Hi - Considering buying my wife a 2013 E550 Coupe. She currently has a 2010 E550 Coupe and loves everything about the car except for the very stiff (sometimes harsh) ride. She always drives in Comfort mode (sport mode is much worse). I've driven her car many times and have to agree that it has a stiff/firm ride even on smooth road surfaces. Has been like that since it was new.

Was wondering if any of you guys that currently own a 2012 or 2013 E550 Coupe might have also owned a 2010 or 2011 E550 Coupe. If so, is the ride quality the same or better on the new models? Look forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks!

My wife and I believe the ride is too soft and always use Sport: 2012 E550 coupe.
I guess it depends on personal preferences.

I had a 2011 and now a 2012. There was a slight difference in ride, but I attribute it to the tires. The Michelin Primacy MXM4 were a little "softer" than the Pirelli PZero Nero All-Season tires on the 2012. I don't think there was any difference in the suspension program or setup.

I guess it could be the tires because her 2010 has the Pirelli PZero Nero's. We probably just need to go drive a 2013 and check out any differences for ourselves. I drive a 2013 CLS63 and even though it has the Performance Pkg (P30), the ride quality is significantly better than her E550 Coupe. Thanks for the replies.

Check which tires it has before driving. I took my 2012 (came with Pirellis) to the dealership and they had other 2012s with Continentals and Michelins. I don't know how they decide which get put on.

Could be that the 2012/2013 models ride a little softer than the 2010's. If that's the case, I'll probably get her a new 2013. Will also check to see what brand of tires are on the one we want. Do you have the Pirello PZero Nero's or the Continentals on your 2012? Thanks!

If you are ordering a 2013, ask the salesperson to check the ordering sheets for an alternate all-season tire option.

My car is an E350, but this still may apply to the E550:

My car was delivered with the P Zero's. Same somewhat harsh ride - on poor roads only - as the 2010 demo car I drove. On good roads the ride is steady and serene with confident handling. Unfortunately, poor roads are the norm in my area.

After it was too late to make changes I discovered an "R02 All-Season Tires" item on the order sheets. It was a no-cost option. According to the salesman, that option would have delivered the car with Michelins, which do in fact ride somewhat softer.

No matter which tires you get, use the inflation pressures recommended on the gas cap placard, NOT the ones on the driver's door B pillar. The latter pressures are maximum pressures for carrying maximum loads at the vehicle's highest designed speed. Doubt your wife will be doing much of that.

P.S.: It's good to be back in the mbworld community again, after what seems like a billion years without power. Hope others of us affected by Sandy fared equally well.

Sorry you had to deal with Sandy and can relate because we had Ike.
Happy to have you back BenzMan.

Thank you Sir.

It is all personal preference and what you are used to.

I have the 2012, and I think it is quite stiff. Bumps and dips in the road are harsh...compared to luxury cars I suppose.

I was exchanging discussions on this with another person who recently got one. He was concerned about handling. Once he got it, I asked, how does it handle? (He had Porsche before). He said a luxury car, not a sports car.

I had a Lexus ES300 before, and it is more like a luxury car. The E350, to me, is like a sports car.

What I had told him was that I suspect it is a good compromise between luxury and sports driving.

Net net, must drive and decide for oneself, in my opinion.