Oh well… just another boutique estate… I thought as the latest C-Class Estate arrived at our offices. At least it looks alright. Scanning through my grey matter, virtually all Mercedes station wagons I can remember look something like retirement villages on wheels, but this one definitely has some flair. It seems the shapely elegance of the C-Class sedan has translated well into wagon format.

As if to prove to us that it was more than just for show, the C280 Estate arrived for test just a few days before we moved premises. It wasn’t planned that way. Then came the big day, and we each had to choose a vehicle for hauling loads. While my co-workers flocked to the bakkies, I was first to hog the keys of this estate. At least with a closed load compartment, I wouldn’t have to worry about objects flying off the back.

But how practical is it for load hauling? I was pleasantly surprised. Ok, I wasn’t exactly enthralled by the optional automatic tailgate, which opens and closes at the push of a button – I’m not that lazy nor too boastful. But I was surprised by the vast and flat load space that appears when you fold the rear seats down in one quick and easy movement. Mercedes-Benz claims a class-leading 1500-litre load space in this configuration and judging by how many shelves and other odds and ends we stashed in there, it’s not hard to believe.

Not that many owners are going to use it to move, but I’m sure there are many applications, including holidays, where the extra load space offered by this wagon will come in handy – remember there’s still a pretty decent 485 litres of luggage room with the rear seats up. There are other novelties to make loading easier, like a collapsible shopping crate to save you from having to repack your groceries when you get home, and there’s also a separate retaining net.

So while the C-Class Estate has the practicality aspect covered nicely, it doesn’t quite tick all the boxes you’d expect a premium car to. We certainly weren’t ‘moved’ by the performance offered by the V6 engine, which is actually a 3-litre, despite the confusing ‘280’ badge. It acceleration and tractability it was slower than the far-cheaper Audi A4 1.8T FSI we tested recently, though the latter’s turbo-charger does give it the edge at our high altitude. But other than that, we were highly impressed by the Merc’s road holding, and its ride quality for that matter. It’s a really well-sorted chassis.

Despite the practicality offered, the interior did lose a few points for being too ‘plasticy’ for a premium car – that dash could seriously use a more inspiring design and classier materials.

For the price, we reckon this car should offer a better interior and more in the way of performance, but it is otherwise a very classy and desirable estate car.