toade

Are you guys sure that is the new steering wheel for all packages? It looks like the sport interior to me. At least that is the same exact interior (wood, steering wheel, cluster) as the current sport package.

Is it possible that that is just a shot of the interior of the 2007 sport package, and that the regular models will have the same old wheel.

As for me, I MUCH perfer that steering wheel over the older one. Much more sporty, and the buttons dont look like cheap pieces of plastic like the previous version. IMO.

alewifebp

I don't see a big problem with the steering wheel. This is the same wheel as other MB vehicles. Other than that, I see no changes to the interior. What I can't get over are those hideous tail lights. The rest of the changes are subtle, though, and I'm sure the rim selection will be different for the US.

slk55lvr

Funny how different people see things differently, I happen to love that wheel. I agree about the tailights, but the overall package looks like a sportier benz, and I like that too. Compare that to the new 5-series picture and which one looks more regal? Im sorry, that 5-series is just rying too hard. If this thing drives like it looks, and now has 382 hp, I'll buy it.

slk55lvr

Funny how different people see things differently, I happen to love that wheel. I agree about the tailights, but the overall package looks like a sportier benz, and I like that too. Compare that to the new 5-series picture and which one looks more regal? Im sorry, that 5-series is just rying too hard. If this thing drives like it looks, and now has 382 hp, I'll buy it.

abalto

[/QUOTE]

A real mans car!!

JimPurdy

I agree that the chrome strip on the back is TOO much. MB put it on the CLS and it looks like someone thought that it looked good so they put it on the 211 too. The taillights are ugly too. The part that looks good to me is the new side mirror. The small attachment stalk should cut down on wind noise.

ruykava

i think all German cars are a little crazy on the design front now. yes, Audi included.

i actually like the interior changes and the grille and front bumpers are OK for my tastes - though not better than the current one.

the rear lights though, WTF is that? i could have designed something better and the current lights look miles better. i'll say the same about the facelifted CLK as well. i guess Merc leaves facelifts to their junior designers or something since i'm really digging the new S.

i'm waiting for the completely new one before taking the plunge.

ruykava

actually there IS a pretty big change to the interior, and i like it. check out this link:

http://www.jesdc.de/news/news/pics/ils2.jpg

RJC

Aside from the wheel and overhead lighting what else am I missing?

Thanks

abalto

Exactly. Big changes???? I dont think so...

ruykava

oops, my pun didn't get through, my bad. i meant, that new overhead lighting is BIG

levind

That is the standard rear light bar that comes with the panorama roof.

khaug

Well said!!! IMHO, it's even worse than that! Chris Bangle go away!!!!

The 5 series BMW, IMHO, is not only terminally ugly, it has an industrial quality interior, wierd steering and the dreaded I-drive. We had an E39 528i which I dearly loved, but no way would I put up with all the horrors of the current 5-series Bimmers.

The 5 series is no longer a drivers car and has sunk to mid-pack among the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in terms of any quality you care to cite. Our W211 CDI is far superior, AFAIC.

Le Burpor

5 series with the sports pack is nice enough for me aesthetically. It's certainly not as sexy as the W211 nor is it as elegant but it has a more macho presence IMHO.

I-drive was a breeze to use. I guess it's user dependent Command is superior though as it is far more accessible.

I'm interested to read more about your thoughts on why you believe the 5 is no longer a drivers car. Would you mind elaborating on it here or via PM? Please bear in mind that I'm not trying to argue which is better, as I'm very keen to hear opinions about the 5 handling. I am also not anti MB as I still love my E320 and am also considering an ML63. My MB dealer has loaned me an ML350 for the weekend. I'm very impressed with it! My aim is for the ML63 as the indicative price is slightly more than the 540i. As much as I love the look of the ML with sports pack, perhaps even more than the 5 with sports pack, the ride is not as sporty and quite 'boaty'. This was one of the reasons why I got rid of my LX470.....anyway...I'm rambling in the wrong thread me thinks...

macgyber

I also prefer new steering wheel. Older one is not easy to press button ....NOT comfortable and confused. I like new one .Can I change to new one?

cmtwhk

I could predict the new facelited E-Class will suffer unprecedented big sales drop worldwide. All those freelance designers touching up the originally beautiful care will be fired and loss their job!!!! For sure it will happen.

I'm glad as I own my W211 2004 Avangard version which is simply beautiful in all angles looking it. I loved my current E at first sight. However, I still can't convince myself to love the facelited version after looking for several days. It is simply cheap cheap cheap in front and tail. The headlamp added strips is unneccessary and effect even worst.

The side mirror looks like old Carmy in last cycle adding side mirror lamps copying from MB. Ironically, those freelance designers copied it back from Carmy. I think this time Carmy designers will be happy.

Overall, the facelited E grill looks too thick. It looks like a 50 years old man car trying to pretend it's young again by adding this modification. Goodbye new E facelited !!!!! Your fatal will be very bad.

S93

The new style isn't bad but isn't better than the old. In fact, the old looks a little better! I think many cars looked the best in the early 90's. Since 2000, there's been some weird designs. In the 70's, there were also some weird designs, like the AMC Pacer.

Germancar1

I guess everyone's take on styling is different, but this prediction about a worldwide sales drop simply won't even come close to happening. Despite what you think of the grille and side mirrors (really trivial when you look at the whole picture, no where near being "fatal") the car is improved functionally in nearly every way, better engines/brakes/interiors/more standard equipment you name it. The E is going to easily sell at its best since it was introduced.

BTW, for the record I don't care much for the point on the bottom of the grille either, but otherwise the FL version is a huge improvement.

M

bsmoove

Wait for the 2009 E550, it has a total body style change!!!!!!!!!!!! I have pics if anyone wants to see them...

Germancar1

Yeah I'd like see the photoshops you have. No one has any real pics yet. Heck the final design probably isn't even locked in yet.

M

glojo

Definitely disagree with that statement. From mid 2004 there has been a slow removal of basic features. Does the facelift model now offer the front massaging seats that was an option?

The V6 320CDI is a thirstier beast with less cc's I prefer the in-line six configuration.

Brakes.... The US might now get the equivalent of SBC Hold, will you get SBC Stop, or its equivalent on this new system? In Europe the SBC system is loved by owners and I just hope the new system is as good? Where did you get the information that it is better?

Does the floor of the new estate come out for easy loading?

John
A sunny, but misty morning in Torquay

bsmoove

Pics posted at the following thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/145646-2007-e-class-new-york-show.html

NVR ENUF

[/QUOTE]

I looked at both vehicles and the E was still nicer IMO. I do like the NAV screen higher in the BMW but the design of it looks like something Batman created.

DerekACS

Perhaps the MB designers and marketing folks knew what they were doing with the revised E Class. For the first quarter of 2007, E Class sales in the USA are up by more than 20% and in Canada, for the same period, sales are up by 76%.

Clinton Horn

Just curious, does the German government have regulations about Atlas Booster exhaust tips? I don't see that on any of these cars but admittedly they look to be pretty conservative examples. I guess I vote with some who think the changes are contrived. I can think of several body styles on various cars through the years that would have been MUCH better left alone.