csquared

I was at the dealer the other day and they had a 2010 S450 4M for $100,000 which originally was for $120,000.

Which would you choose?
2011 E550 4M with Pano, Sport package, P2 package

for $80,000CDN

or

2010 S450 4M with premium package, sport package, regular moonroof

for $100,000CDN

scfishnman

I would go with the E550.

I had a 2008 S550 and now have a 2011 E550. The S was not worth the extra cost. However, if you want to pay an extra 25% for the imagined prestige of the S then go for it.

K-A

E for sure IMO.

Unless you're partial to the S in any tangible way that would sway you toward it of course, even with the price increase (size, if you prefer its looks, or interior, etc.). I'm not getting into "prestige", as I think both are equally prestigious.

I wanted an '07 S550 originally, and ended up paying a bit more for a new E350. The power difference wasn't a big deal. And the extra Warranty, newness, etc. outweighed it by a bit. After driving both, the S just didn't "fit" me as well, and the E's size, drive, proportions, etc. all fit me perfectly. When I put them side by side, I was surprised to find that I preferred the E's looks to the S by a little margin (and I adore the W221). The W212 is a bit of an evolution of the W221's design theme, with some more polarizing revolutionary aesthetic effects mixed in (which can work for or against it, comparatively speaking).

aeggroup

Are you buying or leasing ? If you leasing - I'd go with S, because it's much better car. If you buying - probably E is better today, because S class will be new in about 2 years and E current model will stay for another 5 years more. But if money not an object - I def.. would own S class.

hyperion667

go for the E, the S is just to ridiculously big; and who needs all that crap?? LOL

and also 80 K is WAAAAY to much for that car,
I have decided that the S class is just an annoying car......to me

GuyFawkes

This generation of S Class has been around since 2005. You pretty much get nearly all of the 'tech' from the S in the current 'E'. Not to mention the E is a better all-rounder for those who like enthusiastic driving and power once in a while.

fromthebeginnin

Put this up on the S forum and you'll get a totally different perspective. I left an S for the E, if both cars were in the first or second year of their product life and money wasn't an issue I would personally take an S class hands down, the quality at the component level clearly favors the S. I agree with the comments by aeggroup regarding the S model turning over in a year or so, "if you are buyer I would also go with the E and/or a leasor the S".

Good luck either way you have a great machine.

FTB

K-A

Sometimes I still wish I would have gone with the S. But each have their perks. And this is the first time I've owned Brand New Car, and one that was bought during its first year in production at that, so it's an experience to savor, and I'm glad I can watch the car grow up from the very beginning, per-se.

hyperion667

And this is the first time I've owned Brand New Car, K-A

thought that was a lease?
just sayin'......

YYZ-E55

Many on here won't know what the S 450 is since it's not available in the USA. The 450 is a short wheelbase S, and while it's still a massive car, it's much more manageable than the long wheelbase for everyday driving.

Regardless, drive them both - the S with premium and AMG is a good looking, great driving car with much better seats than the E. I agree with the comment above about leasing - I wouldn't buy the S. You'll take a huge hit on trade (relative to the E).

DHI

A colleague got an S450 at the same time as my E550. I've had several chances to sample the car.
There is no doubt that the S class is more refined in every way.
Interior appointments, finish, and the ride are all superior.
If you test drive the cars I'm quite sure you will also find this.
Let us know you've opted for in the end.

YYZ-E55

Well said.

Also, $100k for a 2010 isn't much of a deal - the 2011 with AMG and Premium stickers at $117,700 and there's at least $10k trunk money on the 2011 S right now.

K-A

Yeah, it is a Lease, it's actually my first time Leasing, as I've always liked to do things the "old school" way (cash), so I'm still used to that lingo.

Agh, the SWB W221 looks really bad IMO (seen in pictures), the 221 needs the proper length to let that elegant and graceful shape flow. IMO, no contest the W212 looks better than the SWB W221, while the LWB W221 is a stunner of course.

I agree with DHI though, the S is more refined all in all. The E had more of a double character, with a little more of a "sporty" feel inside, while the S is straight up refined Luxo beast.

Interior design of the W221 has always been a low point to me though. I prefer both the W221 and W212 interior designs, always been that way.

csquared

Thanks for the input guys. Got an E550 4M this weekend. It's actually quite large with ample legroom in the front and rear. I don't think I can go any larger than an E or parking will be an issue. By the way, do you guys find the speedometer dial a little too small? Is there a digital reading for the speed?

GuyFawkes

Yes using the set of buttons on left side of the steering wheel, press the left/right arrows until "Trip" is selected. And then press up/down to make the centre of the speedometer show the digital speed. If i remember correctly, under "Trip" you can select it to show: Speed, mileage, mileage from start, or fuel consumption. Additionally there is something to select for the permanent display (smaller icon) to show either Outside Temperature or Speed in MPH.

[This is based on Canadian models]