Bigglen1

So I had my E class at the dealer for some warranty work and I get a 2013 C300 loaner.
Man, I really enjoyed the tight sporty handling of this model! And the engine was a great match, great power, great sound as it shifts through the gears. A more viceral driving experience for sure. Not as comfortable as w212. But, that is to be expected. It is what it is. I can't imagine what a rocket the AMG version is!

KCaudell

I LOVE my C300 Sport/4Matic! This handles just as well as my BMW 328i w/ Sport Suspension. With the all wheel drive you have to manage your RPMs and keep them up through the corners. If you do, you'll have great fun pushing the car through the corners and it handles flat. Little to no body roll. This is a great design that's fun to drive.

K

Sportstick

I go back and forth between our C and E, and the difference is notable....but it wasn't good enough. Add some better aftermarket tires, Eibach antisway bars, and a strut tower brace, and then go find a cloverleaf ramp or traffic circle!

robnyc

That is to be expected in a 2013 C class lol

Bigglen1

Is there a C350 model? I actually heard that the C300 now does have the 3.5L engine but detuned a little.

Samaral

Yes, there is a c350 4matic and it handles like a dream!!!! Funny thing is that as I am getting older, I was wondering how would the E350 4matic handle. Is it to underpowered? Is the suspension to soft? On a daily bases is the size difference really noticeable? Does it make a big difference between the S mode and the E mode?

Richard2011

Not available in the US, unfortunately.

Doa

i have a bilstein B14 PSS under my C and lowered it 4.5cm and handling improved even more

rshah31

The handling was a pleasant, unexpected surprise from the W204. I feel more confident tossing the W204 into a corner than my E90 330xi. The C300 4matic Sport stays flatter and has less body roll. However, it lacks the road feel and steering feedback of the BMW.

MDMercedesGuy

You mean C350 4matic, right?

Bigglen1

I have a 2012 RWD E350. Its very comfortable and elegant. It handles well for a car of its size. But its no sports car. It's more like an "excutive express". I drive it fast and enjoy it immensely! The RWD has huge 265 size tires on the rear and those meats stick! As I've matured, I have tended to "stop and smell the roses" a little more. And the E lets me do that. Yet I can still haul *** if I want. The E & S modes change transmission programs only. E mode starts you off in 2nd gear and shifts early. S mode starts you off in 1st and holds each gear longer, especialy if you're deep into the pedal. You can even red line that sucker if you want in this mode. The w212 has paddles for manual shifting as well.
The 2010-2011 has 268hp which is fine. But the 2012 and newer has DI with 302hp. Better.
The C300 loaner I had felt like it accelerated harder. But, that could be just the sensation of it's less insulated engine sounds and stiffer susp.

Richard2011

Yes!

Samaral

It sounds that you loose a bit in agility but you gain in comfort. i hope that with the E350 you still can drive fast!!! Have you tried the E550?

Bigglen1

Yes, as compared to the C, agility is less. You can still go fast. I've never driven a 550. But I would like too! I think its the perfect solution. There is more aftermarket support I think also.

AV1

If you liked the C300 you should drive one of the current coupe variants, in terms of handling the C coupe is measurably better than the sedan, MB purposely did it that way and it dosn't loose much if anything in ride quality or comfort compared to the sedan

The AMG C63 (either variant) is dangerous fast, the first time you drive one of those hard it'll shock you, but you quickly get used to it

snowmuch

My buddy who has a 08 335i and an other buddy has a 09 is350 both took a ride in my car and got impressed by it xD I love Mercedes. My next car is going to be an AMG for sure