W204 vs W205 appearance preference
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 24
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GL350, C350
W204 vs W205 appearance preference
Just thinking out loud here. As much as I like the new C-Class and the increase HP and torque I have to admit that I like the look of the 2012-2014 C-Class more. It just seems more "sporty" looking to me. Yes, I have a 2014 and that makes me biased. But side by side I like the exterior of the late W204 more. Am I on my own on this one?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 300
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From: GA, USA
Current: '19 E450 Cabriolet - Past: '19 C300 Coupe, '12 SLK350, '16 E350, '14 C250 (x2), '09 CLK350
You are not alone. My wife and I agree that the current W204 is much sportier and aggressive styling, especially post-facelift. I prefer it.
I also LOVE the fact that it has an integrated screen rather than the glued-on iPad on the inside, but that's probably the only flaw in the W205's much more luxurious interior.
The W205 in my opinion achieves looking a good $15-$20k more expensive than the W204, however, even at the base model at a reasonable price. I think that is what Mercedes is trying to achieve, to some degree. They're competing in a crowded luxury segment that's only getting more crowded as the days go by - it's their way of raising the bar.
I'll consider the W205 at lease end in a couple of years, but I have the sneaking suspicion there will be something else that will catch my eye. Like the new E, for instance.
I also LOVE the fact that it has an integrated screen rather than the glued-on iPad on the inside, but that's probably the only flaw in the W205's much more luxurious interior.
The W205 in my opinion achieves looking a good $15-$20k more expensive than the W204, however, even at the base model at a reasonable price. I think that is what Mercedes is trying to achieve, to some degree. They're competing in a crowded luxury segment that's only getting more crowded as the days go by - it's their way of raising the bar.
I'll consider the W205 at lease end in a couple of years, but I have the sneaking suspicion there will be something else that will catch my eye. Like the new E, for instance.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 24
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GL350, C350
This is a huge turnoff for me with the new interior even though I like most everything else. Not sure why it was necessary to style the nav like an aftermarket mounted iPad.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 350
Likes: 39
From: Orlando, FL
2018 E43
If they brought the W205 AMG S wagon over I would buy it in a heart beat!
Other then that I don't think the W205 looks good unless it's the AMG version, copying the S Class with the tails were a horrible choice.
The E class is so much better looking and probably one of the best looking cars on the market right now. If they would have implemented more of that instead of a shrunken version of the S Class I would have been more willing to get the W205 in a few years.
Guess it's time to save up for an AMG 😁
Other then that I don't think the W205 looks good unless it's the AMG version, copying the S Class with the tails were a horrible choice.
The E class is so much better looking and probably one of the best looking cars on the market right now. If they would have implemented more of that instead of a shrunken version of the S Class I would have been more willing to get the W205 in a few years.
Guess it's time to save up for an AMG 😁
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 670
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From: Alberta
2014 E63 AMG S
2012-2014 w204 looks best, then w205, then old w204s.
This is taking into account both interior and exterior styling:
-w204s have my favorite exterior, the lines are really great, and it looks really sharp and sporty, unlike the w205 which seems too round
-2012-2014 w204s are an improvement to older models in so many ways, the DRLs and bixenons look great, and the LED tail lights look so much better than the halogen ones.
-2012-2014 w204 interior is probably the biggest improvement over the 2008-2011. The gauge cluster looks like it should in a luxury car in the 21st century, much better than the black and white screen in the old w204. The center stack also looks much better, and the integrated nav screen looks a lot better than the novelty popup screen or the literal 2" screen on the non-nav models.
-interior on the w205 looks better overall than the 2012-2014 w204, but the ipad screen takes a lot away.
This is taking into account both interior and exterior styling:
-w204s have my favorite exterior, the lines are really great, and it looks really sharp and sporty, unlike the w205 which seems too round
-2012-2014 w204s are an improvement to older models in so many ways, the DRLs and bixenons look great, and the LED tail lights look so much better than the halogen ones.
-2012-2014 w204 interior is probably the biggest improvement over the 2008-2011. The gauge cluster looks like it should in a luxury car in the 21st century, much better than the black and white screen in the old w204. The center stack also looks much better, and the integrated nav screen looks a lot better than the novelty popup screen or the literal 2" screen on the non-nav models.
