just that - a patch of scrub overflowing with ankle-deep, wheel-squelching mud. But today that was just the carpark I'd hoped for. Rather than an awkward 8-point reverse and retreat, in we jumped, courtesy of Mercedes' new swagged-up estate. You may be familiar with this style of car. Audi, Volvo, Skoda and others all make a version. You pump up the suspension, add some body cladding to the wheel arches and sills and give it a rugged grille. You don't want it to look too butch. We haven't gone roid-crazy down at the gym. We're in shape. We've been working out, but that's it. Then, to top it all off, you give it an omnipotent name - the All-Terrain.