ngerstman

Well said. I have the p2 package. The auto high beams are generally nice. Keyless go is convenient but I wouldn't be shattered if I had to use a key to start my car. The p1 package gives you the essentials. Should you go with the e350, you need to decide whether you want the luxury or the sport suspension, 17 versus 18 inch rims, sportier ride versus more rubber between you and those potholes. There is no cost differene between the luxury and sport. Good luck. Ned.

EmE247

Not sure if you have seen this thread... but check it out on pricing...

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ce-thread.html

I bought a new 2011 E350 w/ p1, pano, & upgrade wheels a month ago and paid $49K + tax/license/bleh.

Not too far off your mark and the extra $ definitely worth the peace of mind going new...

petee1997

I like all the toys but I must admit a lot of this stuff is really unnecessary.

E550Shopper

Genesis only comes in rear-wheel drive, so if you want AWD, it's out.

For me, I've never really liked the Audi interiors, though the new A8L is gorgeous. The A6 is also kind of an older car, particularly if you're looking for a 2010 model. I think the A6 is new for 2011 or 2012. So a 2010 will be lacking a lot of the technology you get in an E class, e.g., music register, active safety features, etc.

I think the general consensus is the GS doesn't really stack up to the others.

Don't really know much about the M37.

One big reason for me to go with the E is safety, especially if you can find a car that has the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise, collision mitigation, blind spot detection, lane assist). There's not a lot of data on the new E, but the previous generation had one of the lowest fatality rates around according to the IIHS.

Imsorry

Infiniti by far has the best build quality, and more user friendly electronics. For me, the new look is too aggressive and not conservative enough for me.

DNAPoPo

I recently test drove the M37, Lexus LS 460 Sport, E550, GS450H.

For me, I eliminated the gs450h right off that bat because it did not feel smooth enough, and not very powerful. I loved the way the M37 drove and the backup camera with the guide lines, but ultimately could not get over the fact the smart key would not let me walk up to the door and unlock the car without pushing the button... I'm just so used to the convenience of the lexus/toyota way I guess. The Lexus was awesome, but they would not really flex on the price, and I just have a hard time with paying so close to invoice. I ended up with a slightly used 2010 E550, which was in the middle of the price range for all the cars I test drove. I felt it gave me the most bang for the buck for what I was getting, and it came with the basics that I required: Keyless-Go, Easy entry and locking, fast and smooth ride. The bonus came when I actually started playing with car, had no idea all the other tech and safety options that actually came with the car. Very impressed with my first used car purchase and Mercedes at that.

Here is what I ended up getting:
Used 2010 E550, purchased this week but initially sold May 2010 (7300 miles on it)
P2 Package
Dynamic Driver Seat w/Massage
Driver Assist Package
Night View
Parkronic w/Parking guidance
Pano Sunroof
Rear Spoiler Kit
Sticker $72,3?? I forgot exact number, paid $55,500

mg-E550

My first piece of advice is think about what kind of driver you are. I think the Germans feel and handle much different from the Japanese and for me there was little choice. I grew up really liking what Lexus was and stood for in terms of reliability....until I drove one. They're great cars but they're appliances. I've never felt that way about my BMW's and MB's

ngerstman

You think that infinity has better build quality than Mercedes, BMW? Better fit and finish? Better engines and trannys? Better suspensions? Better materials? Or are you strictly referring to the consumer report type reliability surveys? Thanks. Ned.

BenzE350

To get the Bi-Xenon lights. The standard lights on the P1 are poor IMO.