-interior on the w205 looks better overall than the 2012-2014 w204, but the ipad screen takes a lot away.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
I've been in a 2015 C300 4Matic Lux since Tuesday while my dealer repairs damage they caused to my wheels replacing my tires. I have to say, this car completely has changed my tune on the W205. Enough so, that I am considering one of these over an ML as my next car.
The COMAND screen, which I lamented at first, actually just kind of blends in now to me. It took some time to grow on me, but the more I drive this thing the more I like it. In contrast to the W204, I prefer the Luxury W205 with the exception of the heinous 17" wheels (which unfortunately my black on black loaner is equipped with in charcoal... I feel like I have done something illegal driving this thing).
The COMAND screen, which I lamented at first, actually just kind of blends in now to me. It took some time to grow on me, but the more I drive this thing the more I like it. In contrast to the W204, I prefer the Luxury W205 with the exception of the heinous 17" wheels (which unfortunately my black on black loaner is equipped with in charcoal... I feel like I have done something illegal driving this thing).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,130
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From: Belgium
W205
i'm waiting on the new C coupe and i hear mercedes is planning to change the i-pad to an integrated display in the dash again + the combi instrument will be optional in LCD like in the S class
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 213
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From: Malden, Massachusetts
2013 Mercedes Benz C350
I have a 2013 w204 and I may sound a little biased here but I prefer the w204 than w205. In my opinion the w204 has a distinct look with its lines and sharp edges that no other sedan really has. The w205 looks like another regular luxury sedan in a sea of regular luxury sedans. Don't get me wrong the new C-class is gorgeous but it doesn't compare to the classic look of the w204. Plus I despise that the shift stick is on the wheel. I'm sure a lot of you agree with me on that.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
C350
I like the w204 more in sport trim. Especially from a vehicle dynamics perspective. A w204 luxury model vs a w205 I'd probably pick the w205. The glued on 'we couldn't figure out where to put it' nav screen is annoying, but like it mostly otherwise for a lux cruiser type of car.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 402
Likes: 6
C350
Hasn't really been the case for me before. Both are pretty conservative designs though. They'll age gracefully. FWIW I already think the w204 looks a little old fashioned. That's part it being conservative and part it just being a pretty old design at this point. Hell w203's look old, but they still look fairly nice. Part of the benefit of a car that doesn't chase trends a lot.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 22
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From: Hampton Roads VA
2014 MB C250/ 2004 Infinit G35x
I really love the tech in the W205, but i think the W204 has a more classic/aristocratic look to it. MB has always been about status and quality, and I feel like the new C is trying to be a 3-series. Being a previous 3-series owner, I am a little worried about the new direction.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 174
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
2018 C300 Cabriolet with AMG Line
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
The W205 I am driving hands down trumps my facelift W204 in build and materials quality. That's not to say that the facelift W204 has a bad interior, but the W205 pushed the bar higher. I don't think there is any concern about the MB quality not being there. I was one of the first to complain that the 205 wasn't worth the price they are asking for it, and I now have to eat my hat.
Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 156
Likes: 6
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2014 C300 Luxury
The quality of the materials is definitely better in the W205 than my 2014 W204 C300, but I just can't really say I enjoy the look of the W205. On the Exterior it just doesn't seem to have that smooth grace and sporty style that the W204 had. On the inside that iPad like Nav screen just really knocks everything down a lot of pegs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 101
From: Belgium
W205
The W205 I am driving hands down trumps my facelift W204 in build and materials quality. That's not to say that the facelift W204 has a bad interior, but the W205 pushed the bar higher. I don't think there is any concern about the MB quality not being there. I was one of the first to complain that the 205 wasn't worth the price they are asking for it, and I now have to eat my hat.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 449
Likes: 12
From: Shanghai, China
C200 4matic
I like the front of the W205 but not the rear design.. I love the extras of the W205 compared to the W204
Problem is that entry model in Shanghai for the W205 is around 74/K USD
Problem is that entry model in Shanghai for the W205 is around 74/K USD
