2010 e class: a closer look
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German
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: long island , ny
2016 G63 ; 981 boxster GTS
gosh on closer look theres so many things i dont like about it...
the more i see it the more i might grab a late w211 in the next year or so..
copying bmw on the column mounted shifter
the end of the oval lights, which had become an MBZ icon
copying audi on the annoying LED strip foglights
the acura like chevron patterns that are repeated all over the place
mbz seems to have lost its own form follows function style.
the more i see it the more i might grab a late w211 in the next year or so..
copying bmw on the column mounted shifter
the end of the oval lights, which had become an MBZ icon
copying audi on the annoying LED strip foglights
the acura like chevron patterns that are repeated all over the place
mbz seems to have lost its own form follows function style.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
I'm with Jago on this one. The more I see it the less I like it. What's up with that interior ? My W211 is so nice on the inside. The W212 is just a sea of plastic. Nothing seems to flow together, at least in my eyes. And why put the temp. controls all the way at the bottom ? I like to fiddle around with it but now I have to take my eye of the road when I adjust the temperature or when I turn the AC on ? I don' think there was a lot of thought put into this. I wish designer who designed the W211 didn't retire yet. Chris Bangle messed up the current generation of BMWs. I think the new designer for MB will mess up the current generation of Benzs... 
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Agreed ^^
I think Wagoner (sp?) is the new Chief Designer now, and I credit him to being the one screwing up the traditional formula for M-B. If you read or watch any of his interviews on the subject, he seems to be a Bangle wannabee in how he wants to direct the design for the future of the company.
Too bad because just as M-B is getting all gimmicky and desperate with keeping in design trends, BMW goes back to a clean and curvaceous new theme, as showed by the 7-Series.
I think Wagoner (sp?) is the new Chief Designer now, and I credit him to being the one screwing up the traditional formula for M-B. If you read or watch any of his interviews on the subject, he seems to be a Bangle wannabee in how he wants to direct the design for the future of the company.
Too bad because just as M-B is getting all gimmicky and desperate with keeping in design trends, BMW goes back to a clean and curvaceous new theme, as showed by the 7-Series.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Vancouver, BC
2015 E250 BT 4M
I'm with Jago on this one. The more I see it the less I like it. What's up with that interior ? My W211 is so nice on the inside. The W212 is just a sea of plastic. Nothing seems to flow together, at least in my eyes. And why put the temp. controls all the way at the bottom ? I like to fiddle around with it but now I have to take my eye of the road when I adjust the temperature or when I turn the AC on ? I don' think there was a lot of thought put into this. I wish designer who designed the W211 didn't retire yet. Chris Bangle messed up the current generation of BMWs. I think the new designer for MB will mess up the current generation of Benzs...
It's a real shame that the W212 seems to have missed the mark in so many ways. After looking at numerous photos of the W212, I can't find any compelling reasons to trade my W211 for a W212. This new sedan just doesn't convey any emotional qualities at all; it seems so generic and non-MB like. Imagine this car without its MB grill and logo on the rear; how many folks would guess that it is a MB E Class ??? I suspect that many might mistake the front for a Lexus and the rear for a Hyundai. And what about those swellings over rear fenders ?????
As for the interior, it looks very blah and uninspiring, somewhat similar to the angular treatment found in the GLK. My W211's interior looks positively stunning in comparison.
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I agree with everything you have written !
It's a real shame that the W212 seems to have missed the mark in so many ways. After looking at numerous photos of the W212, I can't find any compelling reasons to trade my W211 for a W212. This new sedan just doesn't convey any emotional qualities at all; it seems so generic and non-MB like. Imagine this car without its MB grill and logo on the rear; how many folks would guess that it is a MB E Class ??? I suspect that many might mistake the front for a Lexus and the rear for a Hyundai. And what about those swellings over rear fenders ?????
As for the interior, it looks very blah and uninspiring, somewhat similar to the angular treatment found in the GLK. My W211's interior looks positively stunning in comparison.
It's a real shame that the W212 seems to have missed the mark in so many ways. After looking at numerous photos of the W212, I can't find any compelling reasons to trade my W211 for a W212. This new sedan just doesn't convey any emotional qualities at all; it seems so generic and non-MB like. Imagine this car without its MB grill and logo on the rear; how many folks would guess that it is a MB E Class ??? I suspect that many might mistake the front for a Lexus and the rear for a Hyundai. And what about those swellings over rear fenders ?????
As for the interior, it looks very blah and uninspiring, somewhat similar to the angular treatment found in the GLK. My W211's interior looks positively stunning in comparison.
Mercedes get rid of the clam hood look! It looks ugly.
