E240 anybody test driven it or have it
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From: Sydney, Australia
MB 280CE, S-Type 4.2 Jaguar
E240 anybody test driven it or have it
I'm in Oz and have ordered the E240 which arrives in Jan 03. I had to be quick as most dealerships have a one year waiting list. Unfortunately none of the dealerships in Sydney actually have one to test drive. I have driven E320, nice power, but couldn't afford it.
Most magazines "reviews" I have read say that they are underpowered. I hope it's not to bad as I do like to step on it every now and then. No use having an awesome car that's sluggish. Any opinions would be appreciated.
The sport packs they seem to have as an option in America, is that the Avantagarde they talk about or AMG kit or something else? I've noticed they only get the two models, e320 & e500. Surprising, considering the market size?
Most magazines "reviews" I have read say that they are underpowered. I hope it's not to bad as I do like to step on it every now and then. No use having an awesome car that's sluggish. Any opinions would be appreciated.
The sport packs they seem to have as an option in America, is that the Avantagarde they talk about or AMG kit or something else? I've noticed they only get the two models, e320 & e500. Surprising, considering the market size?
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I belive the reason the US only gets the 2 top non-diesel models is the perception that Mercedes must make pretty powerful and relatively expensive cars. Selling a C200k Classsic in the US would be able to compete with cars like the Honda Accors EX but that would strip away the percieved exclusivity of the Mercedes Benz marque in such a fickle market.
Considering this is where a large chunk of their sales comes from, it isnt such a daft move now is it?
Considering this is where a large chunk of their sales comes from, it isnt such a daft move now is it?
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2003 MB E500
Originally posted by Silver_Lana
I belive the reason the US only gets the 2 top non-diesel models is the perception that Mercedes must make pretty powerful and relatively expensive cars. Selling a C200k Classsic in the US would be able to compete with cars like the Honda Accors EX but that would strip away the percieved exclusivity of the Mercedes Benz marque in such a fickle market.
Considering this is where a large chunk of their sales comes from, it isnt such a daft move now is it?
I belive the reason the US only gets the 2 top non-diesel models is the perception that Mercedes must make pretty powerful and relatively expensive cars. Selling a C200k Classsic in the US would be able to compete with cars like the Honda Accors EX but that would strip away the percieved exclusivity of the Mercedes Benz marque in such a fickle market.
Considering this is where a large chunk of their sales comes from, it isnt such a daft move now is it?
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Hi. Got mine here in Singapore last Sunday. Its a E240 Avantgarde. I don't feel it to be underpowered/sluggish. Again its relative. It is not as powerful as my other car - Volvo S60 T5 who has 250 horses, so the comparison is not fair. A little bit more torque would be good but overall I would say its not underpowered. What I like most - the handling, I feel is way ahead of a BMW 520. Also, every one who saw it says its a beauty.
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How much did your E240 end up costing in Singapore? What extras did you get? Mine has\will cost $133Aud ($72US). It's the Avantgarde model with Sat/Nav & DVD, Panoramic sunroof, metallic paint, parktronic, parameter steering, linguatronic, solar module, 17" alloys, heated front seats, tyre pressure control, and dual automatic climate control. $28K worth of extras. I could of got the E320 Avantgarde for the same money but it doesn't even have a sunroof. I suppose a V6 2.6 shouldnt lack to much performance.
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Is Mercedes considered an exclusive marque outside of the United States? I'm wondering why they can market the C200K and the A-class elsewhere, without "harming" their image, while they can't do that in the States.
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Originally posted by KrispyK
Is Mercedes considered an exclusive marque outside of the United States? I'm wondering why they can market the C200K and the A-class elsewhere, without "harming" their image, while they can't do that in the States.
Is Mercedes considered an exclusive marque outside of the United States? I'm wondering why they can market the C200K and the A-class elsewhere, without "harming" their image, while they can't do that in the States.
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In UK Mercedes is still classed as a very upmarket car along with Jaguar. There are many A Classes here but it does not seem to have changed the image. I have noticed with the launch of the new c class a couple of years ago that there are many more on the road. I used to hate Mercedes and considered them as an old mans car and I thought the styling especially the interiors were crap. My perception has really changed to the extent I have just bought one. I am hoping to buy a new E in a couple of years as I think the new model is brilliant.
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Mercedes has the same image all around the world, probably more so of an more exclusive image in the porer countries. I don't think it is their image they are protecting by not offering more models in America than say Australia. If that was the case I'm sure they would not make buses, trucks and dumpster or that horrible A class. Here we also dont get all the models. From ther E-class range we get the 240, 270cdi, 320, 500 & AMG55. But for example we don't get the G-class which is odd since we drive a lot of 4WD's and the M-Class is ever so popular. Our import taxes on 4WD are so much less than normal vehicles.
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We drove the E 240 a week after lauch at our Gold Coast dealership. We have opted for an E 320 and are ordering soon, but be assured that the 240 is still a great car and has plenty of power, just not enough for our taste. I think we just felt this way becuase the new E delivers its power so smoothly and effortlessly. It is by no means "sluggish". And a one-year waiting list - I hope not! Our dealer said 4-5 months. Congrats on ordering - options sound great - I want that panorama roof!
We drove the E 240 a week after lauch at our Gold Coast dealership. We have opted for an E 320 and are ordering soon, but be assured that the 240 is still a great car and has plenty of power, just not enough for our taste. I think we just felt this way becuase the new E delivers its power so smoothly and effortlessly. It is by no means "sluggish". And a one-year waiting list - I hope not! Our dealer said 4-5 months. Congrats on ordering - options sound great - I want that panorama roof!
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It costs S$236K (US$135K). Details can be found at www.mercedes-benz.com.sg. None of the extras you listed except for metallic paint (no diff in price in S'pore). Have folding mirrors & motion sensor alarm.
