While the Volvo V90 for almost four months now, Merc’s new estate is so fresh that it’s still steaming.

Targeting the likes of the BMW 5-Series Touring, Audi A6 Avant and Jaguar XF Sportbrake, these two are the latest entries into the executive station wagon class, but each goes about doing its business in its own way.

Buying an estate over a similar sedan means that the customer values the extra boot space. The E-Class Estate offers 670 liters with the rear seat bench in place and 1,820 liters when folded, which is 25 liters less in five-seat configuration and 135 more at full capacity compared to its predecessor.

Its Swedish rival loses a major point here, with its 560 liters of luggage capacity that’s expandable up to 1,526 liters. Not only the V90 falls behind the Merc, it’s also less practical than its predecessor, the V70, which has 633/1,600 liters of boot space.

Since it’s based on the brand-new S90, the V90 benefits from the long list of features that include what Volvo claims to be the most advanced standard safety package out there, with large animal detection, run-off road mitigation, lane keep, lane departure warning, distance alert, driver alert, road sign info, adaptive cruise control and the semi-autonomous Pilot Assist II tech.

Depending on the version, the E-Class can be had with the Drive Pilot system, which allows it to follow the vehicle in front and aids the driver in lane changing with a radar and camera-based system. Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function is also part of the package, along with the world’s first Car-to-X-communication and the praised Air Body Control all-round air suspension.

Those interested in the new Volvo V90 can choose between five different powertrains, two petrol, two diesels and a hybrid, with outputs ranging between 187 and 401 HP, while the E-Class will be offered with four petrol units and three diesels, at the time of its launch, producing between 150 HP and 401 HP. Joining the lineup later on will be the range-topping E63 AMG, while the V90 is rumored to gain a Polestar variant.

PHOTO GALLERY