S&MMBX2

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?

BlankProc

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.

MJ50

204 looks more sporty and 205 looks more luxury IMO...

S&MMBX2

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.

Becksan

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 😁

stratman1954

I wanted to like the W205 but I just don't. Doesn't look like a Benz to me.

JaredP

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.

PeterUbers

W205 looks like it's on stilts... Why so much wheel gap???

MDMercedesGuy

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).

Doa

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

Funkwagen

I don't mind the styling of the 205, but I much prefer the 204.

Vdhroso

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.

Vdhroso

some comparison photos

TheRulesLawyer

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.

chrisdean

Give it 12 months and you'll all think the 204 looks old fashioned.

MJ50

true...
when 204 first came out, 203 looked much better...

TheRulesLawyer

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.

HSCDUDE

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.

acarter53

I have had a few w205 loaners. The engine is amazing but i agree it looks like an Infinity G35

MDMercedesGuy

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.

LogicalApex

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.

Doa

you compare the W204 with sport/AMG pack to the W205 with an avantgarde pack...

Doa

for less money you have A BMW 530

MDMercedesGuy

Not in the US.

I'd also be driving a BMW. There is no choice other than Mercedes for my money.

janusgrimnitz

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