520 / 530d Touring vs E350 CDI AMG

[Davie_GLA]

Looking for a little advice really.

I'm in the market for an estate and these are topping m y shortlist.

Does anyone own any of the above? In particular the 520d touring. There are the obvious economy gains however is it a false economy? Does the 2 litre 4 pot in such a large car feel gutless? I know BMW are great at delivering linear power from relatively small engines.

On the E350 the more i read the more i read that the advertised economy isn't even close, and i don't mean just a shade, some owner reviews citing 26mpg? I know these MPG figs from the factory are met when all sorts of planets align and in environments that mere mortals are never going to replicate.

I haven't considered anything from Audi's avant range. Should I? Whilst htey are undoubtedly ahead in the interior game i find the exterior a little bland.

Thanks!

[ZX10R NIN]

With regards to the Mercedes I've found them to be very close to their figures taking one into Central London will see 28-30mpg with it improving once you're in the suburbs so I wouldn't worry about the fuel numbers they'll be about as accurate as everyone else's.