BPhillyBenz

I am curious to get thoughts on comparing the 212 E550 "Sport" vs. "Luxury" models.

I really prefer the body styling for the Sport version, however MB doesn’t offer the interior color choice I was hoping for (Almond Beige w/ Burl)

Now, I am having serious second thoughts. Might want to re-think this and go White "Sport" with Black interior.

Appreciate any thoughts and guidance that owners of 2010's may have. Thanks!

DHI

I think the Sport version is much more appealing.

K-A

Even due to M-B's over-using the AMG Sport styling with the (U.S Spec) W212's, and the Luxury models newfound "rarity" in comparison with the rest of the W212 E's running around, the Sport version aesthetically is the only way to go for me. Especially with the 212's more aggressive lines and nature, they seem more at home with the Sport kit, and a bit more at odds with the classic Elegance look.

Also, you can get the Almond with Burl Wood, as long as you have the two-tone Black/Almond interior combo (on Sport models).

South Ocean1

I'm with you in liking the almond beige/mocha interior best over the two tone beige/black on the sport models. Interestingly enough, the E63s come with the "luxury" model interior colors as opposed to those from the "sport" model. So you can get the almond beige/mocha combo on the super sporty E63 but you can't get it on the sports model E350/550. I may be the only one but I really find that to be odd and unfortunate. I am sure lots of others find the black dash/tan leather combo to be a great sports combo - I just wish Mercedes would not have restricted the interior color choices between the luxury and sport models.

That said, you definitely have to get the sport model. When I see the rare luxury model, I only see retirees driving it. The 17 inch wheels on the luxury model are enough by themselves to make me crave the sport model. So go with whatever interior color combo you need to keep it sport . . .

By the way, don't you have an E550 4matic on order that is about to arrive at the dealership in a couple of weeks??? I suppose you will just swap orders.

Have you heard anything on pricing for the 2011s. I presume they will go up some but I hope the plunging euro, plentiful stockpile of 2010s still on the lots and competition with the new BMW 5 series will keep a price increase at bay at least this year.

Good luck with your decision.

BPhillyBenz

I totally agree with everything you said. I have officially switched to the Sport Model. My Rep at EuroMotorcars in Devon PA was great (Jim). No problem in canceling my special order 550 sitting in the "holding pen". He even lined me up for a late July delivery of my new 2011 model. They told me if there is a price increase, it will be minamal.

El Cid

Took a long time to find one to test drive, but once I did there was no comparison. Very satisfied even though had to order from Germany to get the Luxury version. To me, the ride is so much better in the luxury version-has comfort suspension. 17" wheels ride better. Performs very well. In addition, the exterior lines just flow better than on the Sports. The grill is more impressive on the Luxury. Interior on luxury version is much more impressive to me as well. Really did not like the interior color combinations on the Sports version.
It's just a better looking car all around IMO.
When I got mine, you could only get the wood/leather steering wheel and the storage pockets on front seats with the Luxury version. Also, got "chrome" trim on rear.
All a matter of individual taste, but if you can compare each side by side you will see some differences.

ipp

In Europe you pay around $4.000 for the upgrade to "Sport-version". So if I had the choice of getting it for $0 it would be a no-brainer...

El Cid

Trust me, M-B is not giving away $4,000 worth of options for $0, not even $400 for $0.
Personally I think it is just a marketing ploy to attract buyers who might otherwise go with BMW, Infiniti, etc. May be different in Europe, but not in US.
Only substantive difference in the two cars cost wise to M-B is Sports has larger wheels and does that really cost manufacturer that much?
BTW, one more advantage of Luxury is that RWD models have same size wheels front and back so you can rotate them. Cannot do this with Sports.

YYZ-E55

Wow, you're really pushing the hard sell on the Luxury models - you should be in sales! Having said that, the 4MATIC W212s are not staggered, regardless of bodystyling.

PS: the luxury models are extremely ugly, inside and out!

El Cid

Unfortunate that YOU see it as a "hard sell." The poster asked a question and I gave him my honest input based on lengthy research, test drives and study of the two cars. Also, it seems that others seemed to have more of a hard sell for the Sports than I did for the Luxury version.
You are right about the 4matic wheels.
Car guys I asked about it preferred the look of the Luxury exterior and interior over the Sports. Oh, one guy's wife did not like wood trim though.
BTW, the cars are so similar it would be impossible for either version to be "extremely ugly, inside and out." Probably 99% of people could not tell the difference in the two exteriors.
Criticisms such as yours are why some people are reluctant to express their opinions on forums such as this.
Also, Consumer Reports tested the E350 Sports RWD version and really came down hard on the ride of the car. In fact, it dropped from an 88 on review three years ago to a 79 for 2010.
Apparently you don't drive either version?

