E350 4 Matic for me?
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Joined: Nov 2007
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Audi A6
E350 4 Matic for me?
This is my first post. My '05 Audi A6 lease is up next month and I am giving serious thought to leasing my first MB. (350 4 Matic)
A few questions - does the Sport suspension make the ride substantially harsher than the standard package? I like the look of the 18" wheels and prefer a better handling ride, but not at the expense of a harsh ride.
My Audi is very well equipped and I'm thinking of getting the P2 package in order to keep the features I've grown use to (Keyless Go, Adaptive Xenons, etc). I also have Parktronic on my current car. Any other options I should consider or not consider?
There appears to be an aggressive leasing program for both MB and Audi. I can choose from a 27 month lease with a .63 residual vs a 39 month lease with a .53 residual. But, for the price of the MB V6, it looks like I could lease a 350 HP V8 A6 (the 4.2). I generally like to drive new cars on lease renewals, so I'm leaning toward the MB. I would have considered the BMW 535xi, but it did poorly in the new side impact crash tests.
I would welcome any and all suggestions or comments on this decision. I look forward to participating in this Board.
-SMR
A few questions - does the Sport suspension make the ride substantially harsher than the standard package? I like the look of the 18" wheels and prefer a better handling ride, but not at the expense of a harsh ride.
My Audi is very well equipped and I'm thinking of getting the P2 package in order to keep the features I've grown use to (Keyless Go, Adaptive Xenons, etc). I also have Parktronic on my current car. Any other options I should consider or not consider?
There appears to be an aggressive leasing program for both MB and Audi. I can choose from a 27 month lease with a .63 residual vs a 39 month lease with a .53 residual. But, for the price of the MB V6, it looks like I could lease a 350 HP V8 A6 (the 4.2). I generally like to drive new cars on lease renewals, so I'm leaning toward the MB. I would have considered the BMW 535xi, but it did poorly in the new side impact crash tests.
I would welcome any and all suggestions or comments on this decision. I look forward to participating in this Board.
-SMR
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Joined: Oct 2007
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E550
Welcome to the forum. We all hope you will join us an an MB owner.
The Benz have a really smooth ride even with the larger wheels. Does the model you are looking at have the Airmatic adjustable suspension? If so, then you can set it to be firm or smooth. Even the stiffest setting tends to be smoother than a BMW. I have not driven an Audi in about 4 years. So I cannot compare.
I would suggest you forgo the 4matic unless you really need it. You can then get the silky smooth 7 speed transmission instead. (4matic comes with a 5 speed).
The Benz have a really smooth ride even with the larger wheels. Does the model you are looking at have the Airmatic adjustable suspension? If so, then you can set it to be firm or smooth. Even the stiffest setting tends to be smoother than a BMW. I have not driven an Audi in about 4 years. So I cannot compare.
I would suggest you forgo the 4matic unless you really need it. You can then get the silky smooth 7 speed transmission instead. (4matic comes with a 5 speed).
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 187
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From: Westchester County, NY
2010 E350 4Matic w/sport package
I just picked up the 4matic 2 weeks ago and I have the AMG sport package, 18 inch wheels, etc. I had a 2004 Acura TL and that road like it was on air and my Benz feels just as good if not better, a little "tighter" or "stiffer" but a much stronger/confident feel (for lack of better words) than the TL... I think it drives great even with the sport package and 4matic.
On a side note, the steering is amazing, previous parking spaces where I would need to do a 3 point turn is accomplished by just a nice tight turn of the wheel on my Benz, not sure why this damn steering is so amazing but it is.
On a side note, the steering is amazing, previous parking spaces where I would need to do a 3 point turn is accomplished by just a nice tight turn of the wheel on my Benz, not sure why this damn steering is so amazing but it is.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 242
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From: NJ, USA
2004 E500 4matic
I just picked up the 4matic 2 weeks ago and I have the AMG sport package, 18 inch wheels, etc. I had a 2004 Acura TL and that road like it was on air and my Benz feels just as good if not better, a little "tighter" or "stiffer" but a much stronger/confident feel (for lack of better words) than the TL... I think it drives great even with the sport package and 4matic.
On a side note, the steering is amazing, previous parking spaces where I would need to do a 3 point turn is accomplished by just a nice tight turn of the wheel on my Benz, not sure why this damn steering is so amazing but it is.
On a side note, the steering is amazing, previous parking spaces where I would need to do a 3 point turn is accomplished by just a nice tight turn of the wheel on my Benz, not sure why this damn steering is so amazing but it is.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 241
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From: Rockville, MD
From Audi to MB..
I had an older A6 (2001) and it was really quite a good car and was very reliable.
My wife is on her second E Class. This one is similar to what you described P-2, 4-Matic; Sport, etc. We really love the car. One "problem" is cleaning those wheels, what a chore, but I digress. The car is bullet proof and the sport suspension is just tight enough to give you that firmness you'd expect.
The A6 4.2 is a sweet package to say the least, but we are very pleased with the E350.
Good luck shopping.
My wife is on her second E Class. This one is similar to what you described P-2, 4-Matic; Sport, etc. We really love the car. One "problem" is cleaning those wheels, what a chore, but I digress. The car is bullet proof and the sport suspension is just tight enough to give you that firmness you'd expect.
The A6 4.2 is a sweet package to say the least, but we are very pleased with the E350.
Good luck shopping.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: Exit 16E
07 E350 4Matic / Sport with P1
A6 and the E350 Sport
If your main issue is getting as much as you can for your buck, then you'll probably go with the Audi. If you want a car that's much more comfortable to drive and/or ride in, it'll be the Benz...at least in my opinion.
I drove several of both the A6 and the E350 Sport prior to making my decision. If you do the same, your decision will be as easy as mine was.
I drove several of both the A6 and the E350 Sport prior to making my decision. If you do the same, your decision will be as easy as mine was.
