Hello all new to this forum.

I'm currently in the market for a new lease here in O.C. CA. I'm having a hard time deciding between a C Class and an E Class. With the new E Class coming out soon the dealers are selling the E Class for 10k off MSRP in some cases so the pricing between a C300 and E350 are quite close.

I love the styling of the C300 but the E350 is an E Class which has its own cache.

Just wondering what people's opinions are between the 2. For reference I am 37 years old single with no kids.

 

Ah, too many variables and personal taste to take into account. I tested drove both and in my opinion and own assessment, assuming you're ruling out price already I'd look into things like:

1) Fuel economy: it was important for me since I drive at least 50 miles/day. C300 is a big winner here. I've been making 35 mpg on average.
2) Engine power: E350 is a 3.5L V6 (302hp) vs C300 2.0L I4 (241hp). E350 feels powerful when you hit the gas and I think it runs smoother too. Although C300 is not disappointing given the 60hp difference.
3) Exterior/facia/rear design: I like the E350 headlights better (they're very similar for 2016 models) but the C300 smoother rear design is cool. It's a matter of personal taste.
4) Interior space: E350 offers more room especially for passengers in the backseats, but I ride alone 80% of the time. I'm 6'2 and fit very well in my C300 however it could be 2" taller for me (I gave up on roof height since I've got the sunroof).
5) Interior design: C300 looks more modern and E350 more luxurious and classic. Some folks don't like the freestanding display (C300) and prefer it integrated (E350) to the panel. Personal taste again.

Good luck !

 

The W214 E was a bit of a sales disappointment for Mercedes. No issues mechanically or with driveability but the aesthetics were a problem. It also shared a platform with the prior W204 C Class, and while it was stretched it wasn't widened, so for a midsize car the cabin might feel narrow.

MB typically does a mid-cycle refresh (facelift) and the tweaks are usually subtle, but sales were such an issue that the mid cycle refresh on the E was the single most comprehensive and costly they have ever done.

I'd say if the car's appearance inside and out aren't objectionable to you the E might be a bargain, but I'd drive the W205 C before deciding. The new C platform, which will also underpin the new E, is a big step up in terms of weight and handling characteristics.

 

Gas mileage is not a concern for me. I drive alone or with someone in the passenger seat but the back seat would empty 95% of the time.

I've test driven the C300 and it was fine. The power was adequate for my purposes. I can learn to wrap my head around driving a 4 cylinder car.

I love the looks of the C300 the design is really quite nice. I like the front end of the E350 but that rear end and some of the boxy lines are not very attractive.

As far as interior looks go...it really is not a competition. The C300 is much nicer and obviously more modern looking.

It really comes down to the tremendous bargain that the outgoing E350 is. I wouldn't pay regular price for an E350 otherwise.

 

My fear would be the thrill of the bargain would fade and leave me with a car that, but for the price, I would not have chosen.

 

Considering it's a lease, that you've no problem with a lux vehicle packing a 4-banger, and you're mostly riding 2 deep, I'd go with C300.

In other words, not seeing any compelling reason - except for the great deal - to get the E350. And while gas mileage is not high on your list of values to consider, from my 'regular working class Joe' perspective any good deal savings on the E-class could be nullified at the gas station.

But that only goes back to the House Rule the wife & I live buy: The less we spend on what we need (gas), the more we have to spend on what we want when we get where we're going.

 

Yes this is a concern I have. Also once I see the new E-Class on the road it would make mine look worse. The new design is much nicer and in line what the C looks like now...much much nicer.

 

Yeah, I think you have to set aside price for a moment...getting an E for the price of a C...if in this case the E is objectively less desirable. I came from an S to the new C, but neither the prior gen C or current E held any interest for me.

You almost have to disregard the model designation when you're cross shopping different generations.

 

Gas mileage won't matter. Over the life of the vehicle your looking at $2-3k difference at most. This is in line with the price of most of the individual options packages for these vehicles.