YYZ-E55

Apparently you missed the humor. Damn the internet.

At any rate, I have an E350 4MATIC "sport" sedan (since that is the only config available in Canada) and an E550 coupe, so in fact I am quite familiar with the E-Class.

Ninjaryder

Sport gives a nice ballance of sportiness & luxury but luxury focuses mainly on luxury alone IMO. It boils down to what you prefer.

lance562

I have the E550 black with ash leather/burl walnut trim and the sport package. This was a special order,almost 4 months to get here.

Jons550

I could use some help in identifying differences between the sport and the luxury. I am looking at a 2010 CPO E550 with a Sport Package but I do not see sport or luxury in the information sticker that was emailed to me by the dealer. How do I tell?

MCF

Black headliner sport. Almond headliner luxury. Wood wheel, luxury. Chrome on rear bumper, luxury. Twisty side skirts, sport. Is that enough?

Jons550

Thanks, I guess I am looking at a sport in MN that I have a deposit on. It is the only one that had the options I was looking for. The headliner from the pictures is black, and the steering wheel look to be completely leather (I was told it was thicker which is what I wanted - I tried a 2008 w/o the sport package and did not like the wheel).

Thanks. If it is permitted, I can post the url to the site to be able to confirm it.

El Cid

For those interested, I pulled out my brochure, window sticker, notes, etc. and then went and looked at my car. It's a 2010 E350 Luxury with 11/09 build date.
Luxury has "chrome" trim on lower parts of front and rear bumper covers and quarter panels, comfort suspension, oval chrome exhaust tips, four bar chrome grill, different front bumper cover, 17" five split spoke wheels.
Luxury also has what M-B calls "monocromatic' interior. Means the beige and ash dash and door panels do not have the black trim pieces that the Sports model has. Not realy monochomatic though as it is two different shades of beige or gray.
Also supposedly Luxury has a black instrument cluster surround.
When I got mine, could only get the wood and leather steering wheel on the Luxury model-so I did.
BTW, per info I have seen and window sticker, the Sport or Luxury are both considered NC options.
Not sure what it says now, but the brochure for my 2010 has a long disclaimer about 18" wheels and tires. See the Endnotes section in brochure.

park423

Definitely sport package, you get 18in wheels, sport suspension along with the body styling for free, unless you like a very comfy ride and are not looking for better handling or looks, the sport is better than luxury. Also, the sport package is like an $8,000 option on the S550, $0 for the E and C

Jons550

Thanks for the additional information about the luxury/sport. I checked with the dealer and while the car I want is a sport (it has the sport package), it does not have what was apparently a separately order-able sport steering wheel. From what I can tell it is a bit thicker than what would be in a non-sport model. I drove a 2008 550 sport and did not like the wheel that much. I was used to a bit more substantial feeling BMW sport wheel. I suspect this one is in-between.

Jons550

Correction to my last post. The 2008 e550 was not a sport model so that wheel would not have been a fair comparison since it also did not have the sport wheel you can buy separately from the sport package.

MCF

[QUOTE=park423;4433979]Definitely sport package, you get 18in wheels, sport suspension along with the body styling for free, unless you like a very comfy ride and are not looking for better handling or looks, the sport is better than luxury. Also, the sport package is like an $8,000 option on the S550, $0 for the E and C[/

Interior on Luxury is MUCH more classy. The black dash and roof liner make the sport interior feel 'cheap'.

hyperion667

Interior on Luxury is MUCH more classy. The black dash and roof liner make the sport interior feel 'cheap'. mcf


to you?

ipp

No

scfishnman

[QUOTE=MCF;4434206]When car shopping my initial impression was similar. However, as I looked at more cars and different interior colors I changed my mind to favor the Sport. IMHO, the exterior of the Sport makes the Luxury look rather plain. The Sport interior with the right upholstery color provides a dramatic and classy contrast. I still am not enamored with the Black Ash wood trim, but my wife preferred it and that is IMPORTANT!

MCF

I find it amusing how everyone on this forum prefers the sport and criticizes the luxury and as soon as anyone criticizes the sport (and yes luxury interior is much nicer) they get crucified. The Sport E350 is just MB way of trying to be like MB. It is a luxury car people. If u wanted a sport car get a sport car. If u want a luxury car get a luxury car. This 'sport sedan' fad is a joke. And those that have dropped theirs and put 19"+ plus wheels are being laughed at by try MB enthusiasts.