2024 CAR OF THE YEAR

We’ve been busy reviewing the best cars of 2024, as judged by the NZ Motoring Writers Guild, whittling the 10 finalists down to a shortlist of six, from which one outstanding car has emerged as our Car of the Year.

A comprehensive list of changes have made the new Mercedes E-Class a most convincing luxury car from the range entry point. It has greater road presence than ever, greater driver appeal, and a cabin with the space, material richness and tech features that you might expect in a flagship limo. And, of course, it builds on the strong points that have made an E-Class the automatic executive choice for generations of car buyers over many decades (us included).

The full-width wraparound digital screen is a visual highlight but it also offers a terrific user experience with quick-to-respond, intuitive control qualities. It’s the best of its kind in our book. And we also struggle to fault seat comfort – front and rear – and the range of adjustment for those up front. Drivers of any height enjoy a fantastic driving position and – in the E300’s case – massage, cooling and heating functions that tempt you to extend some journeys for the sheer pleasure.

The familiar two-litre turbocharged engine, tuned to provide 190kW in 300 guise, is a refined and flexible unit and it pulls in determined fashion when pressed. It works in conjunction with 48V electrical system and an ISG that is good for 17kW and 205Nm in its own right. Crisp, accurate steering, strong brakes, and excellent body control from adaptive suspension all inspire confidence when travelling at higher speeds. And the saloon’s ability to cosset occupants and isolate them from bumps and road noise is only marginally compromised by the 20-inch alloys that afford a handsome saloon an impressive stance.

Each outing in the E300 had a real sense of occasion – for both driver and passengers – and while a driver may miss the charm of a straight-six or the effortless character of a V8, you can’t deny that the E300’s solid real-world performance and excellent economy complete an exceptionally rounded car.

So our COTY goes to a Stuttgart staple with saloon car attributes that no SUV can replicate. For the record, silver goes to a car at the other end of the price spectrum, the MG3, which brings to market affordable petrol and hybrid options that exemplify the brand’s desire to comprehensively improve its core products while introducing a genuine dose of desirability.

And the bronze goes to the large EV that stood out from other electric newcomers due to the breadth of its achievement – the Kia EV9.