Mercedes shouldn't be following BMW design they should be following Audi design. Audi sales are way up because they are designing elegantly sporty looking automobiles. Audi's problem currently is that their engines are not up to par in hp or torque.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
W212 was at StarTECH 2009 in Indianapolis
I had a chance to see the W212 in person at StarTECH this past weekend. I would trade my W211 for the W212 in a heartbeat. Once you guys see the car up close I think you will change your minds. We were wowed by a presentation of the W212 features delivered by MBUSA reps.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
What bangle mangled the bmw rear and now Mercedes is doing the same with the hood line. That hood line on the side of the car makes it look like the clam trunk by bangle in the front.
Mercedes get rid of the clam hood look! It looks ugly.
Mercedes shouldn't be following BMW design they should be following Audi design. Audi sales are way up because they are designing elegantly sporty looking automobiles. Audi's problem currently is that their engines are not up to par in hp or torque.
Mercedes get rid of the clam hood look! It looks ugly.
Mercedes shouldn't be following BMW design they should be following Audi design. Audi sales are way up because they are designing elegantly sporty looking automobiles. Audi's problem currently is that their engines are not up to par in hp or torque.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 203
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From: Portland, OR
'21 E63 Wagon, '24 EQS AMG
I remember when the w211 first came out. I thought it looked like a Taurus and hated it. Then it grew on me a little more. I went and test drove a 2003 E-class and loved it and decided to lease one. I was completely satisfied with the car and since have leased another 09 E350.
It still looks a little like a Taurus. But, I got over that.
My point is - let it grow on you. I agree, there are some design elements I do not like. I think the interior is ugly and very BMWish. I hate the "dual hump" of the IP and the Nav cowl. BMW does that and its hideous and looks tacked on.
However, some things look really nice. The waterfall lighting looks awesome.
Sometimes it takes a while to adjust to a new design. When I see one in real life, I'll make my judgment then.
It still looks a little like a Taurus. But, I got over that.
My point is - let it grow on you. I agree, there are some design elements I do not like. I think the interior is ugly and very BMWish. I hate the "dual hump" of the IP and the Nav cowl. BMW does that and its hideous and looks tacked on.
However, some things look really nice. The waterfall lighting looks awesome.
Sometimes it takes a while to adjust to a new design. When I see one in real life, I'll make my judgment then.
Out Of Control!!
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Personally, from what I've experienced is I know if I'll like a design when I see one (not arguing at all, just stating my experience), which is what bums me out about this E. I'll study the lines and look at cars for hours upon hours to see if they rub me the right way.
When the W220, and W211's came out I was blown away (positively). Even with the W204 I thought it was okay even though I'm not too nuts about the car. I just feel this E will be like a Bangle design to me, one I'll always cringe about.
When the W220, and W211's came out I was blown away (positively). Even with the W204 I thought it was okay even though I'm not too nuts about the car. I just feel this E will be like a Bangle design to me, one I'll always cringe about.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 1
I agree with everything you have written !
It's a real shame that the W212 seems to have missed the mark in so many ways. After looking at numerous photos of the W212, I can't find any compelling reasons to trade my W211 for a W212. This new sedan just doesn't convey any emotional qualities at all; it seems so generic and non-MB like. Imagine this car without its MB grill and logo on the rear; how many folks would guess that it is a MB E Class ??? I suspect that many might mistake the front for a Lexus and the rear for a Hyundai. And what about those swellings over rear fenders ?????
As for the interior, it looks very blah and uninspiring, somewhat similar to the angular treatment found in the GLK. My W211's interior looks positively stunning in comparison.
It's a real shame that the W212 seems to have missed the mark in so many ways. After looking at numerous photos of the W212, I can't find any compelling reasons to trade my W211 for a W212. This new sedan just doesn't convey any emotional qualities at all; it seems so generic and non-MB like. Imagine this car without its MB grill and logo on the rear; how many folks would guess that it is a MB E Class ??? I suspect that many might mistake the front for a Lexus and the rear for a Hyundai. And what about those swellings over rear fenders ?????
As for the interior, it looks very blah and uninspiring, somewhat similar to the angular treatment found in the GLK. My W211's interior looks positively stunning in comparison.
The reason the W212 car looks like it does is not by chance. It's because of market research.
Manufacturers in this category through market research found that potential buyers actually want exactly what you described, ie a car with an unassuming generic look. People are actually going away from identifiably unique looking cars. Thats why the Camry, Sonata, and A6 this all have this similar look. Believe it or not.
Out Of Control!!
