Cartman

Hello all. first off i love the forum, i have been an avid reader and just recently registered.

I will be in the market for a new car soon hopefully by the beginning of 2010. At first i was looking at the M3 and 550i. BMWs are great cars but MB has the perfect mix of performance and luxury IMO. So are i started looking at MB.

The young guy in me wants to get the C63 (i am 24 just in case anyone is wondering). But the old classy side of me wants a E550. I figure the 550's V8 would be the perfect mix of lux and performance. I just wanted to get some input on both 2010 models.

I am leaning towards the e550, i feel the C63 may get me in trouble and i do not know if i would really use all that power. I feel like i have convinced myself to get a e550 but everytime i see a picture of a C63 it drives me crazy.

Any of you driven both cars? what do you think?

K-A

Way different animals. I like the styling and rare/fun-factor of the C63 more, but that putrid W204 interior is a deal breaker to me, so considering I'm a Luxury>Sport kinda guy, I might lean toward the 550.

It'll be a fight between brain and heart. Think about which you'll enjoy seeing in a parking lot when you walk up to it more, and what will have a better "lasting ability" in terms of keeping you hooked on it. C63 will actually prevail in that regard IMO.

LETO

If you are 24 and have to need to transport kids etc. Get the c63. You can move to a E, CLS or S after you get the sports car phase over with & when you have the need for more space and you are over the bone jarring ride of performance cars.

Sure the C63's interior is rather crap. But for the power and performance, it is quite cheap in terms of what you get.

Also, as comfortable as you are in the E550, being 24 you will regret not having the flashy toy that the c63 is every time you see it. Also, you look better driving a car like the c63 when you are young. When you are older & you want something fast, you look better driving a E or higher AMG, M5/M6 or even a 911.

Good luck

Cartman

you both may be right. my wife made the same point to me when i told her i was considering both cars. she feels that the E is a older mans car and that c63 would suit me more. i have never been in a c63 but from pictures i think the interior looks nice. i especially love the hidden nav system that pops up.

killing ricers in a c63 would be so satisfying, as well as some M3s

linh811

I'm 35 and think the E is an "old man's car," I wouldn't even dream of it at 24. Maybe I'm just immature

YMMV

LETO

Interior quality is relative to what you have become accustomed to. If this is your first MB, BMW, Audi or Porsche, you will likely not have any issues.

When I was 24 i could care less about having a leather dash or alcantara headliner. All that mattered was it looked good and went like stink. I am pretty sure the C63 meets both those criteria.

On another note, the M3 does have an extended leather option that gives it a very nice interior. I would definitely drive a M3 and a c63 before making a decesion.

DCist

You could have said that about W210...maybe about W211...but W212 is a step in a completely different direction.

I am 34. I would like to invite you to read my review of W212 E550....especially the part about reactions of my friends.

In terms of C63 vs. E550:

The two cannot be compared. These are completely different cars in terms of driving, interiors, fuel consumption....everything.

If you are a big guy C63 will absolutely not work because of the bucket seats. They are narrow and really uncomfortable. You need to go and just sit in it for a second to understand this. C63 is really an aggressive, untamed beasty where is E550 is a refined car that can bite when needed....C63 bites all the time...it is a serious competition automobile.

Also, insurance wise, at 24 C63 will cost you at least $4,000 a year in insurance (I am assuming best case scenario here). E550 will cost you close to $3,000....I am assuming that you are not married. If you are then these levels will be lower.

So, before you go out there and sign anything, do test drive and do price things carefully.

Cheers!

Cartman

thx DCist, i read your review and you almost converted me back to wanting a e550 until i saw the pictures. i think it is a good looking car dont get me wrong, but when i look at pics of a c63 it feels as if it suits me more. i like that the c63 is smaller. In the end it will come down to sitting in both cars, test driving and getting a feel.

as your review says, i would want to see the 212 in person because they do look like lexus tail lights.

K-A

To the O/P, go with your gut, and where your heart tells you, which is obviously the C63, especially if its look makes you gaga, and the E's doesn't.

I don't see E's as "old peoples cars", but they are aimed at a more family-oriented audience, and are meant to look a bit conservative and mature while obviously including elements to keep it at least somewhat attractive to younger audiences as well, the 212 is definitely no exception.

Plus you're 24, that's still super young.

Great thing about buying an M-B right now is, if you have around $50K to play with, you can get a Used S550, new E350, or Used C63, very different animals at the same price point.

jturkel

C63

gsrjc

It all depends on what you want. I would consider the positives and negatives of each car and see which one wins. If you drive a lot to work and around the town, just remember that the C63 will suck your wallet dry because of the gas mileage. My brother has the 2010 E350 and he loves it. Also, I noticed you live in New England - hopefully you'll have another car to drive in the winter or you'll have to get some snow tires to drive the C63 around. The new 2010 E-class is definitely not an old man's car. It's a professional looking car for individuals.

ddskier

It might not matter to you, but don't forget you can get the optional 4matic on the 550. It's a must here in Chicago, especially if this is going to be your primary car.

racetested

I have read many posts where people live in a snow climate and believe they need 4 matic.

I have great confidence and control in my car when my snow tires are on and the traction control takes care of any issues in the rain when my summer tires are on during those months.

azngr00ve

i'm not much older than you and got the E350 4matic. you'll get as many head turners (esp with the P2 LEDs). my brother has the C63 and it is an amazing car....but for a daily driver, the E350 offers more comfort and commuter driving dynamics