Test drove E350 today
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,677
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From: California
i535
Test drove E350 today
I had wife’s E350 in service so decided to give a try to new model. First exterior look. I agree with majority, not much improvement. Previous E350 with sport package looks better. However I disagree with opinion that real view is bad. It is cool I like it.
Interior ergonomics improved drastically. Finally I can see all buttons and iDrive like dial gives easy control of different functions. Climate control indication is awesome, however positioned too low, that makes hard to control it. Added a function my wife loved in Lexus as two or one zone climate control. Instrumental cluster got good refreshment, info screen is huge. However readability of speedometer fell. Seat have a feel the same, adjustment buttons became smaller. Mirrors are nice, I like new form, size can be smaller though. Steering wheel got new shape, hard to say better or not. Finally E got normal armrests and big storage in center.
Driving impression. Car becomes even more quiet. Hardly can you hear engine and road noise. Drive feel is smoother; however I did test of non sport package. I hope sport will get stiffer feel, like my current E. Performance wise, absolutely the same, or a bit less quick. It can be because size and weight are slightly bigger.
My conclusion that it is worth to jump to the new model, although I would recommend to consider 8 cylinders engine. Dealer immediately offered me turn my current lease ^ months earlier and take a new ride. I am thinking.
Interior ergonomics improved drastically. Finally I can see all buttons and iDrive like dial gives easy control of different functions. Climate control indication is awesome, however positioned too low, that makes hard to control it. Added a function my wife loved in Lexus as two or one zone climate control. Instrumental cluster got good refreshment, info screen is huge. However readability of speedometer fell. Seat have a feel the same, adjustment buttons became smaller. Mirrors are nice, I like new form, size can be smaller though. Steering wheel got new shape, hard to say better or not. Finally E got normal armrests and big storage in center.
Driving impression. Car becomes even more quiet. Hardly can you hear engine and road noise. Drive feel is smoother; however I did test of non sport package. I hope sport will get stiffer feel, like my current E. Performance wise, absolutely the same, or a bit less quick. It can be because size and weight are slightly bigger.
My conclusion that it is worth to jump to the new model, although I would recommend to consider 8 cylinders engine. Dealer immediately offered me turn my current lease ^ months earlier and take a new ride. I am thinking.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Good write up. I agree on the styling front it being a bit down from the 211, but having its cool angles here and there, and the drive being a bit up. Whether it's worth the jump or not is a tough one for me. I figure if I ever do get one, it'll be as a Mileage hog, and I'd either keep my W211, or have something else that's a bit more timeless for me in the Garage.