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
^ The only problem with that is M-B has never been one to follow trends or fashion and have prided themselves in that. It seems since they've been riding on their high horse for so long, that now that they're in a relative slump (quality hurt the brand in recent years now Sales are down due to the aftermath of that and the Economy) they don't know how to handle themselves and are giving up on some of the brands ideals.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Lets not forget the price has been dramatically reduced from the '09 model. Something to think about... However, I am not going to make my official opinion until I see one in person.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
I'm with Jago on this one. The more I see it the less I like it. What's up with that interior ? My W211 is so nice on the inside. The W212 is just a sea of plastic. Nothing seems to flow together, at least in my eyes. And why put the temp. controls all the way at the bottom ? I like to fiddle around with it but now I have to take my eye of the road when I adjust the temperature or when I turn the AC on ? I don' think there was a lot of thought put into this. I wish designer who designed the W211 didn't retire yet. Chris Bangle messed up the current generation of BMWs. I think the new designer for MB will mess up the current generation of Benzs...
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: DC
E550 (W212) 2010
^ The only problem with that is M-B has never been one to follow trends or fashion and have prided themselves in that. It seems since they've been riding on their high horse for so long, that now that they're in a relative slump (quality hurt the brand in recent years now Sales are down due to the aftermath of that and the Economy) they don't know how to handle themselves and are giving up on some of the brands ideals.
....and MB actshttp://www3.mercedes-benz.com/mbcom_...-coupe/en.html
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
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From: Orange County, CA
E350
Which is exactly why I got mine last week, and my wife is thinking about upgrading her current car to a current E-class as well...
Honestly, I HATED the E-Class a lot in the beginning (long long ago when they still had the "flat" fronts with HUGE vertical oval/round head lights), but with each revision, I liked it more and more.
The 2009 W211 is almost "perfect" for me! The only complaints I have are that I wish the center console/arm rest had more storage and was designed more efficiently with more usable space (like the S-Class, C-Class, or even the W203 C-Class... although that would probably "kill" the looks). LED Blinkers would be awesome too (although it's OK since at least we have LED Brake Lights). And standard or P1 Bi-Xenons would have been nice as well (although it's in P2, so I can't complain that much). Other than those nit-picky things, I really can't think of anything else that is "wrong" with the 2009 W211...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Which is exactly why I got mine last week, and my wife is thinking about upgrading her current car to a current E-class as well...
Honestly, I HATED the E-Class a lot in the beginning (long long ago when they still had the "flat" fronts with HUGE vertical oval/round head lights), but with each revision, I liked it more and more.
The 2009 W211 is almost "perfect" for me! The only complaints I have are that I wish the center console/arm rest had more storage and was designed more efficiently with more usable space (like the S-Class, C-Class, or even the W203 C-Class... although that would probably "kill" the looks). LED Blinkers would be awesome too (although it's OK since at least we have LED Brake Lights). And standard or P1 Bi-Xenons would have been nice as well (although it's in P2, so I can't complain that much). Other than those nit-picky things, I really can't think of anything else that is "wrong" with the 2009 W211...
Honestly, I HATED the E-Class a lot in the beginning (long long ago when they still had the "flat" fronts with HUGE vertical oval/round head lights), but with each revision, I liked it more and more.
The 2009 W211 is almost "perfect" for me! The only complaints I have are that I wish the center console/arm rest had more storage and was designed more efficiently with more usable space (like the S-Class, C-Class, or even the W203 C-Class... although that would probably "kill" the looks). LED Blinkers would be awesome too (although it's OK since at least we have LED Brake Lights). And standard or P1 Bi-Xenons would have been nice as well (although it's in P2, so I can't complain that much). Other than those nit-picky things, I really can't think of anything else that is "wrong" with the 2009 W211...
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
Saw one in person today and was blown away! I have a 2008 C class so I'm used to the new plastic look, but the new E impresses in every way. For those that see it and still hate it, no worries, my dealership has a sea of 2009 E classes they can't get rid of, I'm sure other dealers are in the same boat. Mainly because those in the market for a E class want to wait for the new model, and the current model is long on the tooth, no one wants to spend new car money for a car that looks nearly the same as the one they are trading in.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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I find myself moving in the direction of liking it as well. In person the proportions really work in my opinion. Of course the driving dynamics play a large part but I have heard / read they are clearly better than the 211. The 211, especially post-facelift has been a great car and moved the E in a much more exciting direction. It seems the 212 will pick up from this point and go further with a more aggressive car. I'm really looking forward to hearing some driving impressions from our fellow members.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
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From: California
i535
My neighbor just got W210, very clean and shine. The car still looks very classy and appealing. Mercedes was able to create not aging look of their cars. I would love to get a fully loaded 09 E class paying $20K off sticker rather than crispy new W212 paying full sticker.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
I find myself moving in the direction of liking it as well. In person the proportions really work in my opinion. Of course the driving dynamics play a large part but I have heard / read they are clearly better than the 211. The 211, especially post-facelift has been a great car and moved the E in a much more exciting direction. It seems the 212 will pick up from this point and go further with a more aggressive car. I'm really looking forward to hearing some driving impressions from our fellow members.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Vancouver
C350 4Matic
I agree, seeing the car in person, having sat in it. I really like this new car. As for styling, well thats your personal taste but it will grow on many.
