wmoor004

I am just wondering how many people consider their 2011 E350 a Sports Sedan? I purchased an E350 Sport but to me - Sport still means luxury because of the lack of power. AMG = Sport!

Just asking... Thanks in advance...

hyperion667

I guess it's more of a sport 'apperance'.....

wmoor004

Agreed! I see a few E350 around racing everything that pulls up next to it.. I was just wondering..

Your vehicle is very sporty!

justdonating

In my opinion the sport reference relates to appearance and a driving style versus racing.

ngerstman

It has a sport suspension and 18 inch rims and low profile tires. There is the luxury version of your car that has a much softer suspension and 17 inch rims. Your car does have a much sportier drive and it it will move if you step on it. The engine has a Lot of torque and can take the beating. The tranny can be made to respond as well. It's not a pocket rocket but it can qualify as a luxury sports sedan. Enjoy. Ned.

220S

Like Ned says. It's just nomenclature to differentiate between the two versions of the E350 that MBUSA markets. It means little else in the real world.

Even the AMG E63 isn't a sports sedan. It's just a big sedan with a big motor.

hyperion667

haha, "pocket rocket" LOL Ned

K-A

FYI, MBUSA refers to the W212 as a "Sport Sedan".

It's just a trendy thing nowadays, it all stems from the duck-face Botox era we live in. Everyone wants to look and act young, even if it means living with discomfort. It's not effortless, it's awkwardly forced (like botox). M-B should be proud to tout their E as what it is: A LUXURY Sedan, which is something they have done better than anyone. Why invade on BMW's territory? It's not only M-B, it's everyone, every car advert touts "Sportiness", like it's some pot of gold for mid-life crisis folk. I saw an Acura SUV commercial with some flabby and bland faux-Truck carving corners, with the marketing claiming "Sport underpinnings" or something. I'm sure even Minivan commercials will talk about "Sportiness".

The W212 has a sporty dynamic and character (with the Sport Package, especially) for a Stately LUXURY SEDAN, they should just market it that way, since that's the real story anyway.

Jon2007E63P30

I would not agree. Find my recent post about my recent experience at laguna seca. If you watch anything, watch session 5

JohnyBenz

truly is a shame on how underpowered this car truly is. although im not a maniac, i cannot wait to trade up for the new V6 in a few months!

220S

Jon, I read your post and made a comment. Maybe it's just an erroneous impression I have, but I feel like the car weighs too much to feel like a true sports sedan. And the chassis just isn't much of a confidence builder compared to something like the M3 (which I would consider a true sports sedan.)

I realize it does do pretty well when pushed and better than the feedback that you actually get from it (unlike smaller sports sedans that allow you to feel all the little nuances all the time.) I sometimes find myself having to tell myself the car will do what I want it to, and not be hesitant. But the lack of feedback is just sometimes difficult to overcome for me. I just feel like I'm in a big boat. A relatively nimble boat given the actual specs, but a boat nonetheless.

hyperion667

no way, the S class is a boat, LOL

Tai230K

The E class is a "sporty" boat. My dad's Buick is a real boat. Every time i take a hard turn in the buick i feel i'm going to tip over into the ocean. haha.

AF330i

335i is a sports sedan IMO our e350s are like a luxury with some sports sedan in it.

alsyli

+1. I think the way cars are being marketed (and designed for the US) says a lot about our culture (none of it particularly flattering....), but I'd still like to think that there's a spot for a gentleman's (or ladies') car that's solid, comfortable, w/ a dash of athleticism (which is what Mercedes used to do quite well).

lfranklin

I concur Alsyli. It seems that many of the "regulars" on the forum have "Porsche envy." I wonder how they ended up in a sedan?

hyperion667

I ended up in a sedan because I have a daughter and a wife, and I'm a stay home dad that needs to get places in style......lol

lfranklin

Makes sense. E is an excellent choice, at least it was for me.

hyperion667

E for excellent choice

AMG for all mighty god this is fast....haha

220S

AMG is for All my Money Gone.........

hyperion667

lol 220

wmoor004

E means not for EVERYONE! I had been thinking - I would have waited for the 2012s though... So far 800 miles and counting! <----- All under 80 MPH

K-A

I agree that it seems like a lot of E owners seem to long for a Sports Car, and it makes me wonder why one would choose a car like an E-Class in that case. I don't have kids, don't have my car packed with humans much at all, and I chose a Luxury Sedan with a perfect "Mid-Size" and relatively subtle but "just enough" "Sport" undertones over anything else for my price range, just because it's what I like both visually, and comfort/size wise.

K-A

Crap, you gotta keep it under 80?!

Just took mine on a road trip with under 80 miles, and definitely went a bit past 80.

lfranklin

I am not one of the folks anxiously awaiting the 12's. The direct injection engines are not appealing to me. BMW has had overwhelming problems with them, and I am suspicious that the late appearance of the engines in the MB's is due to their trying to overcome the problems. I certainly don't want a twin turbo in my E! I don't feel the need to hurry or to be the first on my block to have the newest thing. When I see that the technology is mature, I can buy another